Sourdough Sticky Buns Recipe

Sticky, gooey, and gloriously golden—these Sourdough Sticky Buns are pure comfort in a pan. This is the recipe you pull out when the week is a whirlwind and you want a special treat without so much as glancing at your mixer. Utilizing sourdough discard for unbeatable flavor and a hands-off overnight rise, these buns practically make themselves while you sleep. You’ll get tender, buttery layers swirled with cinnamon sugar, all drenched in a luscious caramel-pecan glaze. Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a sweet treat after dinner, these sticky buns promise soft, fluffy dough, fragrant spice, and a dreamy sticky topping—all made easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these for your sticky-bun success. Note: Measurements are omitted for your convenience—focus on the purpose of each ingredient.

Dough

• Unsalted Butter – For richness; grated into the flour, it creates a tender, flaky texture you can’t get any other way.
• All-Purpose Flour – The structural backbone; versatile and easy to work with.
• Sourdough Discard – Adds subtle tang and complexity without fuss—no active starter or extra fermentation time needed.
• Buttermilk – Gives the dough moisture and an extra soft crumb; subs in beautifully for milk.
• Honey – Just a touch for gentle sweetness and golden color.
• Fine Sea Salt – Balances the flavors—don’t skip it!
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Added just before rolling for a guaranteed puffy, pillowy rise.

Filling

• Light Brown Sugar – Sweet, caramel notes that melt into every swirl.
• Ground Cinnamon – Warmth and spice; the heartbeat of every sticky bun.
• Unsalted Butter – Brushed across the dough to help the sugar-cinnamon blend adhere.

Sticky Glaze

• Unsalted Butter – Melted for unbeatable richness.
• Brown Sugar – Dissolves into the butter and forms that coveted sticky bottom (which becomes the top!).
• Ground Cinnamon – Layers another wave of spice beneath the buns.
• Chopped Pecans – For nutty crunch and texture—it takes the glaze over the top.

Variations

Looking to make these buns your own? Here are a few tempting twists:

• Nut Free: Simply omit the pecans, or swap for walnuts, hazelnuts, or even seeds for crunch.
• Maple Magic: Add a splash of maple syrup to the glaze or drizzle it over the buns after flipping for extra sweetness.
• Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon-sugar filling for a decadent surprise.
• Fruit Burst: Diced dried apricots, raisins, or cranberries make a lovely addition to the filling if you love a fruity twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or orange zest to the cinnamon sugar for even more complexity.

How to Make Sourdough Sticky Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (The Night Before)

Grate cold unsalted butter right into a mixing bowl of flour, and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it in—shoot for a crumbly, sandy mix. Stir in your sourdough discard, buttermilk, honey, and salt until everything is evenly combined. The dough will be wet, and that’s exactly what you want. Do not add the baking soda or powder yet! Cover and let it rest on your counter overnight—no kneading, no drama.

Step 2: Cinnamon-Sugar Filling (Morning Magic)

Mix light brown sugar with ground cinnamon—it should smell irresistible. Melt your butter and let it cool a little.

Step 3: Add Leavening & Roll Out

Mix the baking powder and baking soda together, sprinkle over your rested dough, and gently fold it in with your hands. Generously flour your surface, and roll the dough (with a rolling pin or wine bottle) into a large rectangle.

Step 4: Fill, Roll, and Slice

Brush melted butter across the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly, leaving a little border on the edges. Roll it up tightly into a log, and cut into even pieces—twelve is just right.

Step 5: Prepare the Sticky Glaze

Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Let it bubble gently until the sugar dissolves—no need to fuss! Pour it straight into your baking dish and scatter chopped pecans over the top.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

Arrange the buns, cut side up, over the glaze with space between each roll—they’ll expand as they bake. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until puffed and golden, and your kitchen smells like heaven.

Step 7: Flip, Cool, and Serve

Let the buns rest a few minutes, then place a large parchment-lined baking sheet on top and confidently flip the whole thing over to reveal glossy, sticky buns with that all-important caramel pecan crown. Serve while warm (and watch them disappear!).

How to Serve

These sticky buns are best enjoyed slightly warm, fresh from their glorious flip.

Pair with:

• Coffee or Tea: A hot drink highlights the caramel flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Fruit: Sliced oranges, strawberries, or grapes are a lovely, bright contrast.
• Brunch Spread: Set out alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and yogurt for the ultimate weekend feast.

For a special touch, sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days—they’ll stay moist thanks to all that lovely glaze.

Freezing

Freeze tightly wrapped sticky buns for up to a month. For best results, wrap individual buns so you can thaw just what you need for a quick breakfast treat.

Reheating

To revive the gooeyness, reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven. The glaze gets perfectly sticky again—just how it should be.

Note: If storing longer than two days, refrigerate to maintain freshness, but bring back to room temp before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Every bite of these Sourdough Sticky Buns is a swirl of soft, tangy bread and gooey caramel pecan bliss. They’re simple, fun, and infinitely adaptable—ideal for busy schedules or lazy weekends alike. Don’t be afraid to try your own spin, and be sure to savor that first warm, sticky roll. There’s something magical about making your own sweet rolls—give it a try and let these become your new favorite treat!

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