Golden Maple Pecan Sticky Buns: A Breakfast Favorite

Welcome to my culinary journey! Today, I am excited to share with you the recipe for Golden Maple Pecan Sticky Buns, a breakfast favorite that will surely delight your taste buds and elevate your morning routine. These sticky buns are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that will leave you craving more.

Introduction

The history of sticky buns dates back centuries, with origins in Germany where they were known as “Schneeballen.” Over time, they have evolved into various forms across different cultures. In North America, they became popular during the early 20th century and have since been a staple in many households. The combination of sweet dough, gooey caramel, and crunchy nuts makes them irresistible.

In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create golden maple pecan sticky buns that are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can recreate this delicious treat at home.

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 package active dry yeast (7g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml), warmed to 110°F (43°C)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (60g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (150g)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (120ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (100g)
• For the Topping:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (150g)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (120ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (50g)

Instructions

1. Making the Dough:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Stir to mix well. Add the warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, knead the mixture on medium speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand-held electric mixer or knead by hand for about 10 minutes.

   Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Preparing the Filling:

   While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Stir in the ground cinnamon and chopped pecans.

3. Assembling the Buns:

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 12×16 inches (30x40cm) on a lightly floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

   Starting from one long edge, roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 12 equal pieces.

4. Baking:

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Place the rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan, spacing them evenly. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30 minutes or until puffy.

   Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a serving plate. Let it sit for a minute or two before gently removing the pan.

5. Creating the Topping:

   While the buns are baking, prepare the topping. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour this mixture over the baked buns, allowing it to seep into the holes left by the pan. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for added crunch.

Tips and Variations

To ensure the best results, follow these tips:

• Make sure the milk is warm but not hot when adding it to the yeast mixture. Too much heat can kill the yeast.
• If you’re short on time, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast, which doesn’t require proofing.
• For a richer flavor, replace some of the all-purpose flour with bread flour.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the filling.

Serving Suggestions

Golden Maple Pecan Sticky Buns are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

These golden maple pecan sticky buns are a delightful addition to any breakfast table. Their rich, buttery dough, sweet caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecans make them a true comfort food. With this recipe, you can enjoy the luxury of homemade sticky buns without leaving your kitchen. Happy baking!