Classic Honey Pecan Buns
📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic recipe for soft, gooey honey-pecan sticky buns made with a rich yeast-risen dough, brown sugar filling, and caramel-pecan glaze. Baked in individual muffin cups for a delightfully sweet pull-apart treat.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 30 mins | 1 hr 25 mins | 24 buns |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Small bowl
- Saucepan
- Large bowl
- Rolling pin
- 24 muffin pans
Ingredients
Dough
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 packages | Yeast | active dry, 2 1/4 tsp each |
| 1/2 Cup | Water | lukewarm |
| 1 Tbsp | Sugar | for yeast |
| 1/2 Cup | Milk | scalded |
| 1/4 Cup | Sugar | for milk mixture |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt | standard |
| 3 Tbsp | Shortening | softened |
| 1 | Egg | beaten |
| 3 1/2 Cups | Flour | sifted |
Caramel Glaze
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Cup | Butter | melted |
| 1 Cup | Brown Sugar | packed |
| 1/4 Cup | Honey | or corn syrup |
| 72 | Pecan Halves | 3 per bun |
Filling
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| As needed | Butter | melted for brushing |
| 3/4 Cup | Brown Sugar | for filling |
| 3/4 Cup | Pecans | chopped |
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a small bowl, dissolve 2 packages yeast and 1 Tbsp sugar in 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a saucepan, scald 1/2 cup milk. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 3 Tbsp shortening until melted. Cool to lukewarm.
- In a large bowl, combine the yeast mixture, lukewarm milk mixture, and 1 beaten egg. Gradually stir in 3 1/2 cups sifted flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic for about 5-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 30-60 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Pans
- While the dough rises, prepare the brown sugar syrup. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter with 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup honey or corn syrup.
- Divide this syrup evenly among 24 greased muffin pans. Place 3 pecan halves in each muffin cup.
Step 3: Shape and Fill the Buns
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into an 8x12-inch rectangle.
- Brush each rectangle with melted butter. Sprinkle each with 3/8 cup brown sugar and 3/8 cup chopped pecans.
- Roll up each rectangle lengthwise, like a jelly roll. Cut each roll into 12 one-inch slices.
Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
- Place one slice, cut-side up, in each prepared muffin pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the buns for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Immediately turn the pans upside down onto a serving platter while hot. Serve immediately.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Unbaked assembled buns can be covered and refrigerated overnight for a second rise in the morning before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
