Easy Sticky Buns Recipe

The Most Heavenly Easy Sticky Buns Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Mornings light up with these delightful sticky buns that promise pure comfort and joy.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone closer to the warm pan.

Pulling apart soft, gooey layers kissed with caramel and cinnamon.

Butter melts into rich swirls, creating a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug.

Baking these sticky buns becomes an effortless adventure in your own kitchen.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft dough and sweet, sticky glaze.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical that you’ll want to share with everyone around your table.

Why Easy Sticky Buns Are Gooey And Good

  • Effortless Morning Delight: These sticky buns require minimal prep, making them a perfect breakfast treat for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
  • Quick and Foolproof Technique: Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, even novice bakers can create deliciously gooey, golden-brown buns without stress.
  • Versatile Serving Style: Bake in a single pan or individual muffin tins, offering flexibility for family gatherings, brunch parties, or personal indulgence.
  • Comfort Food Perfection: Warm, sweet, and irresistibly sticky, these buns provide a comforting flavor that brings instant joy and nostalgic memories of home-baked goodness.

What Goes In Easy Sticky Buns

Base Dough Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture for the sticky buns.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Essential for helping the dough rise and creating a light, fluffy texture.
  • Sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds sweetness to the base dough.
Wet and Binding Ingredients:
  • Milk, Butter, Eggs: Moisture providers that help bind the dough and create a rich, tender consistency.
Sweet and Sticky Topping Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup: Create the signature sticky and caramel-like glaze that coats the buns.
  • Chopped Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): Add crunch and depth of flavor to the topping, optional but recommended.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings classic flavor to the sticky buns.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the topping.

How To Bake Easy Sticky Buns

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C), getting ready for some serious baking magic.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Canvas

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish or a muffin tin and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Create the Gooey Caramel Base

In a small saucepan, melt together:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • A splash of vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, bubbling wonderland of sweetness.

Step 4: Build the Caramel Foundation

Pour the luscious caramel mixture into your prepared baking dish, creating a golden blanket that will make your buns absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Mix the Dough Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Sugar
  • Active dry yeast
  • Salt
  • Warm milk
  • Softened butter
  • Egg

Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, like a baker’s dream come true.

Step 6: Roll Out the Deliciousness

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a generous rectangle. Spread softened butter across the surface and sprinkle with:
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Chopped pecans (optional)

Step 7: Create the Swirl

Roll the dough tightly from the long side, creating a beautiful swirl of sweet goodness. Slice into even rounds.

Step 8: Nestling the Buns

Carefully place the dough swirls on top of the caramel base, allowing them to cozy up next to each other.

Step 9: Rise and Shine

Let the buns rest and rise in a warm spot for about 30 minutes, watching them puff up with anticipation.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 11: The Magical Flip

Remove from the oven and let cool for just a few minutes. Then comes the most exciting part – carefully flip the entire dish onto a serving platter, revealing the glistening caramel-coated masterpiece.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Pull apart these sticky buns while they’re warm, watching the caramel stretch and hearing those oohs and aahs from everyone around you. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your baking triumph!

Top Tips For Easy Sticky Buns

  • Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper or generously grease the baking dish to ensure easy removal of sticky buns without breaking.
  • Control Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar and honey quantities to match your preferred level of sweetness, creating a personalized caramel glaze.
  • Enhance Texture: Allow dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area for maximum fluffiness and a light, airy interior.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate for a quick morning baking process and deeper flavor development.
  • Customize Toppings: Experiment with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or add dried fruits like raisins for extra crunch and flavor complexity.

How To Store Easy Sticky Buns The Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm buns at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Wrap in aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • Microwave Option: Quickly heat individual buns for 10-15 seconds for a speedy treat. Add a small pat of butter on top to refresh the glaze and maintain moisture.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled sticky buns tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What To Pair With Easy Sticky Buns

  • Enhance Sweet Comfort: Pair these sticky buns with a warm vanilla latte for a dreamy breakfast experience that balances the rich sweetness with creamy coffee notes.
  • Complement Nutty Flavors: Serve alongside a chilled glass of almond milk to highlight the potential nuts in the recipe and provide a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, gooey buns.
  • Elevate Morning Indulgence: Match with a light raspberry or peach bellini for a brunch gathering, adding a sophisticated touch that cuts through the buns' sugary richness.
  • Create Decadent Harmony: Enjoy with a scoop of cinnamon or butter pecan ice cream, transforming the sticky buns into an ultimate dessert-like treat that melts in your mouth.

Ways To Switch Up Easy Sticky Buns

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans and walnuts over the sticky bun topping for extra texture and rich, roasted flavor.
  • Cinnamon Apple Swirl: Layer thinly sliced apples between the dough layers before rolling, adding warm spices and fruity sweetness to the classic recipe.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Fusion: Drizzle melted chocolate and sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top for a decadent and indulgent version of the traditional sticky bun.
  • Maple Bacon Sensation: Crumble crispy bacon pieces into the caramel sauce and sprinkle with a touch of maple syrup for a savory-sweet combination that elevates the classic sticky bun.

Easy Sticky Buns FAQs

  • What makes these sticky buns so easy to prepare?

These sticky buns use pre-made crescent roll dough, which saves time and simplifies the baking process. You don’t need to make dough from scratch, making it perfect for quick and delicious breakfast treats.

  • Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely if you have allergies or preferences. The recipe is flexible and can be customized to your taste.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Yes! This recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even those with little baking experience can create delicious sticky buns that look and taste professional.

  • How do I ensure my sticky buns turn out gooey and not dry?

The key is to not overbake and to immediately flip the buns onto a serving plate right after baking. This helps the caramel sauce coat the buns evenly and keeps them moist and delicious.

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Easy Sticky Buns Recipe

Easy Sticky Buns Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet cinnamon-swirled sticky buns showcase a delightful Southern breakfast classic with gooey caramel glaze. Warm, buttery pastries promise comforting morning indulgence that brings delicious memories right to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (16 ounces/453 grams) refrigerated biscuit dough (or crescent roll dough)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

Filling Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Topping Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (80 milliliters) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a warm 350°F (175°C), ensuring an ideal baking environment for these delectable pastries.
  2. Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish or muffin tin with a generous layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  3. Carefully roll out the prepared dough into a rectangular shape, creating an even surface for spreading the filling.
  4. Evenly distribute the cinnamon-sugar mixture across the dough’s surface, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Gently roll the dough from the long side, creating a tight, uniform cylinder that will produce beautiful spiraled buns.
  6. Slice the rolled dough into consistent pieces, using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean, precise cuts.
  7. Arrange the cut sections in the prepared baking dish, allowing slight space between each bun for rising and expansion.
  8. Pour the prepared caramel or brown sugar mixture over the buns, ensuring each piece is generously coated for a rich, gooey texture.
  9. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the buns turn a golden-brown color and emit a tantalizing aroma.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes, allowing the caramel to set slightly before serving.
  11. Carefully invert the baking dish onto a serving platter, revealing the glossy, caramel-covered sticky buns.

Notes

  • Use a non-stick cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release of sticky buns from the pan.
  • For extra caramelization, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the bottom of the baking dish before adding the dough.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture for a warm, aromatic twist.
  • Allow buns to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the caramel sauce set and prevent burning your mouth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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