Introduction
Indulge in the sweet and festive flavors of these sticky buns, elevated with white chocolate and fresh cranberries. This easy-to-follow recipe combines a rich, buttery dough with a decadent filling, topped off with a luscious glaze. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or any special occasion, these sticky buns are sure to delight everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Dough:
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
2/3 cup whole milk
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into pieces
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup fresh cranberries
For the Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons orange juice
Prep Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12 sticky buns
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
– Warm the milk to about 110°F. This is important for activating the yeast.
– In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.
– Add the granulated sugar, large eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
– Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, stirring until a dough begins to form.
– Add in the softened butter pieces. Mix the dough until it is smooth and elastic, which might take a few minutes.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Prepare the Topping:
– In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
– Once melted, add the brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and orange juice. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and slightly thickened, then remove it from the heat and set aside.
Assemble the Sticky Buns:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F.
– Grease a muffin tin or a baking dish to ensure the buns do not stick.
– Pour a small amount of the prepared topping into each muffin cup or spread it on the bottom of your baking dish.
– On a floured surface, roll the risen dough out into a rectangular shape.
– Brush the melted butter over the surface of the rolled-out dough.
– Evenly sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the buttery dough.
– Scatter the white chocolate chips and fresh cranberries on top of the sugar mixture.
– Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
– Cut the log into equal slices, and place each slice into the prepared muffin cups or baking dish.
– Cover the buns and allow them to rise again until they are puffy, which should take about 30 minutes.
Bake:
– Place the muffin tin or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the buns are golden brown, approximately 25-30 minutes.
– Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Serve:
– Invert the muffin tin or baking dish onto a serving platter to release the sticky buns.
– Serve the sticky buns warm and enjoy!
Notes
Yeast Activation:
– Ensure your milk is not too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
Dough Consistency:
– The dough should be soft and slightly tacky after mixing. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Storage:
– Leftover sticky buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
Serving Suggestions:
– These sticky buns pair well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of the day.
Cook Techniques
Proofing Yeast
To activate active dry yeast, warm the milk to about 110°F and combine it with the yeast. Let it sit until it becomes foamy, usually about 5 minutes. This step is essential for ensuring that the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.
Making a Dough
After activating the yeast, combine it with sugar, eggs, and salt. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until a dough forms. Then, add softened butter and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading helps develop the gluten, creating a chewy texture.
First Rise
Place the formed dough in a greased bowl and cover it to retain warmth. Let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, which typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This process allows the yeast to ferment and produce gas, creating air pockets in the dough.
Preparing Toppings
In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter and mix in brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and orange juice. Stirring over medium heat allows the mixture to blend and thicken, resulting in a sticky sauce for the buns.
Rolling and Filling
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Brush melted butter over the surface before sprinkling with brown sugar, cinnamon, white chocolate chips, and fresh cranberries. This layering gives flavor and texture to the sticky buns.
Cutting and Second Rise
After rolling the dough tightly into a log, cut it into equal slices. Place each slice into a greased muffin tin or baking dish and cover them again for a second rise. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
Baking
Bake the stuffed rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden brown, usually around 25-30 minutes. Proper baking will set the dough while allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the buns cool for a few minutes. Invert the muffin tin or baking dish onto a serving platter to release the sticky buns. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQ
Can I use milk substitutes for the dough?
Yes, you can use alternatives like almond milk or soy milk, but make sure they are warmed to the appropriate temperature.
What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?
You can replace fresh cranberries with dried cranberries, although this may alter the overall flavor and moisture content.
How can I ensure my sticky buns are fluffy?
Make sure to allow sufficient rising time during both proofing stages, and do not overwork the dough while mixing.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it after the first rise. Bring it to room temperature before rolling out for filling.
How do I store leftover sticky buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
Indulging in the delightful combination of rich butter, warming spices, and the unique tartness of fresh cranberries creates an irresistible treat. These sticky buns, with their layers of flavor and gooey topping, are perfect for a special brunch or dessert. The balance of sweetness and acidity offers a refreshing twist that will leave everyone craving more.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cinnamon Roll Variations
Experiment by adding different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the filling for added crunch and flavor.
Fruit Swaps
Try using different seasonal fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples in place of cranberries for unique flavor combinations.
Chocolate and Nut Filling
Substitute white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate and add chopped hazelnuts for a rich, decadent twist.
Caramel Sauce Alternative
Replace the orange juice in the topping with apple cider to enhance the autumnal flavor profile.
Maple Pecan Sticky Buns
Swap honey for pure maple syrup and integrate chopped pecans into the filling for a classic fall-inspired treat.
Lemon Zest Addition
Incorporate lemon zest into the dough to brighten the flavors and complement the sweetness of the sticky buns.
