How to Make the Ultimate Sticky Buns
Sticky buns are the ultimate comfort food, combining the richness of butter, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the warmth of cinnamon. When made correctly, sticky buns should have a soft, pillowy interior, a crunchy, caramelized exterior, and the perfect balance of flavors. If you’re looking to master the art of making the ultimate sticky buns, here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you achieve perfection.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- ½ cup whole milk, lukewarm
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup warm water
For the sticky caramel sauce:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Start by dissolving the yeast in the warm water and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the bowl and stir.
- Add the egg and 2 cups of flour, stirring until everything comes together into a dough. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup of flour until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until it becomes elastic and soft. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce
- While the dough is rising, prepare the sticky caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, then remove it from the heat. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and any chopped nuts you wish to use.
- Set aside.
4. Assemble the Sticky Buns
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the butter, then add the chopped nuts if using.
- Starting at the longer side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
- Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them in the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the Sticky Buns
- Before baking, pour the prepared caramel sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place the sticky buns in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and the dough has fully cooked through.
- Keep an eye on the buns while baking to make sure the tops don’t get too dark. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
6. Let the Sticky Buns Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the sticky buns from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. When you’re ready to serve, flip the entire baking dish onto a large serving platter or tray. The sticky caramel sauce will drip down over the buns, creating a deliciously gooey coating.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the ultimate sticky buns with a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for the Best Sticky Buns
- Use fresh yeast: For the best texture, ensure that your yeast is fresh. Yeast that has expired may result in dense, heavy buns.
- Don’t rush the rising time: Letting the dough rise properly ensures it will have a light, fluffy texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (about 100°F).
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sticky bun, you can increase the amount of sugar in the dough or the filling.
- Perfect caramel sauce: The caramel sauce should be slightly thickened but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more cream to thin it out.
Variations
- Fruit-filled sticky buns: Add raisins, cranberries, or apple slices to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Glazed sticky buns: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the baked sticky buns with a glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- Chocolate sticky buns: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent, chocolaty version.
Conclusion
Making the ultimate sticky buns may take a little time and patience, but the result is a warm, indulgent treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a special dessert. By following the steps above and paying attention to the details, you’ll be able to make sticky buns that are soft, gooey, and packed with flavor. Whether enjoyed on a lazy Sunday morning or shared with friends and family, these sticky buns are sure to impress.