If you have a soft spot for irresistibly gooey and sweet breakfast treats, then the Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. These sticky buns have that perfect balance of rich brown sugar caramel, toasty pecans, and fluffy cinnamon rolls all baked to golden perfection. The magic lies in the luscious sticky topping that melts into every bite, transforming simple frozen cinnamon roll dough into an extraordinary brunch or dessert centerpiece. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed sticky buns any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy with this Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe. Each ingredient is straightforward yet plays a crucial role in creating the coveted sticky, nutty, and fragrant layers that define these buns. From the softness of butter to the irresistible toffee notes of brown sugar and the crunch from pecans, every item adds its own special something.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides the deep, caramel-like sweetness that creates the sticky glaze.
- ¼ cup butter (softened): Gives the glaze a smooth, creamy texture and richness.
- 2 Tbsp honey: Adds a subtle floral sweetness and helps the topping stay irresistibly sticky.
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup: Keeps the glaze glossy and prevents crystallization for that perfect shine.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and complexity with its aromatic flavor.
- ¾ cup chopped pecans: Brings crunchy texture and a buttery nutty contrast against the sweet sticky glaze.
- 1 (36.5-oz) package frozen cinnamon roll dough (12-count): The fluffy and cinnamon-spiced foundation of this recipe, making the process easy and reliable.
How to Make Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Create the Sticky Glaze
The secret to the perfect sticky bun topping starts by blending butter and brown sugar until smooth. This creates a rich base that will melt into a thick caramel layer. Mixing in honey, corn syrup, and vanilla on a low-medium speed ensures the glaze is evenly combined and irresistibly glossy.
Step 2: Layer Your Pan
Begin by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the luscious brown sugar mixture evenly on the bottom. Then, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the glaze—these nuts will toast beautifully and add a wonderful crunch. Finally, arrange the cinnamon rolls on top, ready for that sweet transformation.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your assembly with plastic wrap that’s been sprayed with cooking spray to stop it from sticking, and let the dough rise until doubled in size. This typically takes 3 to 5 hours and is crucial for achieving that light, fluffy crumb inside every sticky bun.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Take off the plastic cover carefully and heat your oven to 350ºF. Bake the sticky buns for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a delightful light brown color. This step seals in all the sweetness and ensures the buns develop a tender interior balanced with a caramelized topping.
Step 5: Flip and Serve
The grand finale involves inverting the baking dish onto a serving platter. This simple flip reveals a glistening, nut-studded sticky topping covering each golden brown bun—each piece begging to be devoured warm and fresh.
How to Serve Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sticky buns even further, sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or drizzle with a touch of warm honey just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a delicate contrast to the sticky golden glaze, making them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fresh fruit salad or creamy vanilla yogurt for a balanced brunch. For a heartier occasion, a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate complements the sweet, nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the sticky buns on a wooden board with small bowls of whipped cream, maple syrup, or softened butter. You can also slice them individually and stack with fresh berries between layers to make an eye-catching sticky bun tower that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any sticky buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the buns soft and the sticky glaze delightfully tacky. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover sticky buns by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat sticky buns gently in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm them in a 300ºF oven for 10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness and re-melt the sticky topping to its glorious gooey state.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cinnamon roll dough instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cinnamon roll dough works wonderfully. Just be sure it’s slightly chilled so the buns hold their shape during the rise and bake. This recipe’s magic lies in that sticky glaze and nutty topping, so the dough choice is flexible.
What can I substitute if I don’t have corn syrup?
If corn syrup isn’t available, you can substitute with an equal amount of golden syrup or honey. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the glaze, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
While you can find gluten-free cinnamon roll dough, it may affect the rise and texture since gluten develops elasticity. Using a good-quality gluten-free dough will give you the best result, but expect a slightly different crumb than traditional sticky buns.
How long can I let the dough rise?
The dough should rise until it doubles in size, usually 3 to 5 hours. If your kitchen is warm, it might take less time, so keep an eye on it. Letting it rise too long can cause the buns to overproof and collapse during baking.
Can I add other nuts or toppings?
Definitely! While pecans are classic, walnuts or sliced almonds can be wonderful substitutes. For a seasonal twist, add raisins or small bits of dried fruit to the pecan layer before layering in the dough for extra bursts of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and celebratory about the Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a weekend morning or surprising guests with a sweet ending to a meal, the combination of sticky caramelized glaze, toasted nuts, and soft cinnamon rolls is simply unbeatable. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your baking repertoire—it’s the kind of treat that makes life a little sweeter and mornings much brighter.
Print
Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticky buns
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ritz Carlton Sticky Buns combine a rich, buttery brown sugar and honey glaze with pecans and soft cinnamon rolls, creating a decadent breakfast treat that’s delightfully gooey and flavorful. Perfect for weekend mornings or special occasions, these sticky buns are easy to prepare using frozen dough and deliver a warm, comforting experience with every bite.
Ingredients
Sticky Bun Caramel Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 (36.5-oz) package frozen cinnamon roll dough (12-count)
Instructions
- Prepare the caramel topping: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. On low to medium speed, gradually add honey, corn syrup, and vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated to create a rich sticky bun glaze.
- Assemble the sticky buns: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the brown sugar layer. Arrange the frozen cinnamon rolls on top of the pecans, spacing them evenly.
- Let the dough rise: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap that has been sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area for 3 to 5 hours until the rolls have approximately doubled in size, which ensures a light and fluffy texture after baking.
- Bake the sticky buns: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Carefully remove the plastic wrap without deflating the risen dough. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the sticky buns for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Invert the pan onto a serving platter so the caramel and pecans become the topping. Serve warm for best flavor and gooey texture.
Notes
- Make sure to let the dough rise fully for soft, fluffy rolls.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can reduce the amount of honey or corn syrup slightly.
- The plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray prevents it from sticking to the dough during the rising period.
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish to accommodate the 12 rolls comfortably.
- Sticky buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in the oven.
- Pecans can be substituted with walnuts or omitted if preferred.
