The Best Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns

Name: The Best Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 buns
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy a delightful treat this Thanksgiving with The Best Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns! These soft, warm buns are infused with a rich cinnamon flavor and topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. Perfect for your holiday breakfast or as a sweet dessert, they will quickly become a family favorite and are sure to impress your guests. Bake these tender rolls and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and pecans, making your Thanksgiving celebration even more special.

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2025-12-01T10:54:55.185Z

These delicious sticky pecan cinnamon buns are a staple in our Thanksgiving celebrations. Their sweet aroma and comforting flavors make them a must-have on the table.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

These Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns are the ideal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. The combination of warm, soft dough infused with cinnamon and the crunchy texture of pecans creates a delightful contrast that everyone will love. Not only are they a welcome addition to breakfast, but they also serve beautifully as dessert. Imagine family and friends gathering around, enjoying these sweet treats while sharing stories and laughter - it’s the perfect way to create lasting memories this holiday season.

Perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea, these buns elevate any meal. The gooey caramel topping adds an indulgent touch, making each bite a delicious treat. Whether served warm out of the oven or allowed to cool slightly, the flavor and texture remain irresistible. Your guests will be raving about these buns long after the last bite, making them a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

Easy to Make and Customize

With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, making these Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns is a breeze. The dough requires just a bit of kneading and rising time, allowing you to focus on the filling and topping. Plus, the flexibility of the recipe lets you customize it with various nuts or omit the caramel if you prefer a lighter version. This adaptability makes it accessible for bakers of all levels, so everyone can enjoy the process and the delightful reward at the end.

Consider adding a hint of nutmeg or a splash of maple extract to the filling for a unique twist. You can also make them ahead of time by preparing the dough and filling the day before, then letting it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This makes for an easy and stress-free baking experience on the special day.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Ingredients

Dough

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling

1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the preparation for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter until warm. Add to the dry ingredients, then mix in egg and vanilla. Knead until smooth.

Let it Rise

Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Make the Filling

In another bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Roll out the dough and spread the filling evenly, sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Roll and Cut

Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place in a greased baking dish.

Prepare the Topping

Drizzle caramel sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with additional pecans.

Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Drizzle more caramel on top if desired.

Serve warm for the best experience. Enjoy!

Healthier Alternatives

If you're looking to make these Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns a bit healthier, consider substituting whole wheat flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, helping to balance out the sweetness of the filling and topping. You can also use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic index option.

For a dairy-free version, swap out the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut oil. These simple substitutions will still yield delicious results while accommodating different dietary preferences.

Making It a Family Activity

Baking these Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns can be a wonderful family activity, engaging both kids and adults in the kitchen. Involve the little ones in measuring ingredients and mixing the dough; they’ll love rolling it out and spreading the filling. This hands-on experience can not only teach them valuable baking skills, but it also fosters teamwork and encourages creativity as they can personalize their own buns.

Assembling the buns together creates a fun atmosphere, filled with laughter and anticipation for the delicious outcome. Plus, the aroma wafting through your home will further enhance the bonding experience, making it a cherished tradition year after year.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator, and bake it in the morning.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.