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!
Equipment
- 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
- Medium Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Large Bowl
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Sprinkle yeast over the milk mixture and let it sit for 1 minute.
- 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.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and let it sit in a warm place for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining 1/2 cup flour. Knead to combine. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Roll out dough into a 30x10-inch rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, covering it evenly. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll up the dough jelly-roll fashion. Cut into 16 equal slices and set aside.
- 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.
- Place skillet in the oven until the sugar mixture is slightly foamy and bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!