Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe (Make-Ahead Option!)

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There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of homemade sticky buns baking in your oven. These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns combine buttery, tender dough with a rich maple-pecan topping that caramelizes beautifully as they bake. Whether you’re planning a special weekend breakfast or looking for an impressive brunch centerpiece, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

These sticky buns check all the boxes for an unforgettable breakfast treat. The soft, pillowy dough features a cinnamon-sugar swirl that melts into each bite, while the maple syrup and brown sugar topping creates an irresistible caramelized coating. The addition of chopped pecans adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet maple notes. Best of all, you can prepare these the night before and bake them fresh in the morning, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Equipment	Purpose
Electric mixer	For kneading the dough efficiently
Rolling pin	To roll dough into a perfect rectangle
Baking sheets or 9×13 pan	For baking the sticky buns
Mixing bowls	For preparing topping and filling
Measuring cups and spoons set	For accurate ingredient measurements
Kitchen utensils	For mixing and spreading

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Dough

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Whole milk	1 cup (240ml)	Warmed to 100°F
Granulated sugar	2/3 cup (135g)	Divided
Active dry yeast	1.5 Tablespoons (14g)	2 packets
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (113g)	Softened, cut into pieces
Large eggs	2	Room temperature
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	4.5 cups (563g)	Plus more as needed
Oil for bowl	2 teaspoons	Any neutral oil

For the Maple Pecan Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Chopped pecans	2 cups (250g)
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup (113g)
Brown sugar	2/3 cup (135g)
Whole milk	1/4 cup (60ml)
Pure maple syrup	1/4 cup (60ml)
Salt	1/4 teaspoon

For the Cinnamon Filling

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	1/4 cup (56g)
Brown sugar	1/2 cup (100g)
Ground cinnamon	2 teaspoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In your electric mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook, whisk together warm milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and yeast. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Beat in remaining sugar and softened butter on medium speed. Add eggs and salt, mixing until combined. The butter may stay in pieces this is normal.
3. On low speed, add flour 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated. After adding all flour, beat for 3 minutes until dough pulls away from bowl sides.
4. Knead the dough in the mixer for 5 full minutes. The dough should feel soft, smooth, and elastic. Add flour only if needed to prevent excessive sticking.

First Rise and Topping Preparation

5. Grease a large mixing bowl with oil. Place dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 2 hours until doubled.
6. While dough rises, grease your baking sheet or 9×13-inch pan. Spread chopped pecans evenly across the bottom.
7. In a small pot, combine remaining topping ingredients over medium heat. Stir until butter melts, then simmer for 2 minutes. Pour over pecans and set aside.

Shaping the Sticky Buns

8. Punch down risen dough and place on a lightly floured cutting board. Using your rolling pin, roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
9. Spread softened butter evenly over dough surface. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle over buttered dough.
10. Tightly roll dough lengthwise to form an 18-inch log. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut into 12 even rolls about 1.5 inches wide.
11. Arrange rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan over the pecan topping. Cover and let rise 30-45 minutes until puffy.

Baking to Perfection

12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake sticky buns for 25-28 minutes until golden brown. Tent with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
13. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter while still warm. The maple-pecan topping will cascade beautifully down the sides.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for better dough development and easier mixing
• Don’t skip the kneading time this develops gluten for soft, fluffy texture
• If dough shrinks while rolling, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten
• Soften your filling butter thoroughly for easier spreading across the dough
• Cut with a very sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean edges
• Always invert while warm so the topping releases completely

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare these sticky buns the night before for fresh-baked morning treats. After arranging the cut rolls in the pan (step 11), cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire pan covered with foil in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, both work equally well in this recipe. The activation process is the same.

Why didn’t my dough rise?
Check that your yeast wasn’t expired and that your milk wasn’t too hot (over 110°F kills yeast). The environment should be warm but not cold.

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or a nut-free version all work. Just maintain the same quantity for the topping.

How do I know when the dough is kneaded enough?
The dough should pass the windowpane test stretch a small piece thin enough for light to pass through without tearing.

Can I freeze these sticky buns?
Yes! Freeze baked and cooled buns individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

What’s the best way to cut the rolls evenly?
Use unflavored dental floss or a very sharp knife. Mark the log into 12 sections before cutting for uniform pieces.

These Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are guaranteed to become a family favorite. The combination of soft, buttery dough and that irresistible maple-pecan topping creates a breakfast experience that rivals any bakery creation. Make them for your next special breakfast and watch them disappear!

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