If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls drenched in a rich, buttery maple glaze, studded with crunchy pecans, and a swirl of cinnamon-spiced sweetness—all combining to create a breakfast or brunch experience that’s nothing short of magical. Every bite oozes with gooey, nutty goodness balanced by the deep caramel notes of maple syrup, making these sticky buns an absolute crowd-pleaser and a new favorite to bake over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step towards that perfect sticky bun masterpiece. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing structure, that irresistible buttery richness, or the warm, comforting spices that make this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe truly unforgettable.
- All purpose flour (4 1/2 – 5 cups): The essential base for achieving soft, tender rolls with just the right chew.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness while feeding the yeast for proper rise.
- Instant yeast (2 packets / 4 1/2 tsp): The magical leavening agent that makes your dough light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the yeast in check.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp + 2 tbsp): The warm spice that infuses the rolls with comforting autumn vibes.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the yeast and flour to form the perfect dough.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness, helping create that soft, tender crumb.
- Danish Creamery European Style Sea Salted Butter, sliced (5 tbsp) and room temp (1/4 cup): Critical for that buttery depth both in dough and topping, with a delicious salted finish.
- Large egg (1): Binds dough ingredients and adds richness and color.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup and 1 cup, packed): Gives a molasses undertone to the filling and sticky glaze that’s irresistibly sweet.
- Pecan halves, chopped (2 cups): For lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with maple.
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): The star ingredient in the sticky glaze, lending deep, complex sweetness and aroma.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness in the glaze for a nuanced finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Adds a lovely fragrance that complements the maple and pecans beautifully.
How to Make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by combining the flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Warm the water and milk slightly, then add the sliced butter until it melts gently. Pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients along with the beaten egg, stirring until you form a shaggy dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading is crucial as it builds the gluten structure for those soft, chewy rolls you’ll love.
Step 2: First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your room temperature. This patient rise allows the yeast to work its magic, developing that perfect airy texture and the faintly sweet aroma that promises delicious things ahead.
Step 3: Make the Maple Pecan Filling
Mix the softened butter (1/4 cup), light brown sugar (1/2 cup), and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon to create a luscious paste. Chop the pecans roughly – these will add a delightful crunch and nutty punch to every bite. This filling mixture is the heart of your sticky buns, so don’t rush this flavorful step.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Roll your risen dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 16 by 20 inches. Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped pecans generously across the top. Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log, then slice it into 12 equal pieces. Each roll is carefully packed with filling, ensuring every bite is sticky, sweet, and nutty perfection.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze and Second Rise
In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon vanilla. Heat gently until everything melts and bubbles into a thick, glossy glaze. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your baking pan, then arrange the rolls on top. Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes to puff up nicely.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to look for a golden brown top and bubbling caramel around the edges. Once out of the oven, let the buns cool for a few minutes before inverting them onto a serving tray, revealing that gorgeous sticky glaze that clings to every roll.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped pecans sprinkle beautifully on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional maple syrup can amp up the sweetness and give your sticky buns a bakery-style finish that’s sure to impress guests or delight family.
Side Dishes
Maple pecan sticky buns shine alongside a steaming cup of coffee, strong black tea, or hot chocolate to complement their rich flavors. Pairing them with fresh fruit or a simple yogurt can balance the gooey sweetness perfectly, turning your breakfast into a well-rounded experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sticky buns stacked in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for a casual brunch vibe, or arrange them on a fancy cake stand with cinnamon sticks and pecans scattered around for a festive look. These buns also make a dreamy gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine, spreading the joy of homemade goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might firm up slightly, but a quick warm-up will bring back that irresistible stickiness and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze these sticky buns either before or after baking. For unbaked rolls, wrap tightly after the first rise and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and allow a second rise before baking. For baked buns, cool fully, wrap individually or as a batch, and freeze. This way, you always have a sweet treat ready to reheat.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen sticky buns gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the gooey maple glaze and that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness you crave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans pair wonderfully with maple syrup, walnuts or almonds can also add lovely texture and flavor. Just chop them similarly and use as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting dairy butter with a high-quality vegan butter and using a plant milk alternative, you can enjoy a vegan version. Just make sure your yeast is vegan-friendly and omit the egg or replace it with flaxseed meal.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely. After the first knead, refrigerate the dough overnight to develop flavor slowly. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out and assembling your sticky buns.
Why do my sticky buns sometimes turn out dry?
Dryness usually means not enough moisture or overbaking. Make sure to measure liquids accurately, don’t skimp on butter, and bake just until golden brown to keep them moist and tender.
How do I make sure the maple glaze is not too runny?
Cooking the glaze gently until it thickens and bubbles helps it set nicely. Using the right balance of butter, sugar, and syrup, and baking the buns until bubbly, ensures the perfect sticky consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe is more than just baking; it’s creating a joyous moment to share with loved ones over something warm, sweet, and utterly comforting. Once you’ve mastered these sticky buns, they are sure to become your go-to crowd-pleaser for any morning or special occasion. So grab those ingredients and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of maple and cinnamon—you won’t regret a bite of these sticky little beauties!
Print
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 30m
- Cook Time: 30m
- Total Time: 2h
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are a decadent treat featuring soft, fluffy dough rolled with a cinnamon-sugar pecan filling and topped with a rich maple syrup glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these buns combine warm spices, crunchy nuts, and sweet maple syrup to create an irresistible sticky bun experience.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 1/2 – 5 cups all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 packets instant yeast (4 1/2 tsp)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- 1/2 cup (118ml) milk
- 5 tbsp Danish Creamery European Style Sea Salted Butter, sliced
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 1/4 cup (55g) Danish Creamery European Style Sea Salted Butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups pecan halves, chopped
Maple Glaze
- 3/4 cup (185g) Danish Creamery European Style Sea Salted Butter
- 1/2 cup (160g) pure maple syrup
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour (start with 4 1/2 cups), granulated sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Warm the water and milk together until lukewarm, then add to the dry ingredients along with the sliced butter and egg. Mix and knead until a smooth and elastic dough forms, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix the room temperature butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Chop the pecan halves roughly and set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches. Spread the cinnamon-sugar butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped pecans across the surface.
- Form the Buns: Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss. Prepare a baking dish by spreading the maple glaze mixture (butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract heated together until combined) at the bottom of the pan, then arrange the rolls on top.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and allow them to rise again in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake the Sticky Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown and the glaze is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the maple glaze coats the buns. Serve warm and enjoy the sticky, sweet maple pecan goodness.
Notes
- Use lukewarm liquids to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
- Letting the buns rise twice ensures soft and fluffy texture.
- Carefully invert the pan after baking to coat buns with sticky maple glaze.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Chopped pecans can be toasted lightly for extra crunch and flavor.
