23 Sticky Bun Brunch Recipes for New Year That Feel Indulgent

Posted on November 29, 2025

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Introduction

Sticky buns are the kind of brunch dish that make New Year mornings feel special. Soft dough, buttery caramel, warm spices, and all kinds of fun toppings turn a simple pan of rolls into a centerpiece. This list gathers playful sticky bun recipes you can prep ahead, customize with favorite flavors, and bring out of the oven just as everyone is ready for coffee and something sweet.

For most recipes below, you’ll see a similar basic enriched dough with small flavor twists. If you already have a favorite dough recipe, you can swap that in and keep the fillings and toppings the same.

THE RECIPES

1. Classic Brown Sugar Pecan Sticky Buns


 This is the go-to pan of gooey, nutty sticky buns that feels right at home on any New Year table.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk (about 40°C): 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp (1 packet)
  • Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
  • Melted unsalted butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 3¼–3½ cups (400–430 g)

Topping

  • Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g)
  • Brown sugar, packed: ¾ cup (150 g)
  • Honey or corn syrup: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Chopped pecans: 1 cup (120 g)

Filling

  • Soft unsalted butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Brown sugar, packed: ½ cup (100 g)
  • Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Make the dough
    • In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
    • Whisk in melted butter, eggs, and salt.
    • Add flour gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms, then knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
    • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.
  2. Prep the topping
    • Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13 inch) baking pan.
    • In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar, honey, and cream over medium heat; simmer 2–3 minutes until smooth.
    • Pour into the pan and sprinkle pecans evenly over the caramel.
  3. Fill and shape
    • Punch down dough and roll into a rectangle about 30×40 cm (12×16 inches).
    • Spread with soft butter.
    • Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the dough.
    • Roll up tightly from the long side and pinch seam.
    • Slice into 12 rolls and place cut-side down on top of the pecan caramel.
  4. Rise and bake
    • Cover loosely and let rise 35–45 minutes until puffy.
    • Preheat oven to 180°C.
    • Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and the center feels set.
  5. Flip and serve
    • Let rest 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto a serving platter so the caramel and pecans are on top.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm with extra chopped pecans and a pot of hot coffee. These reheat well in a low oven the next morning.

2. Overnight Brown Butter Pecan Sticky Buns


 Brown butter adds a toasty, nutty richness, and the overnight rise makes New Year morning easier.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Granulated sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
  • Melted unsalted butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 3¼–3½ cups (400–430 g)

Brown Butter Topping

  • Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g)
  • Brown sugar, packed: ¾ cup (150 g)
  • Maple syrup: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)
  • Chopped pecans: 1 cup (120 g)

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough as in Recipe 1 and let rise until doubled.
  2. Brown the butter for the topping in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until golden and nutty.
  3. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream; simmer 2–3 minutes. Pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan and top with pecans.
  4. Roll, fill, and slice dough into 12 rolls; place on topping.
  5. Cover pan tightly and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).
  6. On New Year morning, remove pan from fridge and let sit 45–60 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  8. Rest 5 minutes, then invert onto a platter.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side. Perfect with strong coffee or black tea.

3. Maple Bacon Sticky Buns


 Crispy bacon and maple caramel turn these into a sweet-and-salty brunch star.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup (50 g)
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Topping

  • Cooked crispy bacon: 1 cup, chopped (about 8 slices)
  • Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g)
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
  • Pure maple syrup: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup (60 ml)

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup (60 g)
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup (100 g)
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough and let rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, melt butter with brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream; simmer 2–3 minutes, then pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan.
  3. Sprinkle most of the bacon over the caramel, reserving a few spoonfuls for garnish.
  4. Roll dough into a 30×40 cm rectangle. Spread with butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll up, slice into 12 pieces, and place over bacon caramel.
  6. Let rise 35–45 minutes; meanwhile preheat oven to 180°C.
  7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
  8. Rest 5 minutes and invert onto a platter.

How to Serve It
 Scatter reserved bacon over the top and serve while warm with extra maple syrup if you like extra sweetness.

4. Orange Pecan Sticky Buns

Fresh orange zest and juice brighten the caramel and filling for a citrusy twist.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Orange zest: 1 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Orange juice: ¼ cup
  • Honey: 2 tbsp
  • Chopped pecans: 1 cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp
  • Orange zest: 2 tsp

Optional Orange Drizzle

  • Powdered sugar: ½ cup (60 g)
  • Orange juice: 2–3 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough, adding orange zest with the wet ingredients; rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, melt butter with brown sugar, orange juice, and honey; simmer 2 minutes, then pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan. Add pecans.
  3. Roll dough into a rectangle; spread with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest.
  4. Roll up, slice into 12, and arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes and invert onto a platter.
  7. For drizzle, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice to a pourable consistency.

