There are few things in life more comforting than the smell of freshly baked Gooey Golden Sticky Caramel Buns drifting through your kitchen. That warm aroma of butter, sugar, cinnamon, and caramel is pure nostalgia. These buns are soft, fluffy, and drenched in a rich, buttery caramel sauce that seeps into every swirl. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a special dessert, this recipe guarantees bakery-quality results at home.

Sticky buns have a long tradition in American baking, often associated with fall and winter mornings, family gatherings, and special occasions. What makes these homemade caramel buns truly special is the balance: tender yeast dough, warm cinnamon filling, and a deep golden caramel topping that’s gooey without being overly sweet.

This recipe walks you through every step so even beginner bakers can succeed. You don’t need fancy tools or professional skills — just patience, good ingredients, and a love for comfort food.

Why You’ll Love These Sticky Caramel Buns

✔ Ultra-soft, fluffy dough
✔ Deep, buttery caramel flavor
✔ Perfect balance of sweet and rich
✔ Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
✔ Make-ahead friendly

These buns are designed to stay moist and tender for days, and the caramel topping keeps them irresistibly gooey.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Gooey Caramel Topping

½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp honey or corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
Gradually add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
While the dough rises, prepare the caramel topping. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Stir in brown sugar, cream, honey, vanilla, and salt. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until smooth.
Pour caramel into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle pecans over the top if using.
Roll risen dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the surface.
Mix brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over the buttered dough.
Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal buns.
Place buns cut-side down over the caramel.
Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving platter so the caramel drips over the buns.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Buns

Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
Don’t rush the rise — fluffy buns need time.
Let the caramel cool slightly before flipping so it thickens beautifully.
Add nuts, raisins, or even apple bits for texture.

Variations

Pumpkin Caramel Buns: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree to the dough.
Maple Sticky Buns: Replace honey with pure maple syrup.
Orange Caramel Rolls: Add orange zest to the filling and caramel.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee or chai.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Drizzle with extra caramel or cream cheese glaze.

Fun Food Fact

Sticky buns date back to German immigrants in Pennsylvania who introduced “Schnecken,” a rolled pastry soaked in syrup. Today’s caramel buns are the modern, gooey evolution of that tradition.