If you are on the hunt for an irresistible treat that combines fluffy, sweet rolls with a gooey, buttery topping, you’ve got to try the Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe. This delightful dish takes soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls and transforms them into a sticky, nutty, caramel-like masterpiece that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a special snack, this recipe offers a comforting balance of sweet and spice with a texture that makes you want to savor every bite. Once you try this Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe, it just might become your new favorite way to enjoy rolls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to make this sticky bun experience unforgettable. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and that beautiful sticky glaze.
- Brown sugar: Provides rich sweetness and a deep, caramel flavor essential for the sticky topping.
- Butter: Adds luscious creaminess and helps create the glossy glaze that coats the buns.
- Honey: Gives a natural sweetness with a slight floral note that enhances the glaze’s complexity.
- Corn syrup: Keeps the topping smooth and prevents crystallization, ensuring stickiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a subtle aromatic depth that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sticky topping.
- Chopped pecans: Provide crunch and a toasty nutty contrast to the soft buns.
- Hawaiian rolls (12-count): The star of the dish, these rolls bring natural sweetness and a soft, fluffy texture ideal for soaking up the glaze.
How to Make Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to get the perfect baking temperature for gooey, perfectly baked buns. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking while ensuring easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Sticky Glaze
Combine butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves, creating a luscious base for your glaze. Then, add honey, corn syrup, ground cinnamon, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, stirring everything together until wonderfully smooth and fragrant. This mixture is the secret to that classic sticky bun coating that your taste buds will celebrate.
Step 3: Layer the Topping
Pour the warm, sticky glaze into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top. The pecans will add a delightful crunch and contrast to the smooth glaze and soft buns, elevating every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Hawaiian Rolls
With a sharp knife, cut two criss-cross slits about two-thirds of the way down into each Hawaiian roll. This step allows the glaze to seep into every crevice and coat the rolls from the inside out as they bake. Place the cut-side down rolls carefully on top of the pecans and glaze in the baking dish, making sure they fit snugly together.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the sticky buns for a mere 15 minutes, just until everything is hot, bubbly, and perfectly sticky. When done, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the gooey glaze and pecans become a luscious topping. Serve immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe
Garnishes
While these buns are delicious as is, a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing adds an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal really making the dish pop.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticky buns with fresh fruit or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The bright acidity of berries or citrus slices perfectly balances the rich sweetness of the buns for a well-rounded breakfast or snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these sticky buns in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch display. Or, stack them on tiered cake stands alongside other breakfast favorites to create an inviting spread that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The buns will stay soft and sticky, ready to be enjoyed again without losing their delicious texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these sticky buns later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat the sticky buns in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until hot and gooey again. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds, but the oven method preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
While Hawaiian rolls are the best choice for their sweetness and softness, you can experiment with brioche or dinner rolls if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to cut slits in the rolls?
Yes! The criss-cross slits allow the sticky glaze to penetrate the rolls deeply, making each bite irresistibly gooey and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, and choose plant-based cream alternatives. The texture will stay delicious, just slightly different in flavor.
How soon should I serve the sticky buns after baking?
For the best gooey texture, serve immediately after baking and inverting the buns. They are delightful warm but can be reheated later with excellent results.
Can I add other nuts or toppings?
Definitely! Walnuts or sliced almonds can be great substitutes or additions to pecans. You can also sprinkle some shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist that complements the Hawaiian rolls beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe that brings a little sweetness and warmth to any day. It’s easy to make, wonderfully comforting, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. If you’ve been looking for a new recipe that combines softness, stickiness, and a burst of flavor, this one is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Go ahead and try it—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hawaiian Roll Sticky Buns are a delightful and easy-to-make treat featuring soft, fluffy rolls topped with a rich and gooey brown sugar butter glaze, pecans, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, they deliver a sweet, sticky, and buttery flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Sticky Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Rolls
- 1 (12-oz) package Hawaiian rolls (12-count)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the sticky buns after baking.
- Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Heat just until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Then add honey, corn syrup, ground cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract to the pot. Stir continuously until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble glaze and pecans: Pour the warm brown sugar mixture into the bottom of the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the glaze to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Prepare the rolls: Take each Hawaiian roll and cut two slits in a criss-cross pattern about two-thirds of the way down into each roll. This allows the sticky glaze to seep into the rolls while baking. Place the rolls cut side down on top of the brown sugar and pecan mixture in the pan, arranging them snugly to fit.
- Bake the sticky buns: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the rolls are heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Invert and serve: Once baked, carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so that the sticky glaze and pecans are on top, creating a beautifully sticky and flavorful topping for the rolls. Serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pecans before baking.
- These sticky buns are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated gently in the oven if needed.
- You may substitute pecans with walnuts or skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the brown sugar slightly or omit the corn syrup.
