Sweet and sticky, Sticky Bun Bites offer gooey cinnamon delight in a convenient bite-sized treat you’ll crave again. These little pockets of sugary warmth combine the best parts of a classic sticky bun with the ease of a handheld snack. Perfectly golden, melting with buttery cinnamon sugar, and topped with a luscious glaze, Sticky Bun Bites make every bite feel like a warm hug.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Treat: Sticky Bun Bites make it easy to enjoy the rich flavor of a bakery favorite without any fuss or mess.
- Perfect Portion: Their bite-sized shape means no leftovers and just the right amount of indulgence every time.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust spices, nuts, or toppings to create your own perfect combination.
- Great for Sharing: These little bites are ideal for parties, brunches, or quick snacks on the go.
- Warm and Comforting: They fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that instantly lift your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sticky Bun Bites rely on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring a unique quality—whether it’s the warm aroma of cinnamon, the softness from the dough, or the sticky sweetness coating every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible treat.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough that ensures a soft, tender bite every time.
- Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise perfectly, creating that fluffy and airy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and the signature caramel flavor for that sticky, gooey finish.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that fills these bites with warm and inviting flavor.
- Butter: Both melted in the dough and used in the filling to create rich moistness and shine.
- Milk: Provides moisture and tenderness to the dough for soft results.
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind all ingredients nicely.
- Powdered Sugar: For the sweet glaze that adds a smooth finish on top.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a subtle sweet aroma.
- Chopped Nuts (optional): Adds crunch and texture, especially walnuts or pecans.
Variations for Sticky Bun Bites
Sticky Bun Bites are incredibly flexible. Whether you want to add a little twist or adjust for dietary needs, it’s super simple to swap things around without losing any of the gooey goodness.
- Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the nuts and add extra cinnamon or raisins for texture.
- Vegan Sticky Buns: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, plus a flax egg for binding.
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips inside before rolling for a melty surprise.
- Pumpkin Spice: Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices for a seasonal delight.
- Maple Glaze: Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple syrup-based drizzle for a rich, earthy finish.
How to Make Sticky Bun Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by warming your milk until it’s lukewarm, then dissolve the active dry yeast in it along with a pinch of sugar. Let this foam for 5–10 minutes to activate. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt, then add melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture. Knead everything together until you get a smooth, elastic dough. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size, about 1–1.5 hours.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix softened butter with brown sugar and plenty of cinnamon to create that classic sticky bun filling. You can also add chopped nuts or raisins if you like. This mixture will be spread over the rolled-out dough before cutting.
Step 3: Shape the Bites
Roll your dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log from the long edge, then slice into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place these slices into a well-buttered baking pan, cut side up, so they can expand into perfect little buns.
Step 4: Second Rise
Let the cut buns rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy. This second rise ensures the perfect soft and fluffy texture inside your Sticky Bun Bites.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized on top. While they bake, prepare a simple glaze of powdered sugar and vanilla with a touch of milk.
Step 6: Glaze and Enjoy
Once the Sticky Bun Bites come out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Pro Tips for Making Sticky Bun Bites
- Use Fresh Yeast: Always check your yeast’s freshness for a good rise and airy texture.
- Warm Ingredients: Make sure milk and butter are warmed to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t Overflour: Add flour gradually when kneading to avoid a dense dough.
- Even Slices: Slice your rolls uniformly so they bake evenly.
- Let Buns Cool Slightly: Allow a few minutes before glazing to avoid melting the glaze completely.
How to Serve Sticky Bun Bites
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of chopped pecans, or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze take these Sticky Bun Bites from tasty to downright unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Pair Sticky Bun Bites with a cup of hot coffee, chai latte, or cold milk for a delightful contrast. Fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait on the side can balance the rich sweetness deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bite-sized sticky buns on a rustic wooden board or tiered cake stand for a charming brunch display. Wrap individual bites with parchment for grab-and-go gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Sticky Bun Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their moistness.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Sticky Bun Bites wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the freshest taste, reheat Sticky Bun Bites in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or until warm. Microwave reheating works too but can make them slightly denser.
FAQs
Can I make Sticky Bun Bites without yeast?
While yeast gives the dough its soft, airy texture, you can try a quick-bread version using baking powder, but the texture and flavor will vary significantly.
How long do Sticky Bun Bites stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 2 days; refrigeration can extend this by an additional day or two.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts adds crunch, and dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries give a nice chewy contrast.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes, with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and a few minor adjustments, you can enjoy Sticky Bun Bites tailored to a gluten-free diet.
Can Sticky Bun Bites be made ahead for parties?
Definitely! You can assemble them the night before, refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning for warm, gooey bites just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you love a sweet, tender pastry dripping with sticky cinnamon sugar, making Sticky Bun Bites is a must-try. They’re fun to make, easy to share, and guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor some serious delight in each bite!
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Sticky Bun Bites
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bite-sized sticky bun bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sticky Bun Bites are sweet, gooey, bite-sized treats bursting with buttery cinnamon sugar flavor and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. These easy-to-make bites combine the classic sticky bun experience with convenient portion control, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (plus a pinch for yeast activation)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3/4 cup warm milk (lukewarm, about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 large egg, beaten
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Warm the milk until lukewarm, then dissolve the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar in it. Let it foam for 5–10 minutes to activate. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, beaten egg, and the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1–1.5 hours.
- Make the Filling: While the dough rises, mix softened butter with brown sugar and plenty of cinnamon until well combined. Add chopped nuts or raisins if desired. This mixture will be spread over the dough.
- Shape the Bites: Roll the dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly across the dough. Roll tightly into a log from the long edge. Slice into 1 to 1.5 inch thick bite-sized pieces. Place the slices cut side up in a well-buttered baking pan.
- Second Rise: Let the cut buns rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy, ensuring a soft, fluffy texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized on top. While baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to a smooth consistency.
- Glaze and Enjoy: Remove buns from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast to ensure good rise and airy texture.
- Warm milk and butter to room temperature before mixing for better results.
- Add flour gradually during kneading to avoid dense dough.
- Slice rolls evenly for uniform baking.
- Allow buns to cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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