• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Beyond the Butter logo

  • home
  • recipe box
  • about
  • work with me
  • subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • home
  • recipe box
  • about
  • work with me
  • subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • home
    • recipe box
    • about
    • work with me
    • subscribe
    • Amazon
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Published: Nov 19, 2019 • Modified: Mar 2, 2023 • This site generates income via ads and may contain affiliate links. See my privacy policy linked in the footer.

    Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Images of Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch from Beyond the Butter®.
    Images of Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch from Beyond the Butter®.
    Images of Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch from Beyond the Butter®.

    These Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch combine a simple dough that's slathered in buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a warm, gooey caramelized pecan glaze. They will melt in your mouth the minute you take that first bite!

    Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch recipe | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Pecan Sticky Buns | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Pecan Sticky Buns | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Easy Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch recipe | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Jump to:
    • How to Make the Best Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch
    • Easy Homemade Sticky Buns - VIDEO
    • Helpful Tips for Making Pecan Sticky Buns
    • Enjoy these Other Beyond the Butter Breakfast Sweets!
    • 📖 Recipe

    How to Make the Best Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch

    This homemade sticky buns recipe is quite easy to make! I've broken down the recipe into 3 parts: the dough, the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and the caramelized topping.

    The Dough

    Ingredients needed: active dry yeast, warm water, unsalted butter, an egg, granulated sugar, buttermilk, salt, and all-purpose flour

    The dough is your standard leavened dough (meaning, it requires yeast to rise) and it comes together very quickly. The hard part? The rise times—there are two of them with this recipe and they're each for about an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.

    I know the waiting is the hardest part, but I promise you that when you take your first bite of one of these homemade sticky buns from scratch, it will be totally worth it! Plus, think of all the other things you can get done in those 2 hours! Haha!

    Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

    Ingredients needed: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon

    This part of the recipe is the absolute easiest to make and requires only 2 ingredients. Well, 3 if include the melted butter which is what you brush on first prior to sprinkling the cinnamon sugar over top.

    You can buy cinnamon sugar in most grocery stores and online or you can very easily make it at home. I always like to make a good amount and keep it on hand for recipes like this and for my Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe—so good!

    Caramelized Pecan Topping

    Ingredients needed: unsalted butter, dark brown sugar (light brown sugar is fine too), light corn syrup, cinnamon, and chopped pecans

    The caramelized pecan topping comes together easily in a saucepan over low heat. And I always like to make it within the last few minutes of the first rise time, that way everything is ready to go after you've punched down and rolled out the dough.

    After the mixture is well blended you can remove it from the heat, pour it into the prepared 13" x 9" pan, then sprinkle on the pecans.

    Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch recipe | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    Pecan Sticky Buns | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Easy Homemade Sticky Buns - VIDEO

    Helpful Tips for Making Pecan Sticky Buns

    • I used my Nordic Ware 13" x 9" pan for this sticky buns recipe.
    • I usually will recommend using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer, but for these homemade sticky buns from scratch, I'd really suggest just using the stand mixer because you'll use both the paddle and hook attachments.
    • Kneading the dough for a good 5-7 minutes on a clean, lightly floured surface is important. The dough should be nice and smooth before you place it into the greased bowl.
    • There are two rise times for these sticky buns. The first rise is for after making the dough. The second is for after you've prepared the sticky buns and before you bake them.
    • Recommended bake times for this homemade sticky buns from scratch recipe is 20-25 minutes at 375ºF. They should be a nice golden brown color.
    • Spray the pan generously with a flour-based baking spray. I always swear by Bakers Joy. I have yet to have a recipe not come cleanly out of a pan thanks to this baking spray!
    • If you'd rather not use the oven and a bowl of boiling water to proof your dough, you can also cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and place it in a warm spot of your house.
    • It may seem a little odd to pour the caramelized pecan topping in first before adding the rolled pieces of dough, but after baking them, you'll invert the pan onto a serving plate.
    • You can swap out the pecans for walnuts, if you'd like. And yes, raisin lovers, you can add raisins in as well!
    • This homemade sticky buns recipe is best served the same day, but you can keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1, maybe 2 days tops. Re-heat them in the microwave before serving.
    Sticky Buns recipe | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC

    Enjoy these Other Beyond the Butter Breakfast Sweets!

    • Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake
    • Easy Homemade Donuts from Scratch
    • Apple Coffee Cake
    • 5 Ingredient Butterscotch Bundt Rolls
    • Bakery Style Lemon Blueberry Muffins - a Beyond the Butter reader favorite!

    📖 Recipe

    Close up of homemade sticky buns topped with chopped pecans.

    Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch

    Author: Jennifer
    This Homemade Sticky Buns from Scratch recipe combines a simple dough that's slathered in a buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a gooey caramelized pecan glaze. They will melt in your mouth the minute you take that first bite! So, grab your 13' x 9" pan and let's get baking!
    5 from 1 vote
    (prevent your screen from going dark while making this recipe)
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour 50 minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
    Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 629 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    homemade sticky buns

    • 2 ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
    • ½ cup Warm Water
    • 1 Large Egg (room temperature)
    • ½ cup Granulated Sugar
    • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 cup Buttermilk
    • 4 ½ - 5 cups All-Purpose Flour ((2 cups, then 2 ½-3 cups))

    cinnamon sugar filling

    • ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
    • 1-2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
    • 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (melted)

    caramelized pecan topping

    • ¼ cup Unsalted Butter
    • ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar
    • ½ cup Light Corn Syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • ½ cup Chopped Pecans

    Instructions

    homemade sticky buns

    • In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water for about 5-10 minutes. Set to the side.
      2 ¼ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast, ½ cup Warm Water
    • Using your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the egg, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and salt until combined. Add in the dissolved yeast mixture, buttermilk, and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour until well blended.
      1 Large Egg, ½ cup Granulated Sugar, ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 cup Buttermilk, 4 ½ - 5 cups All-Purpose Flour
    • Switch out the paddle attachment for the hook attachment and continue to add in the remaining 2 ½ - 3 cups of all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms.
    • Place the soft dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes or until the dough is nice and smooth.
    • When ready, place the dough into a greased bowl, making sure all sides of the dough are coated. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm, draft free spot of your kitchen for an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size. You can also adjust the oven rack to the middle to third mark, then preheat your oven to lowest temperature. Turn off the oven once preheated, place your bowl of dough in the oven with a medium-size bowl of boiling water on the rack below with the door closed. After 1 hour, open the door and remove the dough (and the bowl of water). 

    cinnamon sugar filling

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well blended. Set to the side. In a small microwaveable bowl, melt the butter in the microwave and set to the side (you'll apply this first before the cinnamon sugar). 
      ¼ cup Granulated Sugar, 1-2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon, 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter

    caramelized pecan topping

    • Generously spray the 13 inch x 9 inch pan with a flour-based baking spray and set to the side.
    • In a medium-size saucepan, melt the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, and cinnamon over low heat until the mixture is well combined.
      ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, ½ cup Dark Brown Sugar, ½ cup Light Corn Syrup, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • Pour the mixture into the prepared 13 inch x 9 inch pan, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over top. Set to the side.
      ½ cup Chopped Pecans

    assembling the sticky buns

    • Remove the kitchen towel from over top of the bowl with the dough, and (this is the most satisfying part) punch it down once with your fist. Then place the dough on to a clean, lightly floured surface.
    • Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into an 18 inch x 12 inch rectangle. Then, using a pastry brush, brush on the melted butter, leaving about ½ inch of space from the edge. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over top.
    • Starting with the long side, roll up the dough like you would for a jelly roll, pinching the seams to seal. 
    • Cut the roll into approximately 12 equal sizes and place into the pan cut side down on top of the caramelized pecan topping, leaving about a 1 inch space in between each roll. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and set in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until the sticky buns have doubled in size.
    • When ready, adjust your oven to the 2nd level mark (just above center), and preheat your oven to 375ºF. Then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
    • Allow the sticky buns to cool for 5-10 minutes before turning the pan over onto a large serving plate or jelly roll pan.

