Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

The heavenly scent of buttery caramel and warm cinnamon spices up the kitchen as these Maple Pecan Sticky Buns bake to perfection. With layers of pillowy soft dough rolled up with brown sugar-cinnamon filling, each bite is pure indulgence. The real star is the rich maple-pecan topping that transforms into a sticky glaze as it bakes, seeping into every crevice of the roll.

Perfect for holiday brunches, special mornings, or cozy weekends, these sticky buns deliver bakery-level results from your home oven. Whether you prepare them the night before or bake them fresh in the morning, they’re guaranteed to impress every guest and satisfy every craving. Skip the cream cheese frosting—these buns shine all on their own.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to 100°F (38°C)

• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar, divided

• 1 and 1/2 Tbsp (14g) active dry or instant yeast (2 packets)

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened and cubed

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 4 and 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose or bread flour

• 2 tsp canola, vegetable, or olive oil (or nonstick spray for greasing)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups (250g) chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter

• 2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar

• 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk

• 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup

• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk warm milk, 2 Tbsp of sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Make the dough: Add remaining sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms and pulls from sides.

3. Knead the dough: Knead for 5 minutes by hand or mixer. Dough should be soft, smooth, and slightly tacky.

4. First rise: Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the topping: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add sugar, milk, maple syrup, and salt. Simmer for 2 minutes. Pour into greased 9×13-inch glass or metal baking pan. Sprinkle with pecans.

6. Roll out dough: Punch down dough, roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over butter.

7. Shape the buns: Tightly roll into an 18-inch log and cut into 12 even rolls. Place cut-side up in pan over pecan topping.

8. Second rise: Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 25–28 minutes. Tent with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.

10. Invert and serve: Cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a platter. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (includes rise time)
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are countless sticky bun and cinnamon roll recipes out there, but Sally’s Maple Pecan Sticky Buns stand out for several reasons. First, the dough is incredibly soft, buttery, and foolproof. It’s based on her trusted cinnamon roll dough, which has been perfected over years of testing and baking. This dough provides a sturdy yet tender base that soaks up the gooey topping without becoming soggy or dense.

Second, this recipe is designed with flexibility in mind. It can be made entirely the same day or prepared ahead of time as an overnight recipe. This makes it perfect for holiday mornings when you want something fresh from the oven but don’t want to spend all morning in the kitchen.

Third, the topping is what truly makes this recipe shine. Instead of using corn syrup, which is common in traditional sticky buns, this version calls for pure maple syrup. This change enhances the depth of flavor, giving the topping a warm, slightly earthy sweetness that complements the buttery dough and crunchy pecans perfectly. The topping is poured into the bottom of the baking pan before the rolls are placed on top, so when you flip the pan after baking, all that gooey maple-pecan goodness becomes the crowning glory of each roll.

The Balance of Flavor and Texture

One of the most appealing aspects of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns is the way they balance flavor and texture. The dough is light and fluffy, but it holds its shape well. The filling, made with brown sugar and cinnamon, melts into the spiraled layers of dough, providing a gentle warmth and sweetness in every bite.

The topping is a perfect contrast to the soft buns. The pecans are slightly toasted and hold their crunch even after baking. They’re suspended in a glossy mixture of butter, brown sugar, milk, and maple syrup that simmers briefly on the stove before being poured into the pan. This sticky mixture becomes a gooey, almost candy-like glaze that oozes over the rolls once inverted. It’s rich, but not overpoweringly so, and every bite offers a delightful mix of softness, crunch, and chew.

The cinnamon in the filling gives the rolls that familiar holiday aroma and taste, while the maple syrup and pecans elevate it with a nutty, almost caramel-like finish. These rolls are indulgent without being too sweet, and they’re satisfying enough to serve as a main component of a holiday brunch.

Perfect for Entertaining and Special Occasions

These sticky buns are designed for those extra special mornings—Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, or cozy weekend brunches. They are a crowd-pleaser and look as good as they taste, making them ideal for entertaining guests. The maple and pecan combination also feels festive and seasonal, especially during fall and winter, but there’s no reason you couldn’t enjoy them year-round.

Because the recipe allows for overnight preparation, it’s incredibly convenient for hosts. You can do all the work the night before—mixing, kneading, shaping, and even letting the rolls rise. In the morning, simply let them come to room temperature for about an hour, then bake. This hands-off approach in the morning allows you to focus on other tasks—or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while the house fills with the aroma of fresh-baked sticky buns.

Helpful Tips and Techniques for Success

Although baking with yeast can seem intimidating to some, this recipe walks you through the process with clear and detailed instructions. Whether you’re using active dry yeast or instant yeast, Sally provides options and adjustments based on what you have on hand. She also includes a “windowpane test” to help you know when the dough is properly kneaded—a key to developing that signature soft and chewy texture.

One key recommendation from the original recipe is to use a glass or metal 9×13-inch pan rather than ceramic. Ceramic pans take longer to heat, which can result in uneven baking. With ceramic, you may end up with undercooked centers and burnt bottoms, particularly problematic with a caramelized topping. A metal or glass pan ensures even heat distribution, giving you evenly baked buns with perfectly caramelized tops.

Another smart tip is to tent the rolls with foil halfway through baking. This helps prevent over-browning while still allowing the buns to cook through evenly. After baking, the rolls should cool slightly before inverting the pan onto a serving tray. This step not only reveals the beautiful maple-pecan topping but also lets the glaze seep down the sides of each roll, creating a dramatic and delicious presentation.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These sticky buns are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, but they can also be stored and even frozen if needed. Sally provides multiple make-ahead and storage methods depending on your needs.

If you want to freeze them before baking, you can shape the rolls and freeze them after the first rise. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise at room temperature before baking. Alternatively, you can par-bake them, then cool, freeze, and finish baking later.

Fully baked sticky buns can also be frozen and reheated. While the texture may not be quite the same as fresh, they still offer a delicious option when you’re short on time or want to spread the indulgence across several days.

Reader Reviews and Popularity

One of the standout signs of a successful recipe is consistent, positive feedback—and this one has it in spades. Many readers rave about the results, especially those who don’t consider themselves experienced with yeast-based baking. Reviewers mention how the recipe worked perfectly on the first try and even brought back nostalgic memories of family baking traditions.

From novice bakers to seasoned pros, readers describe this recipe as a showstopper. It’s praised for its rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and adaptability. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s a surefire way to impress.

A Recipe Worth Keeping in Your Rotation

This recipe isn’t just a one-time holiday indulgence—it’s one you’ll want to come back to again and again. Its reliability, ease of customization, and incredible flavor make it a great addition to your baking repertoire. You can tweak the filling, add spices, or swap the pecans for other nuts to suit your preferences. You might even try adding a touch of orange zest or vanilla to the dough for a unique twist.

Once you’ve made these sticky buns, it’s hard to go back to anything else. Their combination of rich, buttery dough and that glossy, golden maple-pecan topping creates an experience that feels luxurious, comforting, and deeply satisfying. They are the kind of recipe that builds tradition—the kind people request again and again.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are a standout recipe that delivers on every level: flavor, texture, visual appeal, and ease of preparation. Sally’s recipe proves that baking with yeast doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right guidance, anyone can create bakery-quality sticky buns right at home.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the sticky maple-pecan topping, which flips the script—literally—on traditional breakfast rolls. But every component, from the soft dough to the spiced filling, plays a role in making these buns truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or just because, this recipe will never fail to impress. It’s more than a dish—it’s an experience, one that captures the joy of home baking in every sticky, delicious bite.