Name: Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 4 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, warmed to about 100°F (38°C); 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar, divided; 1 1/2 Tablespoons (14g) active dry or instant yeast (2 packets); 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into 4 pieces; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 1/2 cups (563g) all-purpose or bread flour, plus more as needed; 2 teaspoons canola, vegetable, or olive oil for greasing bowl; 2 cups (250g) chopped pecans; 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter; 2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk; 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 58 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love all things rich and comforting, this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe is about to become your new favorite breakfast treat. Imagine gooey, fluffy buns swirled with a cinnamon sugar filling, drenched in a glossy maple pecan topping that melts in your mouth with every bite. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet maple syrup, crunchy toasted pecans, and tender dough, delivering a cozy, irresistible experience that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special occasion, these sticky buns bring warmth and joy to the table like nothing else.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a small bowl filled with pecans, brown and textured. Next to it on the right is a larger white bowl filled with flour, white and powdery with a slightly uneven surface. Below the pecans is a small white bowl filled with sugar, white and granular. In the center is a small packet of yeast with bright yellow, blue, and red colors. To the right of the yeast is a small white bowl filled with brown sugar, rich brown and slightly packed together. Below the sugar bowl is a small bowl with cinnamon, light brown and finely powdered. Near the bottom left side, there are three brown eggs aligned vertically. In the middle bottom, a small small bowl holds maple syrup, dark amber and smooth. Next to the syrup, two sticks of butter with a pale yellow color and blue wrapping lie flat. Finally, at the bottom right, a small white jug is filled with milk, white and smooth. All ingredients have clear labels on them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully simple yet completely essential—each one plays a starring role in making your sticky buns soft, sweet, and nutty with an irresistible maple glaze finish.

Whole milk (1 cup warmed): Creates tender, soft dough by activating the yeast perfectly when warmed to just the right temperature.
Granulated sugar (2/3 cup, divided): Adds sweetness to both dough and filling, balancing the buttery richness.
Active dry or instant yeast (1½ tablespoons): The magic behind the rise and fluffiness of the buns.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened + 1/4 cup softened): Provides rich flavor and soft texture within the dough and the cinnamon sugar filling.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients and give richness to the dough.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
All-purpose or bread flour (4 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough—enough to hold everything together with lightness.
Oil (2 teaspoons): For greasing the bowl—helps the dough rise without sticking.
Chopped pecans (2 cups): Adds crunch and nutty flavor on top for a perfect texture contrast.
Light or dark brown sugar (2/3 cup + 1/2 cup): Gives depth and molasses richness to the sticky topping and cinnamon filling.
Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): The star sweetener that brings warmth and complexity to the topping.
Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Powers the lovely spicy fragrance and cozy flavor inside the rolls.

How to Make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking warm milk, a bit of sugar, and yeast in your mixer bowl until frothy. This is the key moment that tells you your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic. Then add the rest of the sugar, softened butter, eggs, salt, and flour gradually. Mixing at medium then low speed allows the ingredients to combine beautifully, forming a soft dough that will be both airy and tender.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Give your dough a good workout right in the mixer or on a floured surface by hand. Kneading develops the gluten, which will give you that perfect stretchy, elastic texture. Don’t be shy about adding a touch of flour if it feels sticky, but keep it minimal—soft and smooth is what you’re aiming for. The dough should slowly bounce back when poked, a great sign it’s ready for its first rise.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly greased bowl, making sure to coat all sides with oil. Cover and let it rest in a warm spot for about two hours until doubled in size. This patient rising phase is what creates those clouds of fluff in each bite of the finished sticky buns.

Step 4: Make the Topping

While the dough is rising, prep the sticky pecan topping. Grease your baking pan and spread chopped pecans in an even layer. On the stove, melt butter with brown sugar, milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and simmer gently until smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious sauce over the pecans, setting the stage for a caramelized finish you won’t be able to resist.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle on a floured surface. If the dough gets stubborn and springs back, let it rest for 10 minutes to relax—this makes rolling out a breeze and perfectly even in thickness.

Step 6: Add the Filling and Roll Up

Spread softened butter all over the dough, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll the dough tightly into a log, ensuring the filling stays inside to create those classic swirls. Slice into 12 even buns, about 1.5 inches wide, and arrange them snugly over the pecan topping in the pan.

Step 7: Second Rise and Bake

Cover the rolls and let them puff up for 30 to 45 minutes until beautifully puffy. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for around 25–28 minutes, tenting with foil halfway through so the tops don’t over-brown. When golden and inviting, let them cool briefly before flipping onto a serving platter, where the warm maple pecan topping cascades down the sides in sticky glory.

How to Serve Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe

There are eight lemon bars on a white oval plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each lemon bar has two layers: a light brown crust at the bottom and a smooth, pale yellow lemon topping. On top of each lemon bar is a small lemon wedge with bright yellow peel and light yellow flesh, positioned in the middle. One lemon bar has a bite taken on the upper left corner. To the right of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with fresh blueberries. A white cloth with brown dots is partly under the blueberry bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a charming final touch. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little more warm maple syrup or cream cheese glaze on top to make every bite bursting with flavor and shine.

Side Dishes

Sticky buns are splendid with a hot cup of coffee or creamy latte to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like berries or orange slices brighten the plate, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich buns and cutting through the gooey maple pecan topping.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these beauties family-style on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch feel or plate individually with a dollop of whipped cream and pecan halves for an elegant touch. You can even pop smaller bites on skewers for a fun party appetizer that disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe leftovers keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days. Store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil to maintain softness and prevent drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual buns tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your sticky buns in a microwave for 20–30 seconds until warm and gooey, or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven effect. You’ll want the maple pecan topping to get slightly melty again—it’s heaven.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well if you’re looking for a different flavor or texture. Just chop and toast them lightly before using for the best crunch.

Do I really need to let the dough rise twice?

Yes, the two rises develop the flavor and texture you want—first for volume and gluten development, second for that perfect pillowy puff after shaping the buns.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a sturdy spoon and a bit of muscle—it takes a little effort but totally doable and rewarding.

Can I make the sticky buns the night before?

Definitely. After shaping the buns, cover and refrigerate overnight for the second rise. Take them out to warm while your oven preheats, then bake as usual for fresh morning buns.

Is this recipe very sweet?

This Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe strikes a lovely balance — they are sweet and rich but not overwhelmingly so, with the maple syrup adding complex sweetness rather than pure sugar rush.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about savoring warm, sticky buns fresh from the oven, and this Maple Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe captures that essence perfectly. With a little time and love, you can fill your kitchen with the most delightful aromas and treat yourself to the kind of sweet comfort food that feels like a warm hug. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming a beloved staple for holidays and cozy weekends alike!