Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls baked in a rich maple caramel glaze, loaded with crunchy pecans. These decadent and comforting sticky buns are the perfect treat for a special Mother’s Day brunch or any indulgent breakfast occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy dough – Made from scratch for the perfect light and airy texture.
Rich maple caramel topping – A buttery, sweet glaze infused with maple syrup and brown sugar.
Crunchy pecan goodness – Toasted pecans add a delicious nutty crunch.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
Perfect for gatherings – A crowd-pleasing treat for brunch, holidays, or special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg

For the Filling:

½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Maple Pecan Topping:

½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, melted butter, egg, and salt. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Make the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter with brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with pecans.
Make the Filling: Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Roll & Slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal slices.
Assemble & Second Rise: Place the rolls over the maple pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Invert & Serve: Immediately flip the baking dish onto a serving tray so the gooey maple pecan topping coats the buns. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories per serving: 420 kcal

Variations

Maple Bacon Sticky Buns: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the pecan topping for a sweet-savory twist.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans for a simple, classic sticky bun.
Extra Gooey Buns: Increase the maple syrup to ⅓ cup for an even more decadent topping.
Pumpkin Spice Buns: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked sticky buns for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make these sticky buns ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning.

How do I keep my dough soft and fluffy?

Make sure to knead the dough well and allow it to rise fully before baking.

What type of maple syrup should I use?

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid artificial syrups, as they lack depth.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but reduce the rising time by about 15 minutes since instant yeast works faster.

How do I know when the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and knead for about 5-7 minutes on medium speed.

How do I prevent sticky buns from sticking to the pan?

Grease the baking dish well and invert the buns immediately after baking.

What’s the best way to slice the rolls cleanly?

Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to cut even slices without squishing the dough.

Can I add raisins to the filling?

Yes, add ½ cup of raisins to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added sweetness.

What’s the best way to serve sticky buns?

Serve warm with coffee or tea, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are the perfect indulgent treat for a special brunch or holiday breakfast. With soft, fluffy dough, rich maple caramel glaze, and crunchy pecans, every bite is full of warm, buttery goodness. Whether for Mother’s Day or a weekend gathering, these homemade sticky buns are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy bakery-style perfection right from your kitchen!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Soft, pillowy cinnamon rolls baked in a rich maple caramel glaze, loaded with crunchy pecans. A decadent and comforting treat, perfect for Mother’s Day brunch!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, melted butter, egg, and salt. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Make the Topping:
- In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and maple syrup. Stir until smooth.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle with pecans.
Make the Filling:
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread with softened butter.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly. Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 slices.
Assemble & Bake:
- Place the rolls over the maple pecan topping.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Invert & Serve:
- Immediately flip onto a serving tray so the gooey maple pecan topping coats the buns.
- Serve warm!

Notes

For extra maple flavor, add ½ tsp maple extract to the topping.
Make ahead by refrigerating the assembled rolls overnight, then bake in the morning.
Serve with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American