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Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns Recipe

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4 from 49 reviews

These Hawaiian Rolls Sticky Buns are a deliciously sweet and sticky treat made with buttery caramel, pecans, and soft Hawaiian sweet rolls. Perfect as a dessert or a decadent breakfast, these buns are baked to golden perfection and topped with a rich caramel glaze that seeps into each roll, creating an irresistible flavor combination.

  • Total Time: 24 to 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Caramel Sauce

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 4 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 12-pack Hawaiian sweet rolls

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Cut an ‘X’ on the top of each Hawaiian roll, cutting almost to the bottom but not all the way through.
  2. Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Boil briefly to ensure all sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat and stir until bubbling stops.
  3. Assemble the sticky buns: Pour the caramel sauce evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer. Place the Hawaiian rolls on top of the caramel, upside down with their tops facing down into the caramel mixture.
  4. Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the rolls turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes; avoid waiting longer to ensure the caramel stays gooey.
  5. Invert the buns: Carefully place a large serving platter over the baking dish. Invert the dish and platter together so the sticky buns come out onto the platter with the caramel and pecans on top. Be cautious as the caramel will still be hot.
  6. Add more caramel: Spoon any leftover caramel and pecans from the baking dish over the top of the sticky buns, especially into the cuts made on the rolls, so the caramel seeps nicely into each bun.
  7. Serve warm: Serve the sticky buns warm for the best gooey and sweet experience.
  8. Store leftovers: Wrap any remaining sticky buns in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper in the baking dish to easily invert the sticky buns without sticking.
  • Cutting an ‘X’ on the rolls helps the caramel soak into each bun for extra flavor.
  • These buns are best served warm but can be reheated gently before serving to restore gooey texture.
  • Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
  • Use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preferred caramel flavor intensity.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 to 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American