Ina Garten’s Easy Sticky Buns Recipe Uses a Genius Puff Pastry Shortcut

When Ina Garten describes a recipe as easy, she means it, and her Easy Sticky Buns are proof. With the help of store-bought puff pastry, you can whip up a tray of golden, caramel-drizzled buns in less than an hour. No kneading, no rising, no special equipment, just a few pantry staples and that signature Barefoot Contessa touch.

The best part? These buns taste like they came straight from a bakery, but you’ll barely break a sweat making them.

“This is my go-to recipe for shortcut sticky buns,” says Sarah Martens, senior food editor. “I make them for every Easter and Christmas, and everyone I've served them to asks for the recipe. My only tweak is to use salted butter to help balance the sweetness. Ina never misses!”

A Shortcut Worth Taking

Traditional sticky buns require a yeasted dough that needs to rise twice and a caramel sauce made from scratch. Ina skips all that by using frozen puff pastry dough, which bakes into perfectly flaky layers that soak up the buttery brown sugar and cinnamon filling. This results in crisp edges, a gooey center, and a rich, mouth-watering flavor.

The recipe begins with a mixture of butter and brown sugar that lines the bottom of each muffin cup. Chopped pecans are sprinkled over the top, creating that irresistible sticky topping once the buns are baked and flipped. A filling of brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and raisins is spread over the puff pastry before it’s rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection.

Opt for a Maple Drizzle Upgrade

Ina recently updated her original recipe with a simple maple syrup glaze, giving the buns a cozy, fall-inspired finish. After the buns cool slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and pure maple syrup to create a thick but pourable drizzle. Spoon it over each bun and watch the glossy ribbons melt into the warm pastry.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

Whether you’re hosting house guests, planning a holiday brunch, or simply craving something sweet with your morning coffee, these sticky buns are guaranteed to impress. The aroma of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar fills the kitchen as they bake, setting the stage for cozy weekend mornings or festive family breakfasts.

Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a drizzle of maple glaze and a hot cup of coffee. Once you try them, they might just become your new go-to breakfast tradition, too.