Crispy on the edges and impossibly tender within, these homemade sticky rolls are a weekend baking project you'll want to tackle. A soft, pillowy yeast dough gets swirled with cinnamon sugar and baked over a rich, buttery pecan glaze. Once inverted, the gooey caramel cascades over the warm pastries to create an irresistible breakfast treat. They're best served warm alongside a hot cup of coffee for a comforting brunch.
Prep
2 hr 30 min
Cook
35 min
Total
3 hr 0 min
Servings
15
Course
Lunch
Ingredients
3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages regular active or fast-acting dry yeast (4 ½ teaspoons)
1 cup very warm milk (120°F to 130°F)
¼ cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter, softened
¼ cup light corn syrup
1 cup pecan halves, if desired
½ cup chopped pecans or raisins, if desired
¼ cup granulated sugar or packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, softened
5 Gently push fist into dough to deflate. Flatten dough with hands or rolling pin
Instructions
1Combine 2 cups of the flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, the salt, and the yeast in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the warm milk, 1/4 cup of softened butter, and the egg.
2Blend the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Increase the speed to medium and beat for another minute.
3Stir in the remaining flour, adding a 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough comes together and is easy to handle.
4Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy. Place the dough into a large greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides.
5Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until it doubles in size. You'll know it's ready if an indentation remains when you gently press two fingers into the dough.
6Combine the brown sugar and 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the corn syrup, and pour the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking pan. Scatter the pecan halves evenly over the caramel base.
7Stir together the remaining filling ingredients in a small bowl, setting aside the 2 tablespoons of softened butter for later use.
8Punch down the dough and press it out into a 15x10-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling on top.
9Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer 15-inch side. Pinch the seam of the dough to seal the roll completely. Shape the log with your fingers to ensure an even thickness, then cut it into 15 1-inch slices using dental floss or a serrated knife.
10Arrange the slices slightly apart in the prepared baking pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
11Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 30 to 35 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown, then let them rest in the pan for 2 to 3 minutes.
12Place a heatproof serving tray upside down over the baking pan and carefully invert them together. Leave the pan in place for 1 minute to allow the warm caramel to drizzle down over the rolls before removing it.
Notes
Make ahead: You can prepare the dough through the first rise the night before. Punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and filling.
Storage: Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Warm individual rolls in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to soften the caramel and dough.
Tip: Using unflavored dental floss to cut the dough prevents the rolls from squishing, keeping them perfectly round.