I polled my audience on social media about whether they liked sticky buns or cinnamon rolls more and was surprised that the results were almost evenly split with only a slight advantage to cinnamon rolls, which I honestly thought would win by a landslide. At our house, we definitely like them both, but two of us prefer sticky buns, while my husband and oldest daughter like cinnamon rolls best. So even though the pillowy soft dough and gooey filling are the same for both recipes, I’m giving these incredible small batch sticky buns the attention they deserve so you can get your sticky bun fix whenever you want without committing to a larger batch. Keep reading for info on how to make these as overnight sticky buns or freezing unbaked sticky buns so you can enjoy these any time you want! And if you want more small batch baking recipes, let me know in the comments below. I’ve already shared some of our favorites like Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies, Small Batch Muddy Buddies, Small Batch Brownies, and Small Batch Triple Chocolate Cookies.
Why You Should Make Small Batch Sticky Buns
Make Ahead Option. You can prep these the night before, stick them in the fridge, then pop them in the oven first thing in the morning. Perfectly Balanced Flavors. I’m super picky about my sticky buns. These have just the right amount of cinnamon filling and plenty of chopped pecans and sticky caramel topping. Don’t skimp on those pecans! Make 6 or 4 sticky buns. I shape these into 6 normal-sized sticky buns, but you could easily do just 4 jumbo ones if you prefer.
Recipe Ingredients
Pecans – I prefer buying whole pecans and chopping them myself so they aren’t too small. You could even use whole pecans, but I think sticky buns are much easier to eat when the pecans are chopped. All-purpose Flour – I prefer using unbleached all-purpose flour. You can also use bread flour if you prefer chewier sticky buns. Active Dry Yeast – This kind of yeast needs to be proofed in warm water until foamy before using. You can also use instant yeast and skip the proving step, if you prefer. Warm Water – The water should be about 105°F to 110°F so it doesn’t kill the yeast. Milk – I recommend using whole milk for baking. You can warm it in the microwave for 20-25 seconds, but don’t get it too hot. Sugar – You will need granulated sugar for both the dough and the cinnamon sugar filling, as well as brown sugar for the caramel topping. Egg – One large egg adds chewiness and richness to the dough. Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor, body, and depth to the soft, enriched dough. Ground Cinnamon – While not as prominent of a flavor in sticky buns as it is in cinnamon rolls, you still want some in the filling for warmth. Salt Cornstarch – I like adding a little cornstarch to my filling to help make it a little more gooey. Salted Butter – You will need this for the dough, the filling, and the caramel pecan topping.
How to Make Small Batch Pecan Sticky Buns
Storage Instructions
If you have leftover sticky buns, let them cool completely then store in an airtight container on the counter for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying to refresh them a bit.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze leftover sticky buns for up to 2 months. Let thaw on the counter and warm in the microwave before enjoying. You can also prepare the dough all the way through shaping the buns, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 3-4 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, prepare the topping and pecans, then place the frozen rolls into the pan and let thaw and rise covered loosely with plastic wrap for 4-6 hours until puffy before baking like normal.
Tips for Small Batch Baking
Make sure to measure your ingredients properly. I always give weights in addition to cups because you will get the most accurate results that way. But I’m also aware that most American bakers still use cups, which I why I always test and write my recipes both ways. Don’t overbake. If your sticky buns are coming out less sticky and more dry, the biggest culprit is usually overbaking, followed closely by adding too much flour to the dough.
More Sweet Bread Recipes
TikTok Cinnamon Rolls Caramel Apple Pie Crescent Rolls Glazed Apple Fritter Yeast Bread Lemon Blueberry Bread Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
The BEST Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Deborah’s Knotted Orange Rolls
Cranberry Orange Monkey Bread
Let me know what you thought with a comment and rating below. You can also take a picture and tag me on Instagram @houseofnasheats or share it on the Pinterest pin so I can see.
