Few things compare to the warm, gooey, and utterly delicious experience of biting into a freshly baked cinnamon bun. But when you add toasted pecans, buttery caramel, and a hint of maple syrup, you elevate a classic treat into something irresistibly indulgent.
These Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns are soft, fluffy, and coated in a rich, sticky pecan topping that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or holiday gathering, this recipe guarantees a bakery-quality result right from your kitchen.
If you’ve ever wanted to make the best sticky pecan cinnamon buns, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring perfect results every time!
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
- Soft & Fluffy Dough – Perfectly kneaded for the ideal texture.
- Rich Pecan Topping – A buttery, caramel-like glaze with crunchy toasted pecans.
- Perfectly Spiced Filling – A cinnamon-sugar mixture melts into the soft dough.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for stress-free baking.
- Bakery-Style Quality – A homemade treat that tastes even better than store-bought!
Ingredients for Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent pecan-studded buns:
Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole milk (lukewarm) | 1 cup (240g) |
| Granulated sugar | ⅓ cup (70g) |
| Active dry yeast | 3 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 ¾ cups (490g) |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Salt | 1.5 tsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 6 tbsp (85g) |
| Optional: Heavy cream for soaking | ⅓ cup (80g) |
Pecan Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pecan pieces and halves, toasted | 2 ⅓ cups (260g) |
| Maple syrup | ⅓ cup (100g) |
| Light brown sugar, packed | 1 cup (200g) |
| Unsalted butter | ¾ cup (170g) |
| Milk | ¼ cup (60g) |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
Cinnamon Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 6 tbsp (85g) |
| Light brown sugar, packed | ¾ cup (150g) |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 ½ tbsp |
| Salt | ¾ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
1. Prepare the Dough
- Warm the milk to about 110°F (lukewarm).
- Stir in the granulated sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
2. Knead & Rise
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or in a stand mixer for 5–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Make the Sticky Pecan Topping
- In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, milk, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbling.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl until smooth.
5. Shape the Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface.
- Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
6. Assemble & Second Rise
- Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish, cut side up, over the pecan topping.
- Cover and let them rise for 30–40 minutes.
7. Bake the Buns
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Optional: Soak for Softer Buns
- If desired, drizzle heavy cream over the buns immediately after baking for extra softness.
9. Flip & Serve
- Allow the buns to cool for 5 minutes.
- Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, letting the gooey pecan topping coat the buns.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Why These Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Are So Special
1. Caramelized Pecan Topping
The buttery caramel sauce seeps into the buns, giving them a rich, sticky glaze.
2. Perfectly Soft & Fluffy Dough
This dough is light and airy, with just the right amount of chewiness.
3. Irresistible Cinnamon Flavor
The cinnamon filling melts into the layers, making every bite warm and spiced.
4. Great for Any Occasion
- Weekend brunch
- Holiday mornings
- Family gatherings
Pro Tips for Making the Best Sticky Buns
1. Use Fresh Yeast
Ensure your yeast is fresh for the dough to rise properly.
2. Don’t Overbake
Bake just until golden brown—overbaking can make them dry.
3. Let the Dough Rise Fully
A proper rise ensures the buns are light, fluffy, and soft.
4. Flip While Warm
This allows the sticky pecan topping to coat the buns perfectly.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 35g |
FAQ Section
1. Can I Make Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
3. Can I Freeze These Buns?
Yes! Freeze unbaked buns, then thaw and bake when ready.
4. What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
Substitute with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
5. Can I Make These Without Nuts?
Yes! Simply omit the pecans for classic cinnamon sticky buns.
6. How Do I Reheat Sticky Buns?
Warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
These Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns are a dreamy, caramelized, and nutty delight that will impress anyone who tries them. Whether for a special brunch, a holiday gathering, or a cozy morning treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
The Best Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 Buns 1x
Description
Soft and fluffy cinnamon buns topped with a stickycaramel pecan glaze, filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling. Perfect forbreakfast, dessert, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dough :
- 1 cup whole milk (240g)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (70g)
- 3 tsp active dry yeast
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (490g)
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened (85g))
- Optional: ⅓ cup cream to soak the buns for softer results (80g)
Pecan Topping :
- 2 ⅓ cups pecan pieces and halves (toasted (260g))
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (100g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed (200g))
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g)
- ¼ cup milk (60g)
- ½ tsp salt
Cinnamon Filling :
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened or slightly melted (85g))
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed (150g))
- 1 ½ tbsp cinnamon
- ¾ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough : Warm the milk to about 110°F (lukewarm). Stir in the granulated sugar and yeast, then let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–7 minutes) until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Make the Pecan Topping : In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, milk, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbling. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Filling : Mix the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the Buns : Roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Assemble and Bake : Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish, cut side up, on top of the pecan topping. Cover and let the buns rise for another 30–40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Optional Soak for Softer Buns : If desired, drizzle the cream over the buns immediately after baking for extra softness.
- Flip and Serve : Allow the buns to cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter, letting the gooey pecan topping coat the buns. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Soft & Fluffy Dough – Perfectly kneaded for the ideal texture.
- Rich Pecan Topping – A buttery, caramel-like glaze with crunchy toasted pecans.
- Perfectly Spiced Filling – A cinnamon-sugar mixture melts into the soft dough.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for stress-free baking.
- Bakery-Style Quality – A homemade treat that tastes even better than store-bought!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-inspired