Orange Sticky Buns

I do love a good sticky cinnamon roll.  Especially in the following scenarios:
-a half way stop on a bike ride, when you do the math and the roll cashes out your ride
-in college when you and your roommates were craving something other than boxed yellow cake
-in the airport because your plane was delayed and you think it may help ease the pain, plus the guy next to you has one.
-or just plain and simple, you have the time on a Saturday morning so WHY NOT?

These little delicious bites are smaller, (hey-yo portion control!), and are so fun to prep.  I just LOVE the orange zest.  The hint of orange on breakfast buns, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh makes me want to melt- so good with the cinnamon.  These were also inspired by Ina, but I'm not a fan of raisins and couldn't resist the citrus!!!

      Orange Sticky Buns

Heat oven to 400 degrees

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

1/2 cup pecans, chopped in very large pieces

1 package (17.3-ounces/ 2-sheets) frozen puff pastry, defrosted

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Zest of 1 orange

Put a muffin tray on top a bake sheet covered with parchment paper.  This will make life easier in the end.

I'm not a processed/prepped foods kind of person, but here ya go- I'm splurging on puff pastry.  Combine the butter and sugar with a mixer.

Scoop the mixture into each of the tins.  

Crush the pecans lightly.

Throw them on top.  This will essentially be the TOP of your buns... just wait for it!

Next, unfold one sheet of the puff pastry.  Place it on a floured board.

Get your melted butter (first cooled) and brush on top.  Save half for the other sheet.

Sprinkle with the sugar, cinnamon and orange zest (half of each).  Oh heaven, just look at that!

Roll it up like a burrito and cut off ends.  Then cut into 6 equal pieces.  Repeat with second sheet.

Place precious buds of goodness ON TOP of the pecan mess.

Bake for 25 min.

Get the door.  The neighbors caught a whiff.

Now, AFTER 5 MINUTES, turn over and shake onto parchment paper.  You may have to coax some of the pecan topping out.

Let cool a few minutes more.

Serve with sliced oranges.  Perfect puff with sticky sweetness and a memorable crunch with the first bite.