Sticky Buns Recipe: Sticky buns are one of life’s ultimate comfort treats. Whether you’re baking for a special weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just because you’re craving something sweet and gooey, this guide will take you through every detail to get bakery-style sticky buns at home. Soft, fluffy dough, a gooey caramel pecan topping, and a cinnamon-sugar swirl in every bite—what more could you ask for?
What Are Sticky Buns?
Sticky buns are sweet rolls made from an enriched dough (usually with milk, butter, and eggs), filled with cinnamon sugar, and baked atop a buttery caramel sauce with nuts—most often pecans. Once they’re out of the oven, they’re flipped so the caramel topping ends up on top, dripping down the sides of each warm, pillowy bun.
While they may look like cinnamon rolls at first glance, sticky buns are a whole different experience. The magic lies in that sticky topping—rich, buttery, sweet, and packed with toasted nuts for extra crunch and flavor. Their origins date back to the Pennsylvania Dutch, and they remain a beloved staple in bakeries across the world.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Buns Recipe
This sticky bun recipe delivers everything you want in a sweet breakfast treat. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Buttery, soft dough that rises beautifully and melts in your mouth.
- Generous swirls of cinnamon-sugar filling, giving every bite that warm spice we all love.
- Rich caramel topping made from brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Crunchy toasted pecans that add a delightful texture contrast.
- Perfect for prepping ahead of time, making it ideal for holidays or brunches.
Once you taste these, you’ll realize why making them at home is totally worth it—and honestly, a lot more satisfying than store-bought.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
To get those perfect sticky buns, you need three components: the dough, the filling, and the sticky topping.
For the Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm, about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Filling
- ⅔ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Sticky Caramel Topping
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup corn syrup (optional for extra gooeyness)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, optional)
You can also add a pinch of salt to the topping to balance the sweetness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sticky Buns
Before diving in, gather these kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing rolls cleanly)
- 9×13 inch baking dish or round cake pans
- Plastic wrap or clean towel (for covering dough)
- Small saucepan (for caramel topping)
Having these tools ready will make your baking process smoother and faster.
Tips Before You Begin
Baking sticky buns takes some time and patience. Here are a few important tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps the dough mix and rise more evenly.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. Draft-free and warm (around 75–80°F) is ideal.
- Don’t over-knead. Mix until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Use dental floss for slicing. It prevents squishing the rolls, keeping that perfect swirl.
- Chill the dough overnight. If you want to prep ahead, the unbaked rolls can be refrigerated overnight and baked fresh in the morning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sticky Buns
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a little sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, eggs, and melted butter, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size. The dough should feel light and airy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sticky Topping
In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and honey or corn syrup. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough and Add Filling
Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
Step 5: Roll and Slice the Dough
Roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into even pieces using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
Step 6: Assemble the Buns
Arrange the slices cut-side down on top of the sticky topping, leaving a little space between each bun.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover the pan and let the buns rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy and touching slightly.
Step 8: Bake the Sticky Buns
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 9: Flip and Serve
Let the buns cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate so the sticky topping coats them. Serve warm.
How to Store Sticky Buns
Sticky buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they store well too. Let them cool completely, then cover them tightly in an airtight container or wrap the pan in plastic wrap. They’ll stay soft and moist at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you need to store them longer, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just know that refrigeration can slightly dry out the rolls, so it’s best to reheat before serving to revive the gooey goodness.
How to Reheat Sticky Buns
Want to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste? Here’s how:
- Microwave (Single Serving): Place a sticky bun on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm and gooey.
- Oven (Multiple Buns): Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Cover the buns with foil and heat for 10–15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 300°F and warm for 3–5 minutes for a crisp edge and soft inside.
Always keep an eye on them—you just want them warmed, not overcooked!
Can You Freeze Sticky Buns?
Absolutely! Sticky buns freeze beautifully, both before and after baking.
To freeze unbaked rolls:
- After slicing and assembling the buns in the pan (before second rise), cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours before baking as usual.
To freeze baked buns:
- Cool completely, then wrap each roll individually or store in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven as described above.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s make sure your sticky buns turn out bakery-perfect. Here are some common pitfalls and how to dodge them:
- Rushing the dough rise: Give your dough enough time to rise properly, or your buns will be dense.
- Using too much flour: Extra flour makes the dough tough. Keep it soft and just slightly tacky.
- Skipping the second rise: This helps develop structure and fluffiness. Don’t skip it!
- Underbaking: Make sure the center buns are fully cooked. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
- Waiting too long to flip: If you let them cool too long in the pan, the caramel will stick and harden.
Follow these tips, and your sticky buns will be on another level.
Variations to Try
Once you master the classic recipe, it’s fun to experiment! Try these delicious twists:
- Apple Sticky Buns: Add thin apple slices to the filling for a fruity touch.
- Maple Pecan Sticky Buns: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese Glazed Buns: Drizzle with sweet cream cheese icing for an indulgent treat.
- Raisin Swirl: Add golden or regular raisins to the cinnamon filling.
- Savory Version: Skip the sugar and fill the dough with cheese, herbs, and garlic butter.
The base dough is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Serving Suggestions
Sticky buns are a meal in themselves, but they also shine with a few side options:
- With Fresh Coffee: A warm sticky bun and a bold cup of coffee? Yes, please.
- Holiday Brunch Spread: Pair with scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and bacon.
- With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla for dessert-style decadence.
- Warm Milk or Hot Chocolate: Perfect for cozy mornings or evenings.
Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or anytime in between, sticky buns are guaranteed to impress.
Nutritional Information
This is an indulgent treat, so keep in mind it’s not exactly health food—but moderation is key!
Here’s an approximate breakdown per bun (based on 12 buns):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55–60g |
| Sugars | 25–30g |
| Fat | 18–22g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 200–250mg |
Keep in mind that values will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs about Sticky Buns Recipe
1. Can I make sticky buns without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave out the pecans or replace them with dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates.
2. Why are my sticky buns dry?
Dry buns usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Stick to a soft dough and check baking time closely.
3. Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer like flaxseed meal.
4. How long does it take from start to finish?
From mixing to baking, expect about 3.5 to 4 hours, including rising times. Or prep the night before for a quicker morning bake.
5. Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Yes! Use the dough cycle, then follow the rest of the steps as written for filling, shaping, and baking.
Final Thoughts
Sticky buns are one of those nostalgic, soul-warming baked goods that never go out of style. From their soft, buttery dough to the gooey, caramel-drizzled top loaded with pecans, every bite is pure joy. Yes, they take a bit of time and care, but the reward? Totally worth it.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a pan of warm, sticky perfection waiting for you. Once you try homemade sticky buns, you may never go back to store-bought again.
So roll up your sleeves, warm up that oven, and let’s bake something unforgettable!
