These Sticky Buns with Bacon and Caramel Glaze are irresistible. Bacon makes everything better, and that's why I've added bacon inside the buns and sprinkled on top. The best part is that these cost just 65¢ per sticky bun to make!
In the standing mixer bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, sugar, salt, and yeast until combined.
Add 2 cups of the flour and butter and stir until combined. Add 2 more cups of the flour and knead with the dough hook for 5 minutes on low speed. At the end of 5 minutes the dough should feel moist and soft but not wet and sticky. The dough should also clear the sides of the bowl. If needed, add the remaining ¼ cup of flour and knead 2-3 minutes longer.
Place the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead by hand about 1 minute. Lightly spray a large bowl with nonstick cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl and lightly spray the top of the dough with nonstick cooking spray. Cover bowl with plastic wrap let rise until doubled, about 2 – 2 ½ hours.
MAKE THE CARAMEL GLAZE:
Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the mixture is combined.
Pour and spread the glaze into the bottom of a nonstick metal 13x9-inch pan. Lightly spray the sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside (it’ll be set aside for a couple of hours).
MAKE THE FILLING:
In a small bowl add the butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt and mix until combined; set aside.
ASSEMBLE:
Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Using your fingertips gently shape the dough into a rectangle. Lightly flour the top of the dough and roll into a 16x12-inch rectangle.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
With the long edge of the dough facing you, cut the dough into 12 even slices.
Place a cooked strip of bacon in the middle of each dough strip and tightly roll dough into a bun.
SECOND RISE & PREP OVEN:
Place buns into prepared pan and cover with plastic wrap to rise until the buns are puffy and pressed against each other, about 1 ½ hour. While the buns rise place oven rack in the lower-middle position and place a pizza stone or inverted rimmed cookie sheet on the rack. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
BAKE & FINISH:
Place the buns in the oven atop the pizza store (or inverted rimmed cookie sheet if using) and bake until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Then invert onto a large platter, cutting board, or inverted cookie sheet. Top with chopped, cooked bacon and serve warm.