Pecan Sticky Buns

Directions

Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour and the yeast 

2. In a microwave bowl add heat milk, butter and sugar and salt until just warm and the butter is almost melted (120° to 130° degrees).

3. Add to flour/yeast mixture and stir until combined. Add eggs and mix with electric mixer. After the eggs are combined slowly mix in the remaining 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 cups flour until you have a soft dough. 

4. If your mixer has a dough hook, continue mixing until you have a soft dough. If using your hands, remove the dough from the bowl and knead until you have a soft dough (3-5 minutes). 

5. Shape into a ball. Place in a greased bowl, turning once. Cover and let rise until double in size (approx. 1 hour) 

6. After 1 hour, punch down down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Roll dough into 12-inch square. 

7. Spread 1/2 cup softened butter over dough.

8. Combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon and salt and sprinkle over the butter. 

9. Roll dough jelly-roll style and pinch the ends to seal. Slice the roll into eight - 1/2 inch pieces. Pour prepared sticky bun topping into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish, and sprinkle nuts and/or raisins on top (if using). Arrange dough pieces cut side up in a greased 9x13 baking pan.

10. If baking right away - Cover baking pan loosely with plastic wrap and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled. Remove plastic wrap and bake in a 350° oven for 30-35 minutes or until lightly browned. If necessary to prevent overbrowning, cover rolls loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Cool the sticky buns for 20 minutes in the pan, then flip them out onto a serving platter and allow to cool completely.

11. If baking the next morning - Cover baking pan loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough 2-24 hours. Uncover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then allow the buns to proof until doubled in size (approximately 1 hour). Follow baking instructions above.

Sticky Bun Topping

1. Place the brown sugar, honey, butter, and salt in a medium bowl and microwave in 30-second increments (stirring after each), until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.