Pecan Honey Sticky Buns (Print Version)

Soft, pillowy buns with cinnamon sugar, pecans, and honey caramel sauce for a decadent treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs

→ Filling

08 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

→ Honey Caramel Sauce

12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 cup honey
14 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
15 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
16 - 1/2 tsp salt
17 - 1 cup pecan halves

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine. Gradually incorporate flour until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, brown sugar, and salt; stir until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and mix in pecan halves. Pour sauce into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
05 - Punch down the risen dough. Roll out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
06 - Spread softened butter evenly over dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.
07 - Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
08 - Arrange buns cut side down over the honey caramel sauce in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
09 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake buns for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
10 - Cool buns for 5 minutes. Invert the pan onto a serving platter so the sticky pecan topping rests on top. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Soft and gooey texture
  • Rich honey caramel flavor
02 -
  • Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly
  • Letting dough rise fully ensures soft buns
03 -
  • Use fresh yeast for best rising results
  • Don't skip the caramel sauce for authentic flavor
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