Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Featured in: Weekend Pecan-Home Favorites

These tender, soft rolls are swirled with a buttery cinnamon and pecan filling, then baked in a rich maple syrup glaze. The dough is kneaded until smooth and allowed to rise twice, giving the buns a light, fluffy texture. Chopped pecans add crunch both in the filling and atop the sweet glaze, enhancing each bite with nutty warmth. Ideal for comforting breakfast or brunch, the sticky buns pair beautifully with coffee or chai tea.

Preparation involves mixing and kneading a smooth dough, creating a spiced filling spread, and assembling the rolled buns before a final rise. Baking results in golden, sticky buns that can be enjoyed warm for maximum flavor and softness.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 12:29:00 GMT
Golden-brown maple pecan sticky buns, a delightful dessert with a sweet, gooey glaze for breakfast. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown maple pecan sticky buns, a delightful dessert with a sweet, gooey glaze for breakfast. | pecanfield.com

Tender rolls swirled with a buttery cinnamon-pecan filling and baked in a luscious maple syrup glaze, perfect for a cozy weekend brunch.

This recipe yields soft and flavorful buns that quickly became a family favorite during chilly weekend mornings.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 2 ¼ tsp (7 g, 1 packet) instant yeast, 1 tsp fine sea salt, ¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk lukewarm, ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter melted, 2 large eggs room temperature
  • Maple-Pecan Filling: ½ cup (110 g) unsalted butter softened, ⅓ cup (70 g) light brown sugar packed, ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup, 1 tbsp ground cinnamon, 1 cup (100 g) pecans finely chopped
  • Maple Glaze: ½ cup (110 g) unsalted butter, ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar packed, ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup, 1 cup (100 g) pecans roughly chopped, pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Product image
Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.
Check price on Amazon
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and eggs. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 8 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Prepare Maple Glaze:
While dough rises, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Simmer 2 3 minutes, stirring until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the glaze.
Prepare Filling:
In a bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon into a paste.
Shape the Buns:
Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 12×16-inch (30×40 cm) rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the filling. Starting from the long edge, roll up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even rolls.
Assemble:
Arrange rolls, cut side down, over the glaze in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake buns 28 32 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so glaze and pecans are on top.
Serve:
Serve warm and enjoy.
Product image
Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Blend soups, smoothies, sauces, and baby food directly in pots for quick, smooth results.
Check price on Amazon
Freshly baked maple pecan sticky buns with a glistening maple glaze, invitingly sweet and warm. Save to Pinterest
Freshly baked maple pecan sticky buns with a glistening maple glaze, invitingly sweet and warm. | pecanfield.com

These sticky buns bring the family together every Sunday morning for a warm and comforting treat.

Notes

Leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven. Pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or chai.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowls, Stand mixer (optional), Rolling pin, 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, Saucepan, Sharp knife or bench scraper, Whisk

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts (pecans), Butter. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if uncertain.

Warm maple pecan sticky buns dripping with glaze, showcasing layers of cinnamon and chopped pecans. Save to Pinterest
Warm maple pecan sticky buns dripping with glaze, showcasing layers of cinnamon and chopped pecans. | pecanfield.com
Product image
Make fresh homemade yogurt and fermented foods easily for breakfasts, snacks, and recipes.
Check price on Amazon

Enjoy these maple pecan sticky buns fresh from the oven for the ultimate cozy brunch experience.

Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a soft dough texture?

Use lukewarm milk and knead the dough thoroughly for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise in a warm place until doubled for a tender crumb.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Walnuts work well as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar texture and mild nutty flavor.

How should I store leftover sticky buns?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate. Warm gently before serving to restore softness.

What is the best way to spread the filling evenly?

Roll the dough into a rectangle and use a spatula to spread the cinnamon-pecan butter mixture evenly, leaving a border to prevent overflow when rolling.

How to get the glazed pecans to stick on top?

Pour the warm maple glaze into the baking dish first, sprinkle chopped pecans over it, then place the rolls on top. During baking, the glaze adheres and caramelizes around the nuts.

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Tender rolls with cinnamon-pecan filling and maple syrup glaze, perfect for weekend brunch or dessert.

Prep Time
30 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Total Duration
60 minutes
Created by Michael Allen


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Dough

01 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
04 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 3/4 cup lukewarm whole milk
06 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 2 large eggs, room temperature

Maple-Pecan Filling

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
04 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
05 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Maple Glaze

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
03 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
04 1 cup roughly chopped pecans
05 Pinch of kosher salt

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Dough: Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, blend milk, melted butter, and eggs. Stir wet ingredients into dry until a soft dough forms. Knead by hand or mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Step 02

Make Maple Glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.

Step 03

Prepare Filling: Combine softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a bowl, mixing into a smooth paste.

Step 04

Shape Rolls: Punch down risen dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top. Starting from the long side, roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 equal portions.

Step 05

Assemble Rolls: Arrange the rolls cut side down over the prepared glaze in the baking dish. Cover loosely and allow to rise until puffy, about 30 minutes.

Step 06

Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 28 to 32 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto a serving plate so glaze and pecans are on top.

Step 07

Serve: Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer (optional)
  • Rolling pin
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp knife or bench scraper
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Always check your ingredients for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, tree nuts (pecans), and butter.
  • Check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

Provided for general knowledge—ask your doctor for personalized advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Proteins: 6 g