This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These lazy morning sticky buns are the ultimate holiday hack—premade cinnamon rolls topped with a homemade sticky bun glaze that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, they’re a sweet way to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen!
If you’re looking for easy breakfast recipes try our Buttermilk Waffles, Cheese and Sausage Biscuits, or Hashbrown Casserole next.
Premade Rolls, Homemade Happiness
There’s something special about Christmas morning—the sleepy excitement, the sound of tiny feet running down the hall, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of something sweet baking in the oven. Enter my lazy/busy morning sticky buns.
These are the ultimate hack: grab your favorite premade cinnamon rolls (Trader Joe’s or Annie’s are my picks), whip up a quick, dreamy sticky bun topping, and voilà—a holiday treat that feels fancy but requires almost no effort.
They’re my go-to, because they leave me more time for unwrapping presents, soaking up giggles, and just being with the kids. Lazy mornings never tasted so good!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Effortless: Premade cinnamon rolls save time and energy.
- Homemade Touch: A quick sticky bun topping makes them feel special.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for busy mornings with kids.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, gooey, and irresistible.
- Versatile: Great for holidays or any lazy morning.
- Minimal Prep: Less time in the kitchen, more time with loved ones.
Ingredients Needed
- Premade Cinnamon Rolls: The base of this easy recipe—Trader Joe’s or Annie’s work great, but any brand will do. I do find Pillsbury are more of a biscuit style than a traditional cinnamon roll.
- Pecans: Add crunch and flavor; swap with walnuts or skip for a nut-free option.
- Butter: Creates the rich, sticky glaze; use salted or unsalted, or try plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- Cinnamon & Ginger: Warm spices that enhance the flavor—skip ginger for a classic taste or add nutmeg for extra spice.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth; substitute with honey if preferred.
- Light Brown Sugar: The caramelized sweetness—use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor or granulated sugar in a pinch.
Easy Sticky Bun recipe
Find the complete recipe card below with measurements and full instructions.
- Add butter to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the butter melts. Stir in the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the heat.
- Add salt, cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup into butter and sugar. Whisk this together until you have a smooth syrup.
- Pour mixture into the lined pan, evenly lay the chopped pecans across the mixture. Place the cinnamon rolls face down on top of the pecans.
Tip: Be sure to use the parchment paper, this is important to help flip the finished rolls over and keep that sticky bun topping on top!
- Bake for approximately 14 minutes (or time suggested on package of cinnamon rolls), or until a toothpick can be cleanly inserted.
- After removing from the oven, allow the rolls to sit for 10 minutes cooling, then flip onto a baking tray. Peel away the parchment paper and you will have a beautiful sticky bun topping to your cinnamon rolls.
Storage Information
Leftovers: If you somehow have any sticky buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—just let them come to room temp before enjoying or reheat gently.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the sticky buns individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
More Pecan recipes
If you make and love our recipes, it would help us if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.
Easy Sticky Buns Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 pack pre-packaged cinnamon rolls (Trader Joes or Annies are good picks)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line an 8 inch circular cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Add butter to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the butter melts.
- Stir in the brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the heat.
- Add salt, cinnamon, ginger, and maple syrup into butter and sugar. Mix until fully combined.
- Pour mixture into the lined pan, evenly lay chopped pecans across mixture.
- Place pre-packaged cinnamon rolls face down on top of pecans.
- Bake for approximately 14 minutes (or time suggested on package of cinnamon rolls), or until a toothpick can be cleanly inserted.
- Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then flip onto a baking tray.
Notes
- Leftovers: If you somehow have any sticky buns left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—just let them come to room temp before enjoying or reheat gently.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the sticky buns individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Breakfast recipes
Photography by KJandCompany.co
