Discover the convenience of these Simple Sticky Buns, using crescent roll dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend, all rolled up and baked atop a buttery, nutty topping.
Quick and Easy Sticky Buns
For those who lack the time for homemade sticky buns, this quick recipe is a game-changer! It utilizes ready-made crescent roll dough and ends with the classic sweet, sticky texture reminiscent of traditional caramel rolls. Not forgetting the pecans, a key ingredient that sets sticky buns apart from caramel rolls, this recipe delivers all the goodness without the need for dough rise time, meaning you can have a batch ready in roughly 30 minutes.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe consists of two parts: the topping and the rolls.
Topping: It begins with a base of brown sugar, unsalted butter, and pecans placed at the bottom of the pan.
Nuts: Typically pecans are used, but you can omit them or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Filling: The rolls are enhanced with a filling of butter mixed with cinnamon and sugar, similar to classic cinnamon rolls.
Sticky Buns vs. Caramel Rolls
The primary distinction between sticky buns and caramel rolls lies in the use of nuts—pecans being the most traditional. It’s interesting to note the differences from cinnamon rolls too, which don’t require flipping from the pan as they aren’t made with caramel and are often frosted with cream cheese glaze without nuts.
Cutting Sticky Buns with Dental Floss
To achieve perfect slices without crushing the rolls, try using dental floss instead of a knife. Use plain dental floss to encircle the roll, slicing cleanly through it every 2 inches (5 cm). Remember, this method is for your rolls only—be sure to use a fresh piece for your dental hygiene!
Ingredient List
Sticky Bun Topping
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (60 g) coarsely chopped pecans
Rolls
- 2 tubes (8-count each) crescent rolls
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with non-stick spray.
Sticky Bun Topping
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar.
- Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of your baking dish.
- Scatter the chopped pecans over the butter-sugar layer.
Rolls
- Unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface, arranging the second sheet next to the first to form a large rectangle. Press the seams together.
- Spread softened butter over the dough.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon, then sprinkle this evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Place each piece into the baking dish on top of the sticky topping.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
- Carefully invert the baked rolls onto a large baking sheet or platter.
- Serve the sticky buns warm, ensuring each piece is coated with the delicious topping. Enjoy!
