If you are on the hunt for the ultimate sweet treat that melts in your mouth and oozes with sticky, nutty goodness, look no further than the World’s Best Sticky Buns Recipe. This delightful creation combines soft, buttery dough with a rich, caramelized topping of brown sugar and toasted pecans, offering layers of sticky sweetness and warm spices that will make your kitchen smell irresistible. Whether you’re serving these for a cozy weekend brunch or an indulgent dessert, these sticky buns deliver on flavor, texture, and that perfect gooey finish everyone raves about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating something truly special. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role in building the perfect sticky bun: the eggs add structure and richness, the buttermilk tenderizes the dough, and the brown sugar and butter create the sticky, caramelized topping we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind the dough for a tender texture.
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and moisture to the dough.
- ¾ cup buttermilk: Tenderizes the dough with a subtle tang and moisture.
- 2 tsp kosher salt or 1 tsp table salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 tsp instant yeast: Essential for that fluffy, rise-worthy dough.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and softness to the dough.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): The structure builder for your sticky buns.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Used in the filling for that rich, buttery flavor.
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar: Creates the gooey, caramel topping with pecans.
- 3 tbsp buttermilk: Added to the sticky topping for silky smoothness.
- 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped: Adds crunch and nutty depth to every bite.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: A hint to intensify the sweet and nutty topping.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: For the cinnamon-sugar filling inside the buns.
- 1-2 tbsp ground cinnamon: Provides warm spice that pairs beautifully with sugar.
- 1 tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle aromatic twist to the cinnamon filling.
- 2-3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Keeps the filling moist and rich, helping the sugar and spices to meld.
How to Make World’s Best Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining your wet ingredients—eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter—with the yeast, brown sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour gradually and mix until a soft, supple dough forms. Knead this dough for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This process is crucial because it develops the gluten, giving your buns that perfect fluffy and tender crumb. Once kneaded, cover the dough and let it rise until it doubles in size, which should take about an hour in a warm spot.
Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Topping
While the dough is rising, prep the sticky topping by combining brown sugar, buttermilk, a pinch of kosher salt, and melted butter in a saucepan. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the toasted pecans, and spread this sticky, glossy mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking pan. This toppings layer will caramelize during baking to create that signature sticky bun gooeyness.
Step 3: Shape the Buns and Add Filling
Once your dough has risen, gently roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar mixture evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge to the other to form a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place each cut side down onto the prepared pan over the pecan topping. Arrange them snugly so they rise up against each other, creating beautiful soft edges.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
Let the buns rise again for 30 minutes, covered loosely with a kitchen towel. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Once risen, bake the sticky buns for 30 minutes until golden brown and the topping is bubbling and caramelized. When the buns come out of the oven, immediately invert the pan onto a heatproof surface to release the sticky pecan topping over the buns — trust me, this is the moment magic happens!
How to Serve World’s Best Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
These sticky buns are absolutely delicious as is, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade vanilla glaze can add an extra touch of sweetness and make them look as incredible as they taste. For a pop of color and freshness, throw on a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans right before serving.
Side Dishes
Sticky buns are naturally rich and satisfying, so pairing them with lighter sides balances the meal. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can brighten the plate. If you’re enjoying these for brunch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a steaming cup of black coffee complements their sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of a classic round pan, try baking the sticky buns in individual ramekins or muffin tins for personalized treats that look stunning on a breakfast spread. You can also transform leftovers into sticky bun French toast or bread pudding for a creative twist that’ll wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Proper storage keeps them soft and moist, preserving that luscious texture you fell in love with.
Freezing
Sticky buns freeze beautifully. Wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, making this recipe perfect for prepping ahead or saving treats for a special occasion.
Reheating
To enjoy your sticky buns fresh from the oven feel, thaw frozen buns overnight in the fridge and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Warming revives their gooey caramel topping and buttery dough perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk adds acidity that tenderizes the dough and enhances flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to ¾ cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
What type of pecans should I use?
Toasted, coarsely chopped pecans work best because they provide a crunchy texture and toasty flavor that balances the sticky sweetness. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant.
Can I make these buns vegan or dairy-free?
While the original recipe calls for butter, eggs, and buttermilk, you can substitute non-dairy milk alternatives and use vegan butter. For eggs, flax eggs or other binders might work, but expect slight changes in texture. Experiment and adjust as you go!
How long do sticky buns need to rise?
The initial rise usually takes about 1 hour until the dough doubles in size. After shaping, a shorter second rise of 30 minutes helps the buns puff up nicely before baking.
Can I add other nuts or fillings?
Absolutely! While toasted pecans are classic, chopped walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips can be delicious alternatives. You can also add dried fruit or swap spices to customize your sticky buns to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked sticky buns wafting through your home, and this World’s Best Sticky Buns Recipe truly lives up to the name. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a bakery-worthy treat that brings joy to any occasion. I hope you dive into making these sticky buns and discover just how rewarding baking from scratch can be. Trust me, once you try this recipe, sticky buns will become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
World’s Best Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the World’s Best Sticky Buns, soft and fluffy homemade rolls layered with a sweet cinnamon-spiced filling, gooey brown sugar glaze, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfectly tender and sticky, these buns are a comforting treat for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp kosher salt (or 1 tsp table salt)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
Filling & Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp buttermilk
- 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1–2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2–3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, buttermilk, salt, instant yeast, and melted butter until combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1 cup packed light brown sugar together to create the spiced filling. Set aside. Also melt 4 tablespoons of butter for brushing the dough before adding the filling.
- Assemble the Buns: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle about 12×18 inches. Brush the melted butter evenly over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then cut into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls cut side up in a greased baking pan.
- Prepare the Pecan Topping & Bake: In a bowl, combine the ⅔ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons buttermilk, toasted pecans, a pinch of kosher salt, and 2-3 tablespoons melted butter. Spread this topping mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking pan before placing the rolls on top. Cover and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for about 30 minutes until golden brown and sticky. Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky topping coats the buns. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use instant yeast for quicker rising times and ease.
- Buttermilk adds tenderness and a slight tang to the dough.
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- For an extra gooey effect, add extra brown sugar to the topping mixture.
- Make sure to cool the buns slightly before flipping to prevent the topping from running off.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