    Video

    Recipe Notes

    • I used my Nordic Ware 13" x 9" pan for this sticky buns recipe.
    • I usually will recommend using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer, but for these homemade sticky buns from scratch, I'd really suggest just using the stand mixer because you'll use both the paddle and hook attachments.
    • Kneading the dough for a good 5-7 minutes on a clean, lightly floured surface is important. The dough should be nice and smooth before you place it into the greased bowl.
    • There are two rise times for these sticky buns. The first rise is for after making the dough. The second is for after you've prepared the sticky buns and before you bake them.
    • Recommended bake times for this homemade sticky buns from scratch recipe is 20-25 minutes at 375ºF. They should be a nice golden brown color.
    • Spray the pan generously with a flour-based baking spray. I always swear by Bakers Joy. I have yet to have a recipe not come cleanly out of a pan thanks to this baking spray!
    • If you'd rather not use the oven and a bowl of boiling water to proof your dough, you can also cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and place it in a warm spot of your house.
    • It may seem a little odd to pour the caramelized pecan topping in first before adding the rolled pieces of dough, but after baking them, you'll invert the pan onto a serving plate.
    • You can swap out the pecans for walnuts, if you'd like. And yes, raisin lovers, you can add raisins in as well!
    • This homemade sticky buns recipe is best served the same day, but you can keep them stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1, maybe 2 days tops. Re-heat them in the microwave before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 629kcal | Carbohydrates: 110g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 382IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg

    Nutritonal information provided above is an estimate only and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Tried this recipe and loved it?Snap a pic and share it with me over on Instagram tagging @beyond.the.butter and #beyondthebutter in your caption or stories!
    Pecan Sticky Buns | All Images © Beyond the Butter, LLC
    « Butterscotch Krimpet Sheet Cake
    The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies »

    © All images & content on BeyondtheButter.com are copyright protected. You may not republish, redistribute, or otherwise use any images, recipes, or content, in part or in whole, without express written permission from the author. Beyond the Butter® is a registered trademark of Jennifer Switzer. All rights reserved. For more information, please read my Policies page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Review and Star Rating Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *






    1. Malou says

      April 10, 2020 at 6:19 am

      Hi! I've made these buns and they are absolutely delicious, especially the texture ! The caramel was a bit too much on the sweet side for me, I'll replace that for something else next time. A question though: how can I best prepare these buns a day before to bake them the next day? After doing all the rising and then just put them in the fridge? Or will they dry out like that and it's really needed to bake them straight away?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        June 11, 2020 at 11:27 am

        I’m so glad you l loved them! Yes, you can prepare them and then cover with plastic wrap. Then let them rise (the 2nd rise) in the fridge overnight, bake in the morning.

        Reply
    2. Carmen says

      April 25, 2020 at 11:33 pm

      Probably a silly question, but I’d like to make these to share. Can I divide in bake in 2 smaller pans instead? Do you think that would affect the baking time? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        April 26, 2020 at 2:37 pm

        Totally not silly! I haven’t made them this way yet, but will be this week actually...making some to share with neighbors of ours who love them! Baking times will be the same. Thanks!

        Reply
    3. Amjaad says

      September 18, 2020 at 12:04 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is amazing. My family was obsessed - especially when it first came out of the oven and was still warm and gooey. This is also the first recipe I try from your blog and I am glad I found it!!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        September 18, 2020 at 5:51 pm

        This is one of my all time favorites so I'm happy to hear it's now a favorite of you and your family's as well!❤️

        Reply
    4. Nicki says

      January 21, 2021 at 8:05 pm

      I loved these! And I’m very picky about my buns! Ha!
      Question, I’m hoping to take these on a trip and I’d like to make the dough two days before, and then bake them when I get there. Could I freeze the dough or would it work to keep the dough in the fridge for two days?
      Thanks!
      You mentioned this recipe was one of your favourites, what are your other favourites? Any healthy faves?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        January 22, 2021 at 4:57 pm

        I'm glad you loved them, thank you! I've never made the dough several days in advance of baking them. I would recommend making them either the night before or morning of your travel day.

        Reply
    5. Linda says

      February 05, 2021 at 9:49 pm

      Can I make this recipe without a mixer with paddle and hook? Can I mix by hand? How long and any tips would be appreciated.

