Southern Comfort on a Plate: From Scratch Pecan Sticky Buns, Georgia Style

When it comes to comfort food, nothing captures the heart of the South quite like warm, gooey pecan sticky buns. These sweet, sticky treats are a Georgia favorite, offering a delightful balance of soft dough, caramelized sugar, and crunchy pecans. Whether it's breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack with coffee, pecan sticky buns are an irresistible Southern staple, and in Georgia, they're made with a little extra love.

Photo bybakefromscratch.com

A Bite of Georgia in Every Bun

Georgia is famous for its pecans, so it's no surprise that the locals take pride in their pecan-based treats. These homemade pecan sticky buns are a tribute to the state’s beloved nut, with each bite delivering rich, buttery flavors and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. The recipe is made entirely from scratch, giving you a chance to bring a taste of Georgia right into your own kitchen.

The secret to perfect pecan sticky buns lies in the dough, which should be soft and pillowy but firm enough to hold up to the sticky caramel topping. As for the topping, the brown sugar, butter, and pecan glaze is what transforms a regular roll into a decadent, dessert-like experience. In Georgia, this is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition that brings families together, one sticky bite at a time.

Recipe: Georgia Style Pecan Sticky Buns

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp salt

For the pecan topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped

For the filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt, then gradually stir in the flour until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Make the pecan topping: While the dough rises, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, and heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel sauce.
4. Assemble the buns: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12x18 inches). Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 12 equal pieces.
5. Place the buns, cut-side up, into the prepared baking dish on top of the pecan mixture. Cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the sticky buns for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes, then carefully invert the pan onto a serving platter so the pecan topping drips down over the buns.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the sticky, sweet goodness that only Georgia-style pecan sticky buns can offer!

The Sweet Reward of Georgia’s Pecans

Biting into these sticky buns is like experiencing a little slice of Southern heaven. The soft dough, the sweet cinnamon filling, and the caramelized pecan topping all come together to create a flavor that’s as rich as Georgia’s history. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, pecan sticky buns are the perfect way to indulge in a bit of Georgia sweetness.

There’s something truly satisfying about making these from scratch, knowing each step brings you closer to that first warm bite. It’s a reminder of the importance of tradition, hospitality, and the pure joy of sharing good food with the ones you love. In Georgia, food is a way to connect with people, and this recipe does just that, one sticky bun at a time.

Sources:

Pecan Sticky Buns - Bake from Scratch

Best Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe - By Sugar and Soul