There is something genuinely magical about the smell of warm cinnamon mingling with rich caramel and toasted pecans, all wrapped up in soft, fluffy dough. This Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe is one of those treasured treats that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with cozy comfort. Whether you’re making breakfast for family, hosting a brunch with friends, or simply craving an indulgent homemade pastry, these cinnamon buns deliver perfect layers of gooey sweetness, buttery pecan crunch, and a tender crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds. Best of all, the recipe is straightforward, approachable, and packed with essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create this delightful classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor. You’ll find it’s a simple list, each food item chosen to build layers of irresistible goodness, from the soft dough to the sticky caramel pecan topping.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and softness when kneaded properly.
- ¼ cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to activate the yeast and flavor the dough.
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp): Ensures the dough rises beautifully to create that fluffy texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C): Feeds the yeast and keeps the dough tender and moist.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the dough soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a tender crumb.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Key for the delicious cinnamon filling, spreading smoothness and flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Combines with cinnamon for a classic sweet and spicy filling.
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon: The soul of cinnamon buns, giving them that unmistakable warm aroma and taste.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the depth of the cinnamon filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Used again in the sticky pecan caramel topping, providing lusciousness.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Sweetens and thickens the sticky topping with rich molasses notes.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Creates the perfect creamy caramel base for the pecans to cling to.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant warmth to the sticky topping.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the gooey caramel.
How to Make Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by waking up your yeast with warm milk and sugar. This natural activation step creates a foamy surface that signals your dough is ready to rise beautifully. It’s a simple but crucial foundation for those fluffy cinnamon buns we love.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Gently mix in your melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture, then gradually add the flour. This gradual approach prevents lumps and helps the dough start to come together smoothly.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. This kneading process develops the gluten, which leads to that perfect chewiness and airy texture in your buns.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Allow it to rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. Watching this transformation never fails to impress and guarantees fluffiness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
While the dough rises, mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This simple filling will melt into the dough, creating those signature sweet, spicy swirls.
Step 6: Make the Sticky Pecan Topping
On the stove, melt butter and stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a caramel base that’s luxuriously sticky.
Step 7: Add Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to add warmth and depth to your topping.
Step 8: Prepare Baking Dish
Pour the caramel mixture into your 9×13-inch baking dish, then evenly sprinkle chopped pecans over the top. This layer is what gives these buns their trademark sticky pecan crunch.
Step 9: Roll the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12×9-inch rectangle. This shape is perfect for spreading your cinnamon filling and rolling into layers.
Step 10: Spread the Filling
Evenly spread the cinnamon filling all over the dough, leaving a small border. This ensures a perfect balance between filling and dough in every bite.
Step 11: Slice the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly along the longer side to form a log, then cut into 9 to 12 equal pieces. These rolls will expand in the oven delightfully.
Step 12: Assemble Rolls
Place each roll on top of the pecan caramel in the baking dish with a little space between them so they can puff up.
Step 13: Final Rise
Cover the baking dish and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed and nearly doubled again. This step is key for soft, lofty buns.
Step 14: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If they start browning too fast, just cover with foil to prevent burning.
Step 15: Serve with the Sticky Topping
Let the buns cool for about 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a platter so the sticky pecan caramel drapes gloriously over the rolls. Be careful—the caramel will be hot, but the result is so worth it!
How to Serve Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze enhances the sweetness without overpowering the rich pecan topping. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon buns with fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples to cut through the richness. A hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or chilled glass of milk complements the sweet, buttery flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these buns on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of nuts, cinnamon sticks, and honey. For gatherings, arrange the buns in a circular pattern and add edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint for a festive look that invites sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cinnamon buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, though they’re best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe any time you want a sweet treat on short notice.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated buns in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 10 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked softness and melty topping that feels so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully and offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but pecans are classic for their buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and caramel.
Is it possible to make the dough without eggs?
Yes, but eggs contribute to the dough’s tenderness and structure. If you need an egg-free version, try substituting with a flax egg or additional milk, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I prepare these buns entirely the night before?
Definitely. After assembling the rolls in the baking dish, cover them and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and rise before baking for fresh, fluffy buns.
What is the best way to prevent the caramel topping from sticking to the pan?
Using a good-quality non-stick or lightly greased baking dish helps. Also, letting the buns cool slightly before inverting makes the caramel settle into the pecans and buns perfectly, minimizing sticking.
Can I make this recipe using a bread machine?
Yes! You can use a bread machine for the dough cycle, just ensure you follow your machine’s instructions for adding ingredients. The rest of the steps, like rolling, filling, and topping, remain the same.
Final Thoughts
Making these Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug of comfort and joy. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser, effortlessly transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your family’s collection. So, grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fill your home with the most amazing cinnamon-scented magic!
Print
Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 cinnamon buns
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns are soft, fluffy rolls filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar butter and topped with a decadent sticky caramel pecan glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or special brunch, they combine tender dough, a rich cinnamon filling, and a gooey, nutty topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cinnamon Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Sticky Pecan Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add the melted butter, egg, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, a little at a time, until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Make the Sticky Pecan Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter for the topping. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble Caramel Base: Pour the sticky caramel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the chopped pecans over the caramel, creating the sticky pecan layer.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×9 inches in size.
- Spread Filling: Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to avoid spillage.
- Form Rolls: Tightly roll the dough from the longer side into a log shape, then cut it into 9-12 equal pieces depending on preferred size.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the cinnamon rolls into the baking dish on top of the caramel-pecan mixture. Leave a bit of space between each roll for rising.
- Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Rolls: Bake the cinnamon buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
- Cool and Invert: Let the buns cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter to release the sticky pecan topping. Be cautious as the caramel will still be hot.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon buns warm and enjoy their gooey, nutty sweetness.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm (not hot) to activate the yeast properly.
- For softer rolls, avoid adding too much flour when rolling out the dough.
- You can use light or dark brown sugar for variations in flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently before serving.
- Optional: Add raisins or chopped apples into the cinnamon filling for extra texture and flavor.
