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Easy Sticky Buns

Easy Sticky Buns

Easy Sticky Buns feature soft, fluffy dough rolled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a rich caramel glaze that melts into every bite. This quick-to-prepare recipe is perfect for cozy breakfasts or brunches and is highly adaptable to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 sticky buns 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sticky Topping Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apples) – optional

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until just warm to the touch, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over it and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Sticky Topping: While the dough rises, melt butter and mix with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. If using nuts, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the bottom of your baking pan. Pour the sticky brown sugar mixture evenly over the nuts or directly into the pan if no nuts are used, creating a caramel base for the buns.
  3. Roll and Fill the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across it. Add nuts or dried fruit if desired. Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log, pinch the seam to seal, and slice into 1.5-inch thick rolls.
  4. Arrange and Bake: Arrange the rolled slices tightly in the prepared pan over the sticky topping. Cover and let them rise for another 20–30 minutes until puffy. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling. Let cool slightly, then invert the pan onto a serving plate so the caramel side is on top, revealing gooey sticky buns.

Notes

  • Ensure yeast is fresh and bubbly for the best rise.
  • Keep milk warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Allow proper rising time for fluffy, tender buns.
  • Slice rolls evenly for uniform baking and appearance.
  • Cool buns slightly before flipping to set caramel topping.
  • Use a glass or dark baking pan for even browning without burning.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten Free with substitutions

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bun
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: sticky buns, cinnamon buns, sticky buns recipe, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastries, homemade sticky buns, gooey buns, cinnamon sugar buns