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Home / Recipes

Sticky Buns

2 hours 25 minutes
4.69 from 16 votes
20 Comments
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by: Joanna Cismaru
12.03.20

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pin for sticky buns.

These Sticky Buns will blow your mind! I’m talking sweet sticky buns that are light and fluffy, filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a glorious caramel pecan glaze! What’s not to love? These rolls are simply the best!

a gorgeous sticky bun on a white plate with a fork and a cup of espresso in the background.

My first job ever was at a bakery and one of my favorite things to eat there were these ooey-gooey Sticky Buns. It was one of the most popular items there and for good reason. An elevation of the classic cinnamon roll, topped with a decadent caramel pecan topping. Are you ready for this?

Why You Should Make These Sticky Buns

When you take these puppies out of the oven, you have these gorgeous looking cinnamon rolls, and your house smells heavenly. You might get some neighbours come knocking wondering what’s going on but what better way to get to know your neighbours then over a sticky bun and a good cup of coffee. Here are a few reasons you’ll love this recipe:

  • Easy to make
  • Topped with a decadent caramel pecan glaze
  • Always delicious
  • Perfect for fall
  • Leftovers!!
  • Great for sharing!
sticky buns on a baking sheet with 2 missing.

Cinnamon Rolls vs Sticky Buns

If you’re wondering what the difference is between cinnamon rolls and sticky buns, it’s quite simple! Sticky buns are cinnamon rolls with a caramel pecan topping, which elevates my classic cinnamon roll recipe to the next level of deliciousness!

While cinnamon rolls are delicious on their own, even if they’re topped with everyone’s favorite cream cheese icing, sticky buns are a whole different story with their sticky caramel pecan topping. Which is better? You’ll have to try both to find out! In my opinion, it just depends what you’re in the mood for.

Ingredient Notes

overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make sticky buns.

Dough:

  • Active dry yeast – You can use instant yeast if that’s what you have. If you use instant, you won’t need to bloom it first, but it’s a good idea to test if it’s still alive. If your yeast doesn’t foam up your yeast is dead and the buns won’t turn out.
  • Warm water – It’s super important to make sure your water is lukewarm. The best temperature of the water should be anywhere from 95 degrees to 105 degrees for this. You don’t really want anything warmer, as it will kill the yeast.
  • Butter – Unsalted as always. Unsalted butter gives us control on how much sodium is in our food. Did you know that small quantities of butter is added to breads because it results in a higher rise and a crisper crust!
  • Salt – We always need to add a bit of salt to our baked goods, to bring out all the flavors.

Pecan Topping

  • Butter – While I used unsalted, you can use salted butter in the topping.
  • Brown Sugar – This is what’s going to create our caramel.
  • Honey – This is where the sticky part comes in.
  • Pecans – Roughly chopped, you can also use walnuts if you prefer.

Filling:

  • Brown sugar – I prefer to use dark brown sugar. Make sure it’s packed!
  • Cinnamon – The key ingredient in cinnamon rolls!
  • Butter – Unsalted again. You’ll want to make sure this is softened. Margarine can be used as well but butter is always better in my opinion.

How To Make Sticky Buns

process shots showing how to make the dough for sticky buns.
  1. Bloom the yeast: In a small bowl whisk the warm water, yeast and the sugar together.Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it has foamed up nicely. If your yeast doesn’t get foamy, don’t move forward. Buy a new jar and store it in the freezer so it lasts longer.
  2. Make the dough: In the bowl of your mixer add the flour, milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and yeast mixture and mix for about 5 minutes using the dough hook. If the dough is sticking to the bowl, add a bit more flour. The dough is done when it comes clean from the side of the bowl. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or damp clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft free environment until it doubles in size.
  3. Make the filling and the pecan topping: In a small bowl combine the brown sugar with the cinnamon. In a small saucepan add the butter, brown sugar and honey. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Pour the sauce in a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Set aside.
process shots showing how to make the sticky topping for sticky buns.

