Maple Nut Sticky Buns

Ingredients:

1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup maple syrup

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 package quick-rising active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup warm water (120 degrees)

6 tablespoons butter, softened and divided

1 egg, at room temperature

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Grease a 13" x  9" baking pan and spread pecans and maple syrup evenly over the bottom.

Combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in water, 2 tablespoons butter, and egg. Beat until smooth; gradually stir in remaining flour until soft dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 15" x 12" rectangle. Spread with remaining butter. Mix brown sugar with cinnamon; sprinkle over surface. Starting with a 12" side, roll up tightly.

Cut into 12 slices; place cut side down in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap; place on wire rack set over large pan of hot water. Let rise until buns double, 30-45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Uncover buns. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 1 minute. Loosen edges; invert onto a serving plate. Serve warm.