Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the sticky pecan topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and yeast. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, salt, and eggs. Add this wet mixture to the flour-yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
2. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. While the dough is rising, prepare the sticky pecan topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out into a rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
6. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the filling. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the butter.
7. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls.
8. Place the rolls in the prepared baking pan on top of the sticky pecan mixture, leaving some space between each roll.
9. Cover the rolls loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they double in size.
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
12. Once done, remove the rolls from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a serving platter, allowing the sticky pecan topping to drizzle over the rolls.
13. Serve the maple pecan sticky buns warm. Enjoy!

These maple pecan sticky buns are incredibly indulgent, with a deliciously sticky pecan topping and a sweet cinnamon filling. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert treat!