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To make delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast - 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon These ingredients work together to create a sweet, sticky treat that is hard to resist. If you have dietary needs, there are simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. If you're dairy-free, choose almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce for a vegan option. Always choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Use fresh yeast to ensure the dough rises properly. Look for pure maple syrup, as it has a richer taste than imitation syrup. Fresh pecans add crunch and depth, so avoid stale nuts. Remember, the better the ingredients, the better your sticky buns will be! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 packet of instant yeast. In another bowl, whisk 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until you form a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic. When done, place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. Once your dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a rectangle about 12 by 18 inches. Brush it with melted butter. Then, sprinkle a mixture of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon evenly over the dough. Roll it tightly from the long side into a log. Cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of maple syrup with any leftover melted butter. Drizzle this over the rolls. Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the sticky buns for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. If the tops brown too fast, loosely cover them with foil. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy those warm, sticky buns drizzled with extra maple syrup! To make soft and fluffy buns, start with warm milk. Milk should be about 110°F. This warmth helps yeast activate. Knead the dough until it feels smooth. This step builds gluten, making the dough airy. Allow it to rise in a warm spot. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep warmth in. For the best dough rise, keep the environment warm. If your kitchen is cold, turn on the oven for a few minutes. Once warm, turn it off and place the dough inside. This creates a cozy spot for the dough to grow. Be patient; dough needs about an hour to double in size. If your buns are dense, the dough may not have risen enough. Always check the yeast’s expiration date before use. If they are dry, you may have overbaked them. Keep an eye on the oven timer. For sticky dough, add a bit more flour while kneading. This helps the dough hold its shape. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If you're unsure, proof it by mixing it with warm water and sugar—if it bubbles, it’s good to go! Perfect Rolling Technique: When rolling out the dough, make sure to maintain an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. Use a ruler if necessary! Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on the traditional pecan sticky buns. Store Properly: To keep your sticky buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_2}} You can enjoy sticky buns without nuts. Simply skip the pecans. Instead, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch. They will add a nice texture without the nutty flavor. Adjust the filling by adding extra cinnamon or brown sugar. This will keep the sweet taste while making it nut-free. Love chocolate? Add chocolate chips to the filling! Mix them in with the brown sugar and cinnamon. You can also use fruit. Chopped apples or berries work well. Spread them evenly on the dough before rolling. This gives your buns a fruity twist. Toppings can change the game! Instead of just maple syrup, try a cream cheese glaze. Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. For a fruity glaze, drizzle some orange or lemon juice mixed with powdered sugar. Each topping gives a new taste and look to your sticky buns. To keep your sticky buns fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. However, this may change their texture a bit. To enjoy your sticky buns again, reheat them gently. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. You can freeze sticky buns for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat. Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough as directed. After the first rise, cover it well and place it in the fridge. You can store it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it come to room temperature. Then, continue with the recipe from the assembly step. This method lets the flavors deepen. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup. Both will add sweetness. However, they will change the flavor slightly. You can also use brown sugar mixed with water as a substitute. Mix equal parts of brown sugar and hot water until dissolved. This will give you a syrup-like texture. Serve the sticky buns warm for the best taste. Drizzle some extra maple syrup over the top. Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch. For a special treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It makes a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast. Enjoy these buns fresh from the oven! We've covered all the key steps to make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns. You learned about the best ingredients, how to make and bake the dough, and tips to get fluffy buns. We also explored fun variations and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, using quality ingredients is key for taste. Don't hesitate to try different flavors and toppings. Making sticky buns is not just fun—it's rewarding. Enjoy your delicious creation and share with friends!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Deliciously sweet sticky buns made with maple syrup and pecans, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 0.5 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • Assemble the Buns: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle (about 12x18 inches) on a floured surface. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-pecan mixture evenly over it. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log.
  • Cut the Buns: Slice the log into 1-inch thick rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. In a separate small bowl, mix the maple syrup and any leftover melted butter. Drizzle this mixture over the buns.
  • Second Rise: Cover the baking pan with the towel again and allow the buns to rise for another 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the Buns: Bake the sticky buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Cool and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the buns cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a serving plate so that the sticky syrup spreads over the buns.

Notes

Serve warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. For a delightful touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent treat!
Keyword maple syrup, pecans, sticky buns