Name: Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: All-purpose flour 4 cups; Pumpkin purée ¾ cup; Warm milk (about 110°F) ½ cup; Brown sugar ¼ cup; Active dry yeast 2¼ tsp (1 packet); Softened butter 4 tbsp; Large egg 1; Pumpkin pie spice 2 tsp; Salt ½ tsp; Brown sugar ¾ cup; Ground cinnamon 2 tsp; Ground nutmeg ½ tsp; Melted butter 4 tbsp; Chopped pecans ½ cup; Butter ½ cup; Brown sugar 1 cup; Heavy cream ¼ cup; Maple syrup 2 tbsp; Chopped pecans ¾ cup

There’s something magical about the first cool morning of fall — that crisp air, the scent of leaves, and the promise of cozy baking days ahead. You pull out your favorite mug, wrap yourself in a blanket, and instantly crave something warm, sweet, and comforting from the oven. That’s where these Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns come in.

They’re everything you want on a lazy autumn morning: soft, pillowy rolls filled with pumpkin spice, brown sugar, and buttery pecans, all baked in a rich caramel glaze that drips down every swirl. When you flip that pan and the golden sauce slides over the top, your kitchen will smell like pure happiness.

If you’ve ever wanted a breakfast that feels like a hug, this is it.

Why You’ll Love These Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

You know those recipes that just feel right the moment you try them? These buns are one of those. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a fall favorite in your home:

Warm, seasonal flavor: The pumpkin purée adds color and moisture while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice wrap each bite in cozy fall flavor.
Crunchy-sweet topping: Toasted pecans layered under a sticky caramel glaze make every roll indulgent.
Soft and fluffy texture: The dough rises beautifully, giving you that perfect pull-apart swirl.
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s Thanksgiving brunch or a chilly weekend breakfast, these buns make everyone linger a little longer at the table.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prep them the night before, chill, and bake fresh in the morning.

They’re comfort food in its purest, sweetest form — warm, gooey, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get everything in place before you start. Having your ingredients ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Dough

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	4 cups
Pumpkin purée	¾ cup
Warm milk (about 110°F)	½ cup
Brown sugar	¼ cup
Active dry yeast	2¼ tsp (1 packet)
Softened butter	4 tbsp
Large egg	1
Pumpkin pie spice	2 tsp
Salt	½ tsp

For the Filling

Ingredient	Amount
Brown sugar	¾ cup
Ground cinnamon	2 tsp
Ground nutmeg	½ tsp
Melted butter	4 tbsp
Chopped pecans	½ cup

For the Sticky Pecan Topping

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	½ cup
Brown sugar	1 cup
Heavy cream	¼ cup
Maple syrup	2 tbsp
Chopped pecans	¾ cup

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

1. Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix warm milk with the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for about 5–10 minutes, until it turns foamy. If it doesn’t, your yeast may be inactive, so start over — this step is key for a fluffy dough.

2. Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, softened butter, egg, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add in the yeast mixture and stir until blended. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic — not sticky. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. Prepare the Filling and Sticky Topping

While the dough rises, get your toppings ready. For the filling, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter until you have a crumbly paste. Stir in the pecans.

For the sticky topping, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.

4. Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×16 inches. Spread the filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Starting from the long side, roll it into a tight log.

Cut the log into 12 equal slices using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.

5. Assemble and Rise Again

Place the slices cut-side down on top of the pecan topping in your pan. Cover again and let rise for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

6. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for about 25–30 minutes, until they’re golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The smell at this point will make your entire kitchen feel like a bakery.

7. Invert and Serve

Cool the pan for just 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving platter so the sticky topping drips over the rolls. Don’t wait too long — you want that glaze to still be warm and pourable.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Buns Every Time

Making yeast dough can feel intimidating, but a few small tricks make a big difference:

Use room-temperature ingredients to help the yeast activate evenly.
Knead just until the dough feels soft and elastic — overworking can make it dense.
Always give it enough time to rise; rushing the process affects the texture.
Toasted pecans bring out a deeper flavor, so toast them lightly before using.
Don’t overbake — they should be golden, not brown.
For an even richer glaze, drizzle extra maple syrup over the rolls before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you love the idea of waking up to fresh sticky buns, prep them the night before.

Refrigerate overnight: After arranging the rolls in the pan, cover tightly and chill. The next morning, take them out about 45 minutes before baking to come to room temperature and rise slightly.
To freeze: You can freeze unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then rise and bake as usual.
Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Cream Cheese Frosted Sticky Buns: Skip the caramel glaze and top warm buns with cream cheese icing.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.
Mini Pumpkin Pecan Rolls: Cut the dough smaller for bite-sized treats, great for brunch platters.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for yeast baking.
Extra indulgent twist: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

There’s no wrong way to serve these, but a few ideas make them even better:

Pair with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or chai tea.
Serve alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a balanced brunch.
Garnish your platter with mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a cozy presentation.
For holiday mornings, set them out warm on a wooden board and watch them disappear in minutes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sugar
420	55g	18g	6g	28g

Note: Values may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned bakers slip up sometimes — here’s how to keep yours perfect:

Adding too much flour can make the dough heavy.
Forgetting to let the dough rise twice will leave them dense.
Using milk that’s too hot can kill the yeast.
Waiting too long to invert the pan — the topping can harden as it cools.

If you get these right, you’ll end up with soft, sticky perfection every time.

FAQs About Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns

Can I make Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh in the morning. It’s the best way to enjoy warm buns with zero stress.

Can I use canned pumpkin purée?

Absolutely — just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has sugar and spices added.

What can I use instead of pecans?

Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes. For a nut-free version, sprinkle rolled oats mixed with brown sugar instead.

How do I keep them soft and moist?

Store them in an airtight container and reheat before serving. Avoid refrigerating unless you must, as that can dry them out.

Can I freeze baked sticky buns?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight and warm gently in the oven before serving.

Conclusion: A Taste of Fall in Every Sticky Swirl

When you make these Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns, you’re not just baking — you’re creating a moment. The smell alone is enough to make everyone wander into the kitchen, curious and smiling. Each bite brings together the best flavors of the season: warm spice, buttery pecans, and caramel sweetness that melts into soft pumpkin dough.

They’re perfect for cozy weekends, special breakfasts, or any day you want to feel a little extra warmth.

So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat the oven, and let your home fill with the scent of fall. Once you flip that pan and see that golden glaze glisten over each roll, you’ll know it was worth every minute.

Go ahead — make your mornings magical with these Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Sticky Buns.