Table of Contents: Sticky Buns Recipe for Christmas
Sticky Buns Recipe for Christmas
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the aroma of freshly baked sticky buns on Christmas morning. These soft, gooey, caramel-coated rolls, loaded with pecans and raisins, are the ultimate holiday breakfast pastry. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this sticky buns recipe for Christmas will become a cherished tradition in your home.
Introduction: STICKY BUNS RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS
Christmas morning is all about warmth, love, and indulgence, and these sticky buns embody that festive spirit. Made from scratch with a soft, yeasty dough, a rich caramel pecan sauce, and a spiced filling, these rolls are a labor of love that pays off in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply treating your family to a special breakfast, these sticky buns are sure to impress.
This recipe combines classic flavors with a hint of citrus from fresh orange zest and juice, adding a bright twist to the traditional sticky bun. The combination of warm spices, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of textures and flavors that’s irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to customize—swap raisins for dried cranberries, or add a dash of nutmeg for extra warmth.
Christmas morning buns like these are more than just a breakfast dish; they’re a celebration of togetherness. Baking them with loved ones, sharing them over coffee, and watching everyone’s faces light up with joy is what makes this recipe truly special.
Alternate Names & Variations
These sticky buns are also known as caramel pecan rolls or holiday breakfast pastries. If you’re looking for variations, try adding a layer of cream cheese filling or substituting walnuts for pecans. For a richer flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the baked buns before serving.
Ingredients: STICKY BUNS RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive sticky buns:
For the Buns:
- – 3 ½ cups (420 g) all-purpose flour
- – 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 package/7 g) dry active yeast
- – 2 tablespoons (25 g) + 1 ½ teaspoons (8 g) granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- – 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- – ½ cup (75 g) raisins
- – 1 ½ cups warm water (110-125°F/43-51°C)
- – 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter, divided
For the Sticky Sauce:
- – 12 tablespoons (180 g) unsalted butter
- – 1 ½ cups (250 g) brown sugar
- – 2 tablespoons (20 g) fresh orange zest
- – ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh orange juice
- – ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- – 2 cups (300 g) chopped pecans
For the Filling:
- – 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
- – 1 tablespoon (10 g) granulated sugar
- – 1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cinnamon
- – 1 tablespoon (10 g) fresh orange zest
- – ½ cup (60 g) chopped pecans
- – ½ cup (60 g) raisins
- – 3 tablespoons (45 g) softened butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Add warm water and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Make the Sticky Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Pour into a greased baking dish and sprinkle pecans evenly.
3. Prepare the Filling: Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, pecans, and raisins in a small bowl.
4. Assemble the Buns: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle the filling evenly. Roll tightly and slice into 12 pieces.
5. Bake: Place the rolls in the prepared dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve: Invert the buns onto a serving platter while warm and enjoy!
Recipe Card Block
This sticky buns recipe takes about 3 hours total, including prep and rising time. It makes 12 servings, perfect for a holiday breakfast. Each bun is approximately 400 calories—indulgent but worth every bite!
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This recipe combines classic techniques with fresh, vibrant flavors. The addition of orange zest brightens the rich caramel sauce, while pecans and raisins add texture and depth. To ensure success, use active yeast and warm water (not hot) for the dough. Letting the dough rise properly ensures soft, fluffy buns.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftover sticky buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap individual buns in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
People Also Ask: STICKY BUNS RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS

How do you make sticky buns from scratch?
Making sticky buns from scratch involves preparing a yeast dough, assembling a caramel pecan sauce, and creating a spiced filling. The dough is rolled, filled, sliced, and baked to create soft, gooey rolls.
Can you prepare sticky buns the night before?
Yes! Assemble the buns the night before, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
What makes sticky buns sticky?
The sticky texture comes from the caramel sauce made with butter, brown sugar, and cream. As the buns bake, the sauce bubbles and coats the rolls, creating a gooey topping.
What is the best way to reheat sticky buns?
The best way to reheat sticky buns is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This restores their soft texture and warm gooeyness.
Conclusion: STICKY BUNS RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS
These sticky buns are more than just a recipe—they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Share them with loved ones, savor every bite, and make Christmas morning unforgettable. We’d love to hear how your baking adventure goes, so leave a comment or share your results with us!
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