Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for greasing)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
For the Sticky Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Ingredient Highlights
- Active Dry Yeast: This will help the dough rise, giving the buns their soft, airy texture.
- Brown Sugar: The brown sugar in both the filling and the caramel sauce adds moisture and a deep, rich sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Butter: Butter is essential for both the dough and the caramel sauce, giving the buns a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Cinnamon: The classic flavor of cinnamon, combined with brown sugar, creates the perfect filling for the buns.
- Heavy Cream: The cream in the caramel sauce gives it a smooth, rich texture that holds the sticky goodness together.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough for the Perfect Sticky Buns:
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir to combine and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. If the yeast doesn’t bubble, it might be expired, and you should try again with fresh yeast.
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Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, and mix until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring it all together.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
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First Rise: Coat a large bowl with vegetable oil and place the dough inside, turning it once to coat it. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Prepare the Filling for the Perfect Sticky Buns:
- Mix the Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Assemble the Perfect Sticky Buns:
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Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 18×12 inches in size.
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Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
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Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one of the longer edges, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal the dough.
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Cut into Buns: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the dough into 12-16 equal-sized pieces, depending on how large or small you want your buns to be.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce for the Perfect Sticky Buns:
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Bake the Perfect Sticky Buns:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
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Place the Buns in the Pan: Pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Place the rolled-up buns in the pan, arranging them close together.
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Second Rise: Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’ve puffed up and filled the pan.
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Bake: Bake the buns for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may want to cover them loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking if they start to brown too quickly.
Serve the Perfect Sticky Buns:
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the sticky buns to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before inverting the pan onto a serving platter. The gooey caramel will drizzle over the top of the buns, making for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 45minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g