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 06, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        Hi Linda! I haven't made them by hand, but you most certainly can. I would initially begin mixing by hand with a whisk, spatula or, if you have one, a danish dough whisk. Then once the soft dough begins to form, you can switch to using your hands. I still suggest then kneading it by hand for the 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it is nice and smooth. I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    6. Leanne says

      February 06, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      Hi there,

      Can you use salted butter?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 06, 2021 at 3:14 pm

        Hi, I haven't made them with salted butter, but you can if that's all you have on hand. Just omit the 1 teaspoon of salt.

        Reply
    7. Belinda says

      June 22, 2021 at 11:18 am

      I just took these out of the oven. I made the entire dough recipe but have only baked half. The remaining dough is going in the freezer.

      Reply
    8. Rena says

      February 17, 2022 at 2:51 am

      Can I use maple syrup instead of light corn syrup?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        February 17, 2022 at 10:44 am

        Hi! I'm sorry, I never tested the recipe using maple syrup, so I can't say for certain how it would turn out.

        Reply
    9. Lil says

      March 22, 2022 at 9:35 am

      Getting ready to try your recipe as I like ooey gooey sticky buns. I have rapid rise dry yeast. Do I still need to dissolve it in the warm water first? Thanks

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        March 22, 2022 at 10:11 am

        Oh lovely! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! To answer your question..no, you should be fine to skip that part and just add those two ingredients in step 2. Happy baking!

        Reply
    10. Mona H says

      August 19, 2022 at 1:40 pm

      Can you roll these up starting with the short side to make bigger buns or would that take too long to bake and dry them out?

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        August 19, 2022 at 7:08 pm

        I've never tried it before, but I think they would take a bit longer to bake, given how big they would be. If you try it out, though, let me know how they turned out!

        Reply
    11. Rebecca Chan says

      September 15, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      I LOVED this recipe! It turned out so gooey and delicious. Exactly what you would want from sticky buns. Just don't let your toddler rub them into the carpet like I did 😅 (Thank you carpet cleaners! hahaha Can't wait to try more of your recipes!

      Reply
      • Jennifer says

        September 18, 2022 at 4:26 pm

        So glad you enjoyed them (your toddler too)!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    hello! image

    Welcome to my blog! I'm Jennifer, and I love creating and sharing dessert recipes that are sweet, simple, and fun to make and bring me—and hopefully you and your loved ones—wonderful memories! Learn more about me and my inspiration for starting Beyond the Butter!

    Beyond the Butter® Favorites

    • Baking tray filled with bakery style lemon blueberry muffins garnished with slices of lemons and blueberries.
      Bakery Style Lemon Blueberry Streusel Muffins
    • Slice of 2 layer chocolate chip cake on it's side on a brown paper background.
      Chocolate Chip Cake
    • Overhead image of small batch chocolate cupcakes in vintage metal baking tin.
      Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes
    • Stack of three lemon bars on white background.
      Super Easy Lemon Bars
    • Overhead image of classic peanut butter blossoms on a parchment lined blue dessert platter.
      Classic Peanut Butter Blossoms
    • Angled image of sliced single layer chocolate cake on parchment paper with slices of cake on small dessert plates around it and a knife on parchment paper.
      Single Layer Chocolate Cake

    Cake Recipes

    • Slices of moist banana cake on ceramic dessert plates on a dark wood background.
      Moist Banana Cake
    • Slices of chocolate chip ricotta cake on a marble cake round with small bowl of mini chocolate chips nearby.
      Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake
    • Stack of three pumpkin pie cake bars on a parchment paper lined bottom.
      Pumpkin Pie Cake Bars
    • Slices of mini strawberry sheet cake topped with strawberry buttercream frosting and fresh strawberries with one slice on its side.
      Mini Strawberry Sheet Cake
    • Individual no-bake strawberry cheesecakes topped with strawberry glaze and a fresh strawberry on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
      Individual No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecakes
    • Small lemon cream cheese pound cake slice on a small dessert plate on white background.
      Small Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake

    Featured On

    Beyond the Butter features

    Follow Me On Pinterest

    Follow Beyond the Butter® on Pinterest | © Beyond the Butter®

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Resources

    • Privacy Policy
    • Recipes
    • Shop

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest

    Contact

    • Work with Me
    • About

    © 2023 Beyond the Butter®, All Rights Reserved.