How to Serve It
 Drizzle lightly over warm buns and garnish with extra orange zest curls for color.

5. Salted Caramel Walnut Sticky Buns


 A touch of flaky salt and toasted walnuts balances the sweetness and adds crunch.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1 (Classic Brown Sugar Pecan)

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Heavy cream: ⅓ cup
  • Corn syrup or honey: 2 tbsp
  • Toasted walnuts, chopped: 1 cup
  • Flaky sea salt: ½–1 tsp (for topping)

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough and let rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, cream, and syrup 3–4 minutes; pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan.
  3. Sprinkle walnuts over caramel.
  4. Roll, fill, and slice dough into 12 rolls; arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, then invert onto a platter.
  7. Sprinkle flaky salt over hot caramel.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm so the salted caramel is glossy and soft; pair with strong coffee or espresso.

6. Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Sticky Buns


 Chocolate hazelnut spread and toasted nuts give these buns a brownie-like richness.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped hazelnuts, toasted: 1 cup

Filling

  • Chocolate hazelnut spread: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup
  • Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough; rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
  3. Roll dough into a 30×40 cm rectangle; spread evenly with chocolate hazelnut spread.
  4. Mix brown sugar and cocoa, then sprinkle over the spread.
  5. Roll, slice into 12, and arrange in pan.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Invert after 5 minutes.

How to Serve It
 Dust lightly with cocoa powder or add a drizzle of melted chocolate just before serving.

7. Caramel Apple Sticky Buns


 Soft spiced apples tucked into the rolls make these taste like an apple pie in sticky bun form.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Apple Filling

  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Apples (firm, peeled and diced): 2 cups
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Nutmeg: ¼ tsp

Caramel Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup

Additional Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ⅓ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough and let rise.
  2. For apple filling, cook apples in butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg 6–8 minutes until tender; cool completely.
  3. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan.
  4. Roll dough, spread with soft butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then scatter cooled apples evenly.
  5. Roll, slice into 12, and place in pan.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Rest 5 minutes, then invert.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm with extra caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style brunch.

8. Mini Muffin-Tin Sticky Buns (Party Bites)


 These bite-sized buns are great for a big brunch crowd or dessert table.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1, but rolled thinner

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1 cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Grease two 12-cup muffin tins thoroughly.
  2. Prepare dough and let rise until doubled.
  3. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, honey, and cream 2–3 minutes.
  4. Spoon 1 tbsp of caramel into each muffin cup and add a pinch of nuts.
  5. Roll dough into a large rectangle about 35×45 cm, spread with butter, and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Roll up tightly and slice into 24 thin pieces.
  7. Place each slice cut-side down in muffin cups.
  8. Cover and rise 30–40 minutes; bake at 180°C for 15–18 minutes.
  9. Let stand 3–4 minutes, then invert carefully onto trays.

How to Serve It
 Serve on large platters so guests can grab a few bites without committing to a whole roll.

9. Cream Cheese Swirl Sticky Buns


 A tangy cream cheese layer softens the sweetness and brings cheesecake vibes.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup

Cream Cheese Filling

  • Cream cheese: 170 g (6 oz), softened
  • Powdered sugar: ¼ cup (30 g)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp

Sugar Filling

  • Soft butter: 3 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: ⅓ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough and let rise.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into a greased 23×33 cm pan.
  3. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread with cream cheese mixture.
  5. Mix sugar filling and sprinkle over cream cheese.
  6. Roll, slice into 12, and arrange in pan.
  7. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  8. Rest 5 minutes, invert gently (cream cheese will be soft).

How to Serve It
 Serve slightly warm; dust lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

10. Chai-Spiced Sticky Buns


 Chai spices bring warm, fragrant flavor that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm chai-spiced milk (chai tea with milk, strained): 1 cup
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: ¾ tsp
  • Flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground cardamom: ½ tsp
  • Ground ginger: ½ tsp
  • Ground cloves: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough using chai-spiced milk instead of plain, then let rise.
  2. Make topping with butter, brown sugar, and cream; pour into greased pan.
  3. Roll dough out, spread with butter, and sprinkle with chai spice sugar mixture.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, and arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, then invert.

How to Serve It
 Serve with hot chai or spiced coffee; sprinkle extra chai spice on top if you like.

11. Cranberry Orange Sticky Buns


 Tart cranberries and bright orange make these buns feel very New Year-friendly.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same as Orange Pecan dough in Recipe 4 (with orange zest)

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Orange juice: ¼ cup
  • Honey: 2 tbsp
  • Dried cranberries: ½ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Dried cranberries: ½ cup, chopped
  • Orange zest: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare orange-scented dough and let rise.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, orange juice, and honey 2–3 minutes; pour into greased pan and sprinkle cranberries over.
  3. Roll dough, spread with butter, then sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped cranberries, and zest.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, and place in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes and invert.