Fill, Roll and Bake

  1. Assemble cinnamon rolls: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide. It should be approximately ¼ inch in thickness. Spread the ⅓ cup of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar evenly over the surface of the dough. Working carefully, from the long edge, roll the dough down to the bottom edge. Cut the dough into 1 ½ inch slices, and place in a lightly greased baking pan. Place the cut rolls in the pan over the caramel and pecans topping. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  2. Preheat the oven and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the baking pan with cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Invert the rolls and serve: Remove pan from oven and place a large serving platter or a baking sheet over the rolls. Invert the rolls onto the baking sheet, but wait about 5 minutes before removing the baking pan. Let buns cool slightly and serve warm.
process shots showing how to roll the dough and make cinnamon rolls.

FAQs & Expert Tips

FAQs

Why Didn’t My Dough Rise?

Make sure your yeast has not expired. This is the number 1 question I get from my readers. The answer always lies with your yeast. Test the yeast first before wasting ingredients. Try and bloom it and if it doesn’t get foamy, your yeast is no good.

Make Sure Your Water is Not Too Hot!

Using water that is too hot will kill your yeast and this will also prevent your dough from rising. Make sure the water is between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit (35 to 40.5 C).

Can I Freeze Sticky Buns?

You absolutely can!  Baked sticky buns can be frozen for 2-3 months. See “Freezing” section below for full instructions.

process shots showing sticky buns how to rise, bake and invert over.

Tips

  1. Use Room Temperature Butter! This is for both the dough and the filling. To do this, take the butter out of the fridge a few hours before you plan to make the dough. Give it enough time to soften.
  2. Create A Warm Environment For The Dough To Rise: Usually I preheat my oven to 200°F or whatever the lowest temperature your oven goes to, then turn off the heat. If your oven has a proof function, use that. Place the dough covered with a clean damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap in there and let it rest until doubled in size. I find that if the yeast is good, it doubles in about 30 minutes.
freshly baked sticky buns inverted on a baking sheet.

Leftovers

Chances are you’ll have leftovers, no matter how good these sticky buns are. You can store them on the counter covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Baked sticky buns can be frozen for 2-3 months but make sure they are placed in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them up in the microwave and enjoy!

overhead shot of a sticky bun on a white plate next to a cup of espresso.

More Great Recipes To Try

  • Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls
  • No Knead 1 Hour Cinnamon Rolls
  • Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings
  • Chinese Style Meat Buns
  • Sticky Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

a gorgeous sticky bun on a white plate with a fork and a cup of espresso in the background.

Sticky Buns

4.69 from 16 votes
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Resting time: 1 hr 30 mins
Total: 2 hrs 25 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 12
Print Pin Rate
These Sticky Buns will blow your mind! I'm talking sweet sticky buns that are light and fluffy, filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with the best caramel pecan glaze! What's not to love? These rolls are simply the best!

Equipment

  • Glass Mixing Bowl Set (3 piece)
  • KitchenAid Classic 4.5 Quart Stand Mixer
  • Basting and Pastry Brush
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan (set of 2)

Ingredients

For Dough

  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 envelope)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup milk warm
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted and melted
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt

For Topping

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 2 cups pecans roughly chopped, or walnuts

For Filling

  • ⅓ cup butter melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Bloom the yeast: In a small bowl whisk the warm water, yeast and the sugar together.Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it has foamed up nicely. If your yeast doesn’t get foamy, don’t move forward. Buy a new jar and store it in the freezer so it lasts longer.
  • Make the dough: In the bowl of your mixer add the flour, milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, and yeast mixture and mix for about 5 minutes using the dough hook. If the dough is sticking to the bowl, add a bit more flour. The dough is done when it comes clean from the side of the bowl. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or damp clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft free environment until it doubles in size.
  • Make the filling and the pecan topping: In a small bowl combine the brown sugar with the cinnamon. In a small saucepan add the butter, brown sugar and honey. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour the sauce over a 9×13-inch baking pan and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
  • Assemble cinnamon rolls: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, until it is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide. It should be approximately ¼ inch in thickness. Spread the ⅓ cup of butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the sugar evenly over the surface of the dough. Working carefully, from the long edge, roll the dough down to the bottom edge. Cut the dough into 1 ½ inch slices, and place in a lightly greased baking pan. Place the cut rolls in the pan over the caramel and pecans topping. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the baking pan with cinnamon rolls in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Invert the rolls and serve: Remove pan from oven and place a large serving platter or a baking sheet over the rolls. Invert the rolls onto the baking sheet, but wait about 5 minutes before removing the baking pan. Let buns cool slightly and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

