Let me tell you about Overnight Sticky Buns – they are a delightful breakfast treat that is so worth the wait! The dough is soft and fluffy, filled with gooey caramel and nuts, and topped with a decadent glaze. What sets them apart is the fact that you prepare them the night before and let them rise in the fridge, so all you have to do in the morning is bake them to golden perfection.

The house fills with the sweet aroma as they bake, creating a warm and comforting start to the day. These sticky buns are a sure crowd-pleaser and perfect for a special occasion breakfast or just to treat yourself!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Dough:

1 cup whole milk, warm (about 110°F)
2 teaspoons instant yeast

1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

1 cup pecans, chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions for Making Overnight Sticky Buns

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the eggs, melted butter, 4 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface, adding additional flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.

Make the Sticky Pecan Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. Set aside.
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 20×14 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it evenly over the butter. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the pieces cut side down on top of the pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake: The next morning, remove the buns from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the topping is bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy your decadent Overnight Sticky Buns!

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Start with Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients significantly affects the final outcome. Use fresh, high-quality yeast, which is crucial for the dough to rise properly. Opt for real butter instead of margarine for both the dough and the topping for a richer flavor.

Dough Consistency is Key: The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but not overly sticky. If the dough sticks to your hands or the counter, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. Over-kneading can make the buns tough, so knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise is Important: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place until it has doubled in size. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen. A good rise develops the dough’s flavor and texture.

Rolling and Shaping: When rolling out the dough, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform baking. Roll tightly when forming the log to prevent the buns from unraveling during the bake.

Overnight Rest: The overnight rest in the refrigerator not only develops flavors but also makes the dough easier to work with. Make sure to cover the shaped buns loosely with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Warm is Best: Serve the sticky buns warm for the best texture and flavor. If they have cooled down, a quick zap in the microwave can revive the gooeyness of the topping.

Accompaniments: Although delicious on their own, you can serve the sticky buns with fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast.

Beverage Pairings: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness of the sticky buns perfectly. For a decadent treat, pair them with a glass of cold milk or even a mimosa during brunch.

Special Occasions: These buns are perfect for holiday breakfasts, special family gatherings, or a luxurious weekend brunch. Present them on a beautiful serving platter for that extra touch of elegance.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: If you plan on eating the sticky buns within a day or two, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the topping from becoming too runny.

Refrigerating: For longer storage, place the sticky buns in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep for up to a week. To serve, gently reheat in the microwave or oven.

Freezing Instructions: Freeze the baked and cooled buns in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can use active dry yeast in the same quantity. Just dissolve it in the warm milk with a pinch of sugar and let it sit until frothy before proceeding with the recipe.

My dough didn’t rise, what went wrong? There are a few possibilities: the yeast was old or expired, the milk was too hot and killed the yeast, or the dough was placed in a drafty area. Make sure your yeast is fresh, and the milk is warm (not hot) to the touch.

Can I add nuts or fruits to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the cinnamon-sugar mixture for added texture. Dried fruits like raisins or chopped apples can also be a delicious addition.

How can I make these sticky buns vegan? Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, use vegan butter, and replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture. For the topping, opt for coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Overnight Sticky Buns

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Overnight Sticky Buns are a delightful treat that allows for all the preparation to be done the night before, making your morning hassle-free and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup whole milk warm (about 110°F)
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs room temperature
1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

1 cup brown sugar packed
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

For the Sticky Pecan Topping:

1 cup pecans chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar packed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the eggs, melted butter, 4 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface, adding additional flour if necessary, until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.

Make the Sticky Pecan Topping: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top. Set aside.
Shape the Buns: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 20×14 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it evenly over the butter. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the pieces cut side down on top of the pecan topping in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Bake: The next morning, remove the buns from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the topping is bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then invert the pan onto a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy your decadent Overnight Sticky Buns!