How to Serve It
 Serve with extra orange zest curls and a few sugared cranberries piled in the center of the platter.

12. Bananas Foster Sticky Buns


 Caramelized banana and rum-flavored sauce give these buns a dessert-like twist.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Banana Caramel Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Heavy cream: ¼ cup
  • Dark rum or 1 tsp rum extract + 1 tbsp water
  • Firm ripe bananas: 2, sliced

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough; rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, melt butter with brown sugar and cream; simmer 2–3 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in rum (or extract + water). Pour into greased pan and arrange banana slices over the caramel.
  4. Roll dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll, slice into 12, and arrange over bananas.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Rest 5 minutes, then invert.

How to Serve It
 Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re leaning dessert-style.

13. Pistachio Cardamom Sticky Buns


 Chopped pistachios and floral cardamom make these buns feel special and slightly exotic.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup
  • Yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: ¾ tsp
  • Ground cardamom: ½ tsp
  • Flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Honey: 2 tbsp
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped pistachios: 1 cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground cardamom: ½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough, adding cardamom with the dry ingredients; rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, honey, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into pan and sprinkle pistachios.
  3. Roll dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle sugar-cinnamon-cardamom mixture.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert.

How to Serve It
 Sprinkle a few extra pistachios on top and serve with strong black tea or cardamom coffee.

14. Vegan Coconut Caramel Sticky Buns


 These dairy-free buns use coconut milk and oil for rich texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm almond or oat milk: 1 cup
  • Active dry yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Coconut oil, melted: ¼ cup
  • Ground flaxseed: 1 tbsp + 3 tbsp water (flax “egg”)
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Coconut Caramel Topping

  • Coconut oil: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Full-fat coconut milk: ½ cup
  • Shredded coconut, toasted: ½ cup

Filling

  • Soft coconut oil: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Make flax “egg” by mixing flaxseed with water; let sit 5–10 minutes.
  2. Mix warm milk, yeast, and sugar; let foam. Add melted coconut oil, flax mixture, salt, and flour; knead until smooth. Rise 1–1½ hours.
  3. For topping, simmer coconut oil, brown sugar, and coconut milk 3–4 minutes; pour into pan and sprinkle toasted coconut.
  4. Roll dough, spread coconut oil, and sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Rest 5 minutes, invert.

How to Serve It
 Top with extra toasted coconut and serve with plant-based milk lattes.

15. Gingerbread Sticky Buns


 Molasses and gingerbread spices bring warm holiday flavor to your New Year brunch.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup
  • Yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Molasses: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Molasses: ¼ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Molasses: 2 tbsp
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1 tsp
  • Ground cloves: ¼ tsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough with brown sugar and molasses; rise until doubled.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, molasses, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into pan.
  3. For filling, mix butter, sugar, molasses, and spices into a spreadable paste.
  4. Roll dough, spread filling, roll up, slice into 12, and arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert.

How to Serve It
 Dust lightly with powdered sugar and serve with spiced coffee or hot chocolate.

16. Berry Almond Sticky Buns


 A layer of berries and sliced almonds makes these buns juicy, crunchy, and pretty.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Berry Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Mixed berries (fresh or frozen, not too juicy): 1 cup
  • Sliced almonds: ½ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough; rise.
  2. Make topping by simmering butter, brown sugar, and cream 2–3 minutes; pour into pan.
  3. Scatter berries and almonds evenly over caramel.
  4. Roll dough, spread with butter, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Rest 5 minutes, invert carefully (berries will be soft).

How to Serve It
 Serve warm with extra fresh berries and a spoon of Greek yogurt if you want a slight tang.

17. Espresso Caramel Sticky Buns


 Espresso-spiked caramel makes these buns especially good with your first cup of coffee.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup
  • Yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Espresso Caramel Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Strong espresso: ¼ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1½ tsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough and let rise.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, brown sugar, espresso, and cream 3–4 minutes; pour into pan.
  3. Roll dough, spread with butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert.

How to Serve It
 Serve with extra espresso or cappuccinos for a coffee-forward brunch.

18. Sticky Bun Pull-Apart Ring


 Baking the buns in a ring creates a centerpiece that guests can pull apart piece by piece.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts: ¾ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Grease a tube pan or Bundt pan well.
  2. Prepare dough and let rise.
  3. Simmer topping ingredients 2–3 minutes; pour into bottom of pan and sprinkle nuts.
  4. Roll dough, spread with butter, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll into a log, slice into 14–16 pieces.
  6. Arrange pieces around the pan, cut-side up, forming a ring.
  7. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes (cover loosely with foil if browning too fast).
  8. Cool 10 minutes, then invert onto a large plate.

