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To make Maple Pecan Sticky Buns with Brown Butter, you need the following ingredients: - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (around 110°F/43°C) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for browning) - Pinch of salt These ingredients work together to create a soft, sweet dough with a rich filling. The combination of brown butter and maple syrup gives these sticky buns a unique flavor. You will enjoy the crunch from the pecans and the warm spices that fill the kitchen with a comforting aroma. Prepare these ingredients ahead of time, and you can easily follow the steps to create a delightful treat. To start, mix the warmed milk with granulated sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the yeast wake up and get foamy. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. After mixing, add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and the yeast mix. Stir until you form a soft dough. Next, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. Then, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Make sure it is well combined. Now, let’s brown the butter. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt a quarter cup of unsalted butter. Stir it often until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. After the dough rises, gently punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the brown butter on top, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over it. Finally, add the chopped pecans evenly. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the seam and slice it into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls cut side up in a greased baking dish. Cover the dish with a cloth and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while they rise. Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. Once baked, cool the rolls in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, flip them out onto a serving platter. Enjoy the sticky syrup that drizzles down over the rolls! To make great sticky buns, the dough must feel just right. You want a soft, smooth texture. When you knead it, it should spring back when pressed. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, a splash of milk can help. For yeast activation, make sure your milk is warm, not hot. You want it around 110°F (43°C). Mix the yeast with the sugar and milk, and wait for it to foam. This shows that your yeast is alive and ready to work. Browning butter adds depth and flavor. To avoid burning, use medium heat and stir often. Keep your eyes on it; butter can turn brown quickly. To get that lovely nutty aroma, look for a golden color with a slight froth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once you see that, take it off the heat. Let it cool for a minute before using it in your rolls. When serving your sticky buns, a drizzle of extra maple syrup makes them shine. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a nice crunch. These buns taste best warm, right out of the oven. If you let them cool too much, they may lose that gooey texture. Serve them hot for a truly delightful treat! {{image_4}} You can add your own twist to these sticky buns. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. You can also use different extracts, like almond or maple, to enhance flavor. For a fruity touch, mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries. These choices will change the flavor and make your buns unique. If you want a lighter version, consider using less sugar. You can replace some sugar with applesauce for moisture. Another option is to use honey or agave syrup for sweetness. For those who need gluten-free options, try gluten-free flour blends. These can work well and keep your buns fluffy. The sticky sauce doesn’t have to be the same each time. You can mix up the syrup by using honey or caramel. If you want to switch nuts, walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully. These changes can create a whole new taste experience each time you make them. To keep your maple pecan sticky buns fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep the moisture in and stops them from drying out. If you plan to eat them within two days, you can leave them at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. Just remember, refrigeration can change their texture. When you want to enjoy your sticky buns again, reheating is key. I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the buns in foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat for just a few seconds at a time to avoid dryness. To freeze sticky buns, wait until they cool completely. Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat using the methods I shared earlier for the best taste. Yes, you can! To prepare in advance, make the dough the night before. Let it rise as usual, then cover and refrigerate it. In the morning, take it out and let it warm up for about 30 minutes. Then, roll out the dough, add the filling, and shape the buns. This saves time and keeps them fresh. If you need a substitute for pecans, walnuts work well. They have a similar crunch and taste. You can also use almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor. Just chop them up like the pecans and follow the same steps in the recipe. Look for a golden brown color on top. The rolls should also spring back when lightly tapped. You can use a toothpick to check inside. It should come out clean. If it has dough on it, bake for a few more minutes. Serve the sticky buns warm for the best taste. Drizzle some extra maple syrup on top before serving. You can also add some chopped pecans for a nice garnish. This makes them look great and adds more crunch. To make these buns vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs or applesauce. Use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, instead of whole milk. Replace the butter with a vegan butter alternative. You can still enjoy the yummy taste and texture! You learned the key ingredients needed for delicious sticky buns. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you create the perfect treat. Remember, each part of the process matters, from kneading dough to choosing toppings. Whether you make these ahead of time or explore different flavors, you have options. Store them properly for fresh results. Enjoying warm, gooey buns will delight anyone. Dive into this fun baking adventure and make some sticky buns today!

Maple Pecan Sticky Buns with Brown Butter

Indulge in the sweet delight of Maple Pecan Sticky Buns with Brown Butter! This scrumptious recipe combines warm, fluffy dough with rich maple syrup, cinnamon, and crunchy pecans for a treat that's perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple steps to create these mouthwatering rolls that will impress your family and friends. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup whole milk, warmed (around 110°F/43°C)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup packed brown sugar, light or dark

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter (for browning)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow this mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.

    Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Once mixed, add the melted butter, room temperature eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough begins to form.

      Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 5 minutes, until it is smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball, place it in a greased bowl, and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

        Prepare the Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended and set this filling mixture aside.

          Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and exhibits a nutty aroma (this should take about 5-7 minutes). Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

            Assemble the Rolls: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick. Brush the brown butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle the brown sugar mixture on top. Finish by spreading the chopped pecans over the filling.

              Form the Rolls: Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it well, then slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cut side up.

                Second Rise: Cover the baking dish with a cloth and allow the rolls to rise again for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

                  Bake the Rolls: Once risen, bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown on top.

                    Finishing Touch: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully flip them out onto a serving platter, allowing the delicious sticky syrup to drizzle down over the rolls.

                      Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12 rolls

                        - Presentation Tips: Prior to serving, drizzle extra maple syrup over the tops and sprinkle with a few additional chopped pecans for an appealing garnish. Serve these decadent sticky buns warm for the best flavor and texture!