What are sticky buns?

Sticky buns are sweet, gooey pastries typically made from a yeast dough, coated with a sticky topping of butter, sugar, and nuts, often baked upside-down so the topping melts into the buns as they bake.

What is the difference between sticky buns and cinnamon rolls?

While both sticky buns and cinnamon rolls are made from similar dough, sticky buns are baked with a sticky topping made of sugar, butter, and nuts, while cinnamon rolls are usually topped with icing.

Can sticky buns be made ahead of time?

Yes, sticky buns can be prepared in advance. You can refrigerate them overnight after the first rise, then let them come to room temperature and bake the next morning.

Why are my sticky buns dry?

Dry sticky buns could result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to check the dough’s moisture level and avoid baking for too long.

What kind of nuts are best for sticky buns?

Pecans are our favorite choice for sticky buns, but you can also use walnuts or almonds for different flavor variations.

Sticky Buns

Ingredients

Scale

For the dough:

6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
½ c milk
3 C AP flour
½ C sugar
1 packet rapid rise dry yeast
¾ tsp salt
2 large eggs

For the filling:

1 apple, peeled and diced
¾ C granulated sugar
2 tbsp cinnamon
8 tbsp butter

For the topping:

2 C pecan halves
1/2 C brown sugar
1/4 C maple syrup
8 tbsp butter, softened

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Instructions

In a mixer, mix together butter, syrup and brown sugar until fluffy (about 5 minutes).
In a small pot, bring milk to almost boiling. Remove from heat, add butter and allow to melt.
Combine the flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a stand mixer with dough attachment.
Slowly add the milk mixture and eggs until combined.
Knead on low for 6-8 minutes until ball is formed.
Remove from mixer and place in a large bowl that is sprayed with cooking spray.
Cover loosely with plastic and set aside for the dough to rise about 1½ hours.
Butter a 10' cast iron skillet (9" X 13" baking dish will work also)
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the filling
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to measure 13x20 rectangle.
Melt 8 tbsp butter (from filling) and spread with pastry brush over surface of dough.
Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture over butter covering entire surface.
Sprinkle finely diced apple over entire sheet of dough.
Starting at the small end roll dough to form pinwheel.
Once done, cut log with serrated knife into 12 equal pieces.
Take topping mixture and place in bottom of pan and spread until covered bottom.
Top with 2 cups of pecan halves.
Take the cinnamon rolls and place in pan on top of pecans .
Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until rolls have risen and are touching each other.
Preheat oven to 350°F and bake rolls for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes.
Place inverted plate on top of rolls and being careful flip pan over and remove pan. The topping will be very hot so be careful to not get on skin.
Serve warm.

Author: Superman Cooks
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Dessert or Breakfast
Cuisine: American