Chef John's Sticky Buns

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the white sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt, and eggs; mix well.
2. Stir in the flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
4. Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons melted butter. Set aside.
5. Punch the dough down and roll it out into a 16x21 inch rectangle. Spread the butter-sugar mixture onto the dough.
6. Roll up the dough and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place the rolls into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
7. Cover the pan, and let the rolls rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
9. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Interesting Facts

• Sticky buns are believed to have originated in Germany in the 18th century.
• The traditional shape of a sticky bun is a spiral, but other shapes such as diamonds or rectangles are also popular.
• Sticky buns are often served with a cream cheese frosting or a sweet glaze.