Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup warmed milk - 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter - 1/4 cup sugar - 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 large egg - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup maple syrup - 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Use coconut sugar or honey instead of regular sugar. Almond milk or oat milk works well in place of cow's milk. For a vegan twist, try using coconut oil instead of butter. You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Maple Pecan Sticky Buns go great with hot coffee or tea. A glass of fresh orange juice also complements them well. You can serve them alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast. - First, mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the warmed milk, melted butter, and sugar. Whisk it together until well blended. - Next, sprinkle the yeast on top of the mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. You want it to become foamy. - In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will be your dry mix. - Now, add the dry mix to the wet mix. Also, crack in the egg. Stir until you see a sticky dough form. - Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be smooth. - Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. - While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until it forms a smooth paste. - Gather your filling ingredients. You will need chopped pecans for that nice crunch and flavor. - Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a 12x8 inch rectangle on a floured surface. - Spread the butter filling evenly over the dough. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top. - Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces. - Place the cut pieces in a greased baking dish, cut side up. Make sure they are close together. - In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Pour this over the arranged buns. - Cover the dish and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for a golden brown color. - After baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then, invert the dish onto a serving platter. Enjoy the syrup pooling over the sticky buns! To make perfect buns, follow these dos and don’ts: - Do measure your ingredients carefully. This ensures the right texture. - Do use fresh yeast. Old yeast can fail to rise properly. - Don’t skip the resting time. This helps develop flavor and texture. - Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Leave space for the buns to expand. Common pitfalls include: - Not kneading enough. Knead until smooth for best results. - Rolling the dough too thin. Aim for a 12x8 inch rectangle. The right environment helps your dough rise well. - Warm spot: An oven preheated for 2 minutes works great. Turn it off before placing the dough inside. - Proofing box: If you have one, it provides a stable warm area. Otherwise, a kitchen towel over the bowl can help. Make sure the dough is covered. This keeps it moist while rising. To serve sticky buns for the best flavor: - Warm buns: Serve them warm right out of the oven. The syrup will be gooey and delicious. - Topping: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top before serving for extra crunch. For storing leftovers: - Keep in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy them within 2 days for the best taste. - You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. Just reheat before serving to restore softness. {{image_2}} You can make your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns even more special by adding spices. Nutmeg and cloves bring a warm flavor that pairs well with maple. Just a pinch of either spice can change the taste. You can also mix in different nuts or dried fruits. Walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch. Dried cherries or cranberries give a sweet-tart twist. Experimenting with flavors can lead to your new favorite version! To enhance the flavor, consider using glazes or icings. A simple cream cheese icing can add richness. You can also try a vanilla glaze for a sweeter touch. If you want to change the syrup, use honey or agave. Both sweeteners work well and add their own unique taste. Swapping maple syrup can create a different experience while keeping it delicious! If you need a gluten-free version, it's easy to adapt. Use gluten-free flour blends to replace all-purpose flour. Look for blends that have xanthan gum. This helps with the dough's texture. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor. Just remember that the dough may need a little more liquid. Adjust as needed to get the right consistency. Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! To keep your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns fresh in the fridge, place them in an airtight container. This helps to trap moisture and flavor. If you do not have one, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This prevents drying out. Try to store them within two days for the best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze these sticky buns. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bun in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you are ready to enjoy, remove them from the freezer. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This restores their soft texture. At room temperature, your Maple Pecan Sticky Buns stay fresh for about two days. Store them in a cool, dry place. Look for signs that they have gone bad. If they smell off or have mold, it’s time to toss them. Enjoy these buns while they’re fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can make these sticky buns in advance. This saves time on baking day. Here are some tips for prep the night before: - Prepare the Dough: Make the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, punch it down. - Chill the Dough: Instead of baking right away, cover it tightly and place it in the fridge. - Shape the Buns: In the morning, roll out the dough, fill it, and shape the buns. - Second Rise: Let them rise for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them get fluffy. This method keeps the flavor fresh and saves you time. You can reheat leftover sticky buns easily. Here are a few methods for reheating that keep them tasty: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Microwave Method: Place a bun on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 10-15 seconds. Add a damp paper towel on top for moisture. Both methods work well, but the oven helps keep the texture better. Yes, you can swap out the pecans for other nuts. Here are some recommendations and their effects on taste: - Walnuts: They have a milder flavor and add a nice crunch. - Almonds: Sliced almonds give a sweet, nutty taste. - Hazelnuts: These offer a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with maple. Feel free to mix nuts for a unique twist! Each nut brings its own charm to the sticky buns. You now have all the tools to make delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns. We've covered the ingredients, including substitutions for different diets. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, fill, and bake these buns. I shared tips to ensure perfect results and ideas for storage. Don't forget the various ways to tweak flavors and toppings. Enjoy baking and serving these sticky buns, and relish each sweet bite with your favorite drinks or dishes. Happy cooking!$

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Indulge in the sweet delight of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns with this easy recipe! Perfectly soft and gooey, these buns are made with warm milk, cinnamon, and chopped pecans, all drizzled with rich maple syrup for that ultimate flavor! Discover the step-by-step instructions and treat your family to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and enjoy baking these irresistible sticky buns!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup milk, warmed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 large egg

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, melted butter, and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture along with the egg. Stir until combined and a sticky dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract; mix to form a paste.

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12x8 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.

Starting from the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut side up in a greased baking dish.

In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Pour it over the arranged sticky buns.

Cover the dish and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.

Invert the baking dish onto a serving platter so that the sticky syrup pools over the buns.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (including rising) | Servings: 12 buns