Description
These homemade sticky buns are filled with cinnamon sugar, swirled in soft brioche dough, and baked with a gooey pecan-maple topping that’s perfect for brunch or holiday mornings.
Ingredients
Brioche Dough
3/4 cup warm whole milk (115–125°F)
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
5 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) very soft unsalted butter
3 cups bread flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
Pecan Topping
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cinnamon Sugar Filling
1/2 cup (1 stick) very soft unsalted butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Make the Dough:
In a stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, bread flour, and 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour. Mix with the dough hook for 4–5 minutes until smooth. If too sticky, add up to 3/4 cup additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough slaps sides of the bowl but is still slightly tacky.
First Rise:
Lightly oil a large bowl and place dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap or towel and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours.
Make the Pecan Topping:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, cream, pecans, and salt. Set aside.
Roll and Fill:
Roll dough into a 12×18 inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Spread softened butter on top. Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then sprinkle evenly over dough.
Shape:
Roll dough tightly into a log lengthwise and seal the edges. Cut into 12 rolls (1.5-inch thick slices) using a sharp knife or dental floss.
Second Rise:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread pecan topping evenly in the bottom, and place rolls cut-side up on top. Cover and let rise for 30–60 minutes, or refrigerate overnight (see notes).
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 24–28 minutes or until golden brown and center reaches 175°F. Let cool briefly, then invert onto a wire rack or serving platter.
Notes
Overnight Option: After placing rolls in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate for 8–12 hours. Let come to room temp for 1–2 hours before baking.
Freezing: Freeze baked buns for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat in oven. To freeze dough: par-bake rolls for 10 minutes, cool, then freeze. Finish baking after topping is added.
Reheating: Thaw refrigerated buns overnight. Reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes until warm and gooey.
For best results, use a kitchen thermometer to check internal temp.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American