Easy Walnut Sticky Buns Recipe

Cinnamon Raisin Sticky Buns

1 cup butter, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 cups walnuts, toasted and chopped, divided
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 teaspoon orange zest
1 1/2 pounds pizza dough

In a small saucepan, melt 3/4 cup of the butter with 3/4 cup of the sugar over medium heat. Pour into a greased 9"x13" baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the walnuts, set aside. Stir together remaining butter, sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and orange zest.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to make a 12"x18" rectangle. Sprinkle with the walnut mixture. Starting at the long side, tightly roll up the dough, pinching the seam to seal it. With a serrated knife, cut the formed log into 15 pieces. Place in the prepared dish, cut side down. Cover and let rise for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 25 minutes or until the dough is golden and the tops sound hollow when tapped. Let stand for 5 minutes. Invert onto platter to serve.

A glaze is optional, as these sticky buns really are sticky when you invert them. But if you want a glaze, here is a good and easy recipe -

2 tablespoons of any of hot water, milk or light cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup confectioner's sugar

Stir the liquid into the sugar mixing well. Add part of the liquid first, then add more a few drops at a time, as needed, until you reach the right consistency. This icing is the proper consistency when it coats the spoon.

• Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the walnut mixture.

• Of course, if you can't eat or don't like walnuts, leave them out or substitute pecans.

• Holiday time? Arrange the buns into the shape of a Christmas tree for a festive holiday breakfast or brunch treat.

• Instead of vanilla in the glaze, you can vary the flavor with a few drops of liquid flavoring (a few drops ONLY as it is very concentrated), 1/4 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, or even rum.