  1. If your oven has a proof function use it and place your dough in the oven to rise, it will rise much quicker and it’s the perfect warm environment for your dough to rise. If it doesn’t, simply preheat your oven to 200°F, turn off the oven, then place the dough in the oven to rise.
  2. Leftovers: Store the buns on the counter covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  3. Freezing: Baked sticky buns can be frozen for 2-3 months but make sure they are placed in an airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them up in the microwave and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1bunCalories: 607kcal (30%)Carbohydrates: 78g (26%)Protein: 9g (18%)Fat: 31g (48%)Saturated Fat: 12g (75%)Cholesterol: 87mg (29%)Sodium: 228mg (10%)Potassium: 200mg (6%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 40g (44%)Vitamin A: 606IU (12%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 74mg (7%)Iron: 3mg (17%)
Course:Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine:American
Keyword:sticky buns
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Alexis Bentley says

    December 19, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    Can you make the night before and bake in the morning? If so, how do you recommend. Thank you

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 19, 2020 at 8:03 pm

      Absolutely! Just follow all the steps up to and including step 4, cover them with some plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. The next morning take them out 30 minutes before baking then bake as instructed.

      Reply
  2. Donna R says

    December 6, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a novice baker and these turned out perfectly! I ended up with more than a dozen and had to cram them into the pan but they were still perfect. No more store-bought for us, ever! Thanks Jo!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 6, 2020 at 6:42 pm

      So glad you liked them!

      Reply
  3. Karen Sorenson says

    December 6, 2020 at 9:34 am

    How many minutes should the first rise take
    Nothing is happening in 30 minutes so I guess I’ll wait till 60 minutes

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 6, 2020 at 11:07 am

      It really depends on your environment. Follow the tips provided in the recipe notes to speed up the process.

      Reply
  4. Scott says

    December 5, 2020 at 7:57 am

    Hello,
    Can you make these even without a stand mixer? Thanks for your time.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      December 5, 2020 at 9:16 am

      You can, you’ll just have to knead the dough by hand.

      Reply
  5. NA says

    December 3, 2020 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    OMG!!! This recipe is worth making! If you love all that fabulous sticky, chewy, cinnamony goodness, and loaded with pecans, this ones for you. It makes a large panful but they sure didn’t last. Thanks JoCooks, love your recipes!

    Reply
  6. Linda Harris says

    April 5, 2020 at 10:21 am

    I do not have a mixer with a dough hook can I use my regular mixer

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      April 6, 2020 at 10:52 am

      You can mix first with a spatula or wooden spoon then knead by hand!

      Reply
  7. Ella says

    June 27, 2019 at 5:23 pm

    Can this dough be made in a bread machin?

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      June 27, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      For sure, just follow your bread machine instructions for the order to put the ingredients in.

      Reply
  8. Kathy says

    July 21, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Can this dough be done in a bread machine; mine is 1.5 lb capacity.

    Reply
    • jo says

      July 21, 2015 at 10:30 pm

      Never tried it, but you probably can, you’ll just have to follow your bread machine’s instructions in what order to add the ingredients and what not.

      Reply
  9. Judy says

    October 10, 2013 at 3:00 pm

    I can and I will. Did it often in my misspent youth. Actually after I got married and found the kitchen.

    Reply
  10. Nancy/SpcicieFoodie says

    October 8, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    What a great job to have had and I couldn’t think of a better first job. Your sticky buns look fantastic, Jo. I’d love to bite into one right now.

    Reply
    • jo says

      October 9, 2013 at 12:06 am

      Thanks Nancy, you should be my neighbor, still got a couple left. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Judy says

    October 7, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    I don’t have a dough hook.

    Reply
    • jo says

      October 7, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      You could always knead this by hand.

      Reply

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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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