Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

If you’re a fan of cozy, fall-inspired treats, you’re going to absolutely adore this Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe. These buns bring together the warm spices of pumpkin pie with the ooey-gooey goodness of sticky buns, creating a comforting flavor explosion that’s perfect for a weekend breakfast or a special holiday brunch. I love how the pumpkin keeps the dough incredibly moist, which makes these sticky buns stand out from your usual recipe.

When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how the pumpkin puree teamed up with the brown sugar and pecans to create not only a rich taste but also a beautiful texture. You’ll find that this recipe is worth every minute of your time because it turns out soft, fragrant, and just sticky enough to satisfy that sweet tooth without being overly heavy. Plus, these buns have that magical pull-apart quality that makes sharing them at the table a joy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get the perfect Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe, you’ll want to make sure your ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast and pumpkin puree. Using full-fat milk and unsalted butter really helps build a rich, tender dough with the right texture.

• Active dry yeast: Make sure it’s fresh and not expired to ensure your dough rises well.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a soft crumb.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the dough; spoon and level for accuracy.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that balances the pumpkin nicely.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A ready blend or homemade, it’s the heart of the pumpkin flavor profile.
• Large egg: Helps with texture and rich taste.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Unsalted butter: Both softened and melted versions are called for in different steps, so keep it handy.
• Chopped pecans: Toasted is even better for crunch and flavor.
• Honey: Gives the topping a lovely sticky sweetness and a gorgeous golden color.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth to the sticky glaze.

Variations

While I love sticking to the classic pumpkin and pecan combo, sometimes I like to shake things up. Feel free to personalize this Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe based on your taste or dietary needs – that’s part of the fun in baking!

• Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for toasted coconut flakes or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch without nuts; my nephew is allergic, and he loved this substitution!
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg in addition to pumpkin pie spice for an extra cozy flavor boost that feels like a warm hug.
• Fruit Twist: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for a little tartness cutting through the sweetness – my family enjoys this during the holidays.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter; while I haven’t tried it myself, readers tell me it works wonderfully with those swaps.

How to Make Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up the Yeast and Assemble Your Dough

Start by greasing a medium bowl with cooking spray – this is where your dough will rise, so no sticking please! Sprinkle the yeast over warm whole milk (not hot, about 110°F) and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbling. This signals that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Pumpkin-Enriched Dough

In your stand mixer with the dough hook attached, combine flour, brown sugar, kosher salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Add the egg, pumpkin puree, and the frothy yeast mixture. Beat on medium speed until the dough just starts coming together—you’ll still see a few dry bits. Then crank up to medium-high and add the softened butter tablespoon by tablespoon. This part took me a few tries before I got the timing right, but once the dough is smooth and starts slapping the sides of the bowl without sticking to your hands, you’re good!

Step 3: Rise Time – Let the Dough Double

Transfer the dough to your greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Find a warm spot in your kitchen (I like the inside of my oven with just the light on) and let it rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until it’s doubled in size. If you need to prep ahead, you can refrigerate the dough at this point and let it come back to room temperature later; just make sure it has time to rise again before shaping.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling and Roll Out the Dough

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, finely chopped pecans, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. Once your dough is ready, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into an 18 by 14-inch rectangle. Then brush the dough generously with melted butter and sprinkle over your brown sugar-pecan mixture, lightly pressing it down so it sticks.

Step 5: Roll, Slice, and Arrange Your Buns

Starting at a long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal pieces about 1 ½ inches wide. If your dough feels soft or sticky, pop the log into the fridge for 15 minutes to make slicing easier – this little rest helped me get neat buns every time. Meanwhile, prepare your sticky topping in a 13×9-inch pan.

Step 6: Make the Sticky Topping and Final Rise

Cook unsalted butter, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted and smooth, about 3 minutes. Pour this luscious mixture into your baking pan and sprinkle chopped pecans on top. Arrange your cut buns in the pan, spacing them about half an inch apart. Cover and let rise again for about 30 minutes so they puff up beautifully.

Step 7: Bake and Enjoy!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the sticky buns for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and caramelized on top. After baking, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping them out onto a cutting board. Another 10-minute rest will help the sticky topping set perfectly so you get clean slices and that irresistible gooey texture every time.

How to Serve Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans on top just before serving for added crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm cream cheese glaze takes them to another level – especially if you’re sharing with folks who love a sweet finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these sticky buns with some freshly brewed coffee or warm spiced apple cider for a truly comforting combo. They also go nicely alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad if you want to turn your breakfast into a fuller brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the buns in individual ramekins or mini bundt pans to create single-serving sticky buns that look festive. You could also layer them in a beautiful tiered cake stand to impress holiday guests or bring to potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might), wrap the buns tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh on the counter for up to 2 days, but I usually refrigerate them to keep the topping nice and set without drying out the dough.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked, shaped rolls in the pan, tightly wrapped with plastic and foil. When ready to bake, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and let them rise again for about an hour before popping them in the oven. This trick lets you prep ahead, which has saved me on busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat leftover buns, I find microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds keeps them soft and gooey. Alternatively, a quick 10-minute bake at 325°F revives that fresh-from-the-oven feeling perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m craving something sweet, comforting, and just a little bit special. I love sharing these with friends and family because they’re so impressive yet surprisingly straightforward to make when you break down the steps. If you’re on the fence about trying this recipe, I encourage you to give it a shot—you won’t regret the warm, cozy vibes these sticky buns bring to your kitchen and table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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