Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting - 1/2 cup milk, warmed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract To make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns, you need a few key tools: - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Rolling pin - Sharp knife - Baking dish - Damp cloth or plastic wrap When picking your ingredients, freshness is key. Use: - Fresh yeast for better rise. - Pure maple syrup for rich flavor. - High-quality butter for a tender texture. - Raw pecans for a nutty crunch. Always check dates on dairy and dry goods. Fresh ingredients make a big difference! To start, we need to wake up the yeast. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes. You will see bubbles form. This means the yeast is ready to work its magic. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center. Pour in the melted butter, the room temperature egg, and your frothy yeast mixture. Stir gently until everything comes together. Now it’s time to knead. Slowly add the remaining cup of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Knead the dough for about five to seven minutes. It should feel smooth and elastic. Then, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour. While the dough rises, let's make the filling. In a small bowl, mix packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir well and set it aside. This mix will give the buns a sweet, nutty flavor. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. On a floured surface, roll it into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Pour warm maple syrup over the dough. Evenly sprinkle the sugar and pecan mixture on top. Now, starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 10 to 12 equal pieces. Place the cut pieces, cut-side up, in a greased baking dish. Ensure the sticky filling is facing down. Cover the dish with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. While they rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown and fluffy in the center. Once baked, take the buns out and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. Carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter. Watch the sticky syrup and pecans flow over the buns. Serve them warm, with extra chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for a special touch. Enjoy! Baking can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch for: - Not using warm milk: This is key to activating the yeast. - Skipping the first rise: Letting the dough rise helps it become fluffy. - Over-kneading the dough: Knead just until smooth. Too much makes it tough. - Not measuring ingredients properly: Use a scale or measuring cups for accuracy. To get that soft and airy texture, focus on these tips: - Use room temperature ingredients: This helps mix evenly and rise better. - Knead just the right amount: About 5-7 minutes is perfect for elasticity. - Let the dough rise in a warm place: A warm spot allows the yeast to work well. - Check for the right dough feel: It should be soft and slightly sticky. These sticky buns shine when served fresh and warm. Here are some ideas: - Drizzle with extra maple syrup: This adds sweetness and a lovely shine. - Sprinkle with chopped pecans: This gives a nice crunch and flavor boost. - Pair with coffee or tea: A hot drink complements the sweet, sticky flavor. - Serve with whipped cream: This adds a rich, creamy touch to each bite. {{image_4}} You can switch up the filling for your sticky buns. Try chocolate chips for a rich twist. Chopped fruits, like apples or berries, add freshness. Mix and match your favorites for fun flavors. You can even blend chocolate and fruit together for a special treat. To make these buns gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, swap the milk for almond milk and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These changes keep the taste great while meeting dietary needs. Spices can elevate your sticky buns. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. You could even toss in a splash of almond or maple extract for deeper flavor. Experiment with what you enjoy most. Each tweak will bring its own charm to your breakfast treat. To store your leftover buns, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can freeze these buns for later enjoyment. Once they cool completely, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat your sticky buns, remove them from the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. You can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them soft and gooey. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top before serving. Enjoy the warm, sticky goodness! Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Prepare the dough and let it rise. After the first rise, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge overnight. When you're ready, let it warm up before shaping the buns. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup. Both will give a nice sweetness. You might lose some maple flavor, but they will still taste good. These buns stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. To keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to cover them well so they don't dry out. Absolutely! You can use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Both will add a nice crunch and flavor. Just chop them up like the pecans. Coffee and tea are perfect with these sticky buns. You could also try a glass of milk or a light juice. These drinks balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors. In this post, we explored making delicious Maple Pecan Sticky Buns. We covered the main ingredients, equipment, and tips for quality choices. Step-by-step instructions guided you from activating yeast to baking and serving. You learned tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we shared fun variations and storage tips. Baking these buns can be fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll create tasty treats every time! Enjoy your baking journey!$

Indulge in the sweet and irresistible flavor of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns! This easy recipe guides you through creating soft, gooey buns packed with chopped pecans and drizzled with rich maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy treat, these sticky buns are sure to impress. Follow our simple steps and elevate your baking game. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating your delicious masterpiece today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

1/2 cup milk, warmed to a gentle temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup pure maple syrup, plus more for drizzling

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly, signaling the yeast is active.

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and the salt. Create a well in the center, then pour in the melted butter, the room temperature egg, and the yeast mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined.

Knead the Dough: Gradually incorporate the remaining cup of flour, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and place it in a warm spot to rise until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, prepare the sticky filling by combining the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pour the warm maple syrup over the dough, then sprinkle the prepared sugar and pecan mixture evenly across the surface.

Roll and Cut: From the longer side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the log into 10-12 equal pieces.

Arrange for Second Rise: Place the cut pieces cut-side up in a greased baking dish, ensuring that the sticky filling is facing down. Cover the dish with a cloth and allow the buns to rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Preheat the Oven: While the buns are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Buns: Bake the sticky buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.

Cool and Serve: After baking, let the buns cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter to allow the sticky syrup and pecans to cascade over the buns.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs | Servings: 10-12

- Presentation Tips: Serve these warm directly from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a touch of luxury. Pair with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!