How to Serve It
 Place in the center of the table and let guests pull off segments. Great with a fruit platter on the side.

19. Skillet Sticky Buns with Extra Crunch


 A cast-iron skillet gives the edges extra caramelized crunch.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Honey: ¼ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped mixed nuts: 1 cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp

Instructions

  1. Grease a 26–28 cm (10–11 inch) cast-iron skillet.
  2. Prepare dough, let rise.
  3. Simmer topping ingredients 2–3 minutes; pour into skillet and sprinkle nuts.
  4. Roll dough, fill, roll up, and slice into 10–12 pieces.
  5. Arrange in skillet.
  6. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Rest 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate slightly larger than the skillet.

How to Serve It
 Serve directly from the inverted skillet for a cozy, homey presentation.

20. New Year Sparkling Citrus Sticky Buns


 A light citrus glaze made with a splash of sparkling wine or sparkling juice keeps these buns bright.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same orange-scented dough as Recipe 4

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Lemon zest: 1 tsp
  • Orange zest: 1 tsp

Sparkling Citrus Glaze

  • Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
  • Sparkling wine or sparkling juice: 3–4 tbsp
  • Citrus zest (mixed): 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare citrus dough and let rise.
  2. Make topping, pour into pan.
  3. Roll dough, spread butter, and sprinkle sugar, cinnamon, lemon, and orange zest.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert.
  7. Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth, adding enough sparkling drink for a pourable consistency.

How to Serve It
 Drizzle glaze over slightly cooled buns and sprinkle extra zest on top for color.

21. Nutella & Toasted Hazelnut Sticky Buns


 A double hit of chocolate-hazelnut—inside and on top—makes these rich and fun.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Chopped hazelnuts: ¾ cup

Filling

  • Chocolate-hazelnut spread: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¼ cup

Drizzle

  • Extra chocolate-hazelnut spread: ¼ cup, warmed

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough; rise.
  2. Simmer topping ingredients (except nuts) 2–3 minutes, pour into pan, and sprinkle with hazelnuts.
  3. Roll dough, spread with chocolate-hazelnut spread, and sprinkle brown sugar.
  4. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert, then drizzle with warmed spread.

How to Serve It
 Serve slightly warm so the drizzle stays glossy and soft.

22. Honey Almond Sticky Buns


 Honey gives the caramel a floral note and sliced almonds add delicate crunch.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Same dough as Recipe 1

Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Honey: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Sliced almonds: 1 cup

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp

Instructions

  1. Prepare dough and let rise.
  2. For topping, simmer butter, honey, brown sugar, and cream 3–4 minutes; pour into pan and sprinkle almonds.
  3. Roll dough, fill, roll up, slice into 12, and place in pan.
  4. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  5. Rest 5 minutes, invert.

How to Serve It
 Drizzle with a little extra honey and sprinkle with a few fresh almond slices before bringing to the table.

23. New Year Midnight Mocha Sticky Buns


 A coffee-and-cocoa caramel and a simple drizzle make these perfect for late-morning brunch after a late night.

Ingredients

Dough

  • Warm milk: 1 cup
  • Yeast: 2¼ tsp
  • Sugar: ¼ cup
  • Melted butter: ¼ cup
  • Eggs: 2
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Flour: 3¼–3½ cups

Mocha Caramel Topping

  • Butter: ½ cup
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Strong coffee: ¼ cup
  • Cream: ¼ cup
  • Cocoa powder: 1 tbsp

Filling

  • Soft butter: ¼ cup
  • Brown sugar: ½ cup
  • Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp

Simple Drizzle

  • Powdered sugar: ½ cup
  • Coffee or milk: 1–2 tbsp

Instructions

  1. Make dough and let rise.
  2. For topping, melt butter, brown sugar, coffee, cream, and cocoa; simmer 3–4 minutes, whisking until smooth. Pour into pan.
  3. Roll dough, spread butter, and sprinkle filling mixture (brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon).
  4. Roll, slice into 12, arrange in pan.
  5. Rise 35–45 minutes; bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, invert.
  7. Mix drizzle ingredients until smooth and pourable.

How to Serve It
 Drizzle over warm buns and serve with mugs of coffee or mocha drinks.

Conclusion

Sticky buns bring a little ceremony to New Year brunch: the proofing, the baking, and finally the flip onto a platter with all that caramel revealed. Pick one or two flavors from this list for a smaller gathering, or mix a few pans for a bigger crowd. Save the recipes that fit your style, prep the dough the night before if you can, and enjoy watching everyone reach for “just one more” warm, gooey bun.

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