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Pecan Sticky Buns

Pecan Sticky Buns

These Pecan Sticky Buns are a delightful treat made with a rich dough filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, then baked with a gooey pecan topping. Perfectly sweet, sticky, and irresistible!
Print it Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 16 buns
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup salted butter (very soft)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (firmly packed)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional)
  • 2 cups pecan halves (roughly chopped)

Equipment

  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Medium Microwave-Safe Bowl
  • Large Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, heat milk in the microwave for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes until it reaches 110°F. Stir in oil and granulated sugar until dissolved.
  2. Sprinkle yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 1 minute.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of flour. Pour the milk and yeast mixture over the flour and stir until just combined. It should be wet, sticky, and warm.
  4. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place for 1 hour.
  5. After 1 hour, add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 cup flour. Knead to combine. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
  6. Melt butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir in brown sugar, honey, salt, vanilla, and whiskey (if using). Mix until smooth and free of lumps. Set aside.
  7. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  8. Roll out dough into a 30x10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
  9. Spread softened butter over the dough, covering it evenly. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  10. Roll up the dough jelly-roll fashion. Cut into 16 equal slices and set aside.
  11. Place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on top of a foil-lined and rimmed baking sheet. Spread pecans in the bottom of the skillet and pour the prepared topping mixture over them.
  12. Place skillet in the oven until the sugar mixture is slightly foamy and bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.
  13. Remove skillet from the oven and place the rolls, cut side up, on top of the bubbling sugar mixture. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes outside the oven.
  14. Return skillet to the oven and bake at 325°F until rolls are golden brown and the sugar is brown and sticky, for about 30 to 40 minutes. You can cover the rolls with a loose foil tent for the first 20 minutes if desired.
  15. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes. Invert the rolls onto a large serving platter. Best served warm!

Notes

These Pecan Sticky Buns are a wonderful indulgence for breakfast or dessert. The combination of soft dough, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans makes them irresistible. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience!