Looking for a breakfast or snack that’s both sweet and indulgent? These sticky buns are the answer! Soft, buttery, and perfectly sticky, they’re loaded with cinnamon sugar goodness and topped with a sweet glaze that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, enjoying them with your morning coffee, or simply treating yourself to a comforting dessert, these sticky buns will quickly become a household favorite. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly Sweet & Buttery: A perfect balance of sweetness and warmth that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just simple ingredients and a little patience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for brunch, breakfast, or a special treat with a cup of tea.
Moist & Fluffy: The dough is soft and tender, while the sticky topping is rich and gooey.
Great for Sharing: These sticky buns are perfect for gatherings and will surely impress guests.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sticky Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until it comes together (about 1-2 minutes).
- Roll the dough out into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
Make the Sticky Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border on all edges.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans (if using) over the filling.
Roll & Slice
- Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or serrated knife.
Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Arrange the dough slices in the prepared dish, spacing them slightly apart.
- Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the buns rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. They should puff up slightly.
Bake the Buns
- Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the buns bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Glaze the Buns
- Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to soak into the cracks and crevices.
- Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Bun)
Calories: 250 | Carbs: 35g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 1g
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the buns rise perfectly.
- Roll Evenly: Roll the dough evenly for consistent-sized buns. If you have uneven sections, they may bake differently.
- Let the Dough Rise: Allow the buns to rise for the full 30 minutes, as this helps them puff up and become fluffy.
- Topping Options: Try adding raisins, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the filling for variety.
- Let the Buns Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This helps the glaze soak into the buns without melting too quickly.
Why This Recipe Works
- Buttery & Sweet: The butter and sugar filling creates that perfect sticky sweetness, while the dough remains soft and tender.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a rich and flavorful treat.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of soft dough and sticky filling results in a delightful contrast of textures that’s hard to resist.
These sticky buns are a perfect blend of sweet, buttery goodness that will make any morning or gathering extra special. They’re easy to make, yet feel like a decadent treat. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a leftover snack, these sticky buns are sure to bring a smile to anyone who bites into them.
Serve them up at your next brunch or enjoy them as a delicious afternoon snack—either way, they’ll be a hit!
Sticky Buns: Your New Favorite Breakfast or Dessert Recipe
12
servings20
minutes25
minutes250
kcalIngredients
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup milk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Sticky Filling:
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until it comes together (about 1-2 minutes).
Roll the dough out into a 12×9-inch rectangle. - Make the Sticky Filling
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until smooth.
Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border on all edges.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans (if using) over the filling. - Roll & Slice
Starting from the long side of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Cut the log into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or serrated knife. - Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Arrange the dough slices in the prepared dish, spacing them slightly apart.
Cover the dish with a clean towel and let the buns rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. They should puff up slightly. - Bake the Buns
Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the buns bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - Glaze the Buns
Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm buns, allowing it to soak into the cracks and crevices.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the buns rise perfectly.
Roll Evenly: Roll the dough evenly for consistent-sized buns. If you have uneven sections, they may bake differently.
Let the Dough Rise: Allow the buns to rise for the full 30 minutes, as this helps them puff up and become fluffy.
Topping Options: Try adding raisins, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut to the filling for variety.
Let the Buns Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This helps the glaze soak into the buns without melting too quickly.