A few years ago, I was in downtown Montgomery when this guy came up to me begging for money. He told me that his wife was pregnant and that he was stranded and needed money to put some gas in his car to get back to her. Having recently had a pregnant wife, I felt sorry for him and I reached down into my pockets and gave him all the cash I had. I then went about my day feeling like I had done something good. Two weeks later I was back downtown when the same guy approached me with the exact same story. I was so flustered. I had been duped.
Since then, it’s been hard to trust people begging for money. But all that changed last Friday. I had run by the McDonald’s by my office and was on my way out of the drive-through when I noticed a man in a wheelchair by the exit. I stopped and rolled down my window. He asked me if I’d like to buy some peanuts. He was selling roasted and boiled. And while I love both kinds, I’ve got several pounds of peanuts left over from J’s birthday party last week. I was tempted to say my usual “no, thanks” and drive away, but something was different about this guy. In addition to being wheelchair bound, he was wearing tattered clothes and had an expression that I will never be able to get out of my mind. He was tired. Not just from the heat and doing his best to maneuver his wheelchair, but tired from life. He had the look of someone who had spent his entire life trying, but never succeeding. The wrinkles on his face were evidence of time – a time that had not been kind to him. I grabbed a $5 bill – it was all I had, I never carry cash with me – and I handed it to him through the window. He tried his best to get me to take some peanuts but I refused. I told him he could take those and sell them to someone else. He insisted again, but I told him no… that I didn’t even like peanuts. He looked me in the eyes and told me thank you and as I turned back to pull away, he said, “God bless you, sir.” Those simple words penetrated me like few words ever have – all the way to my soul. I realized at that very second that it’s not my job to judge why someone is begging for money. It was heavy on my heart that day to give him what I had. So I did. And the truth his, he could have wheeled his butt down the street and gotten in a brand new car. I’ll never know. But, what I do know is that doing that made me feel good. He wasn’t out there just begging, he was trying his best to sell those peanuts and do what he could to make a living for himself. I respect that. And he made me realize that people like him are put in my path for a reason. They aren’t there to be judged or second guessed. And while it certainly does my heart good to be able to help someone out like him, it’s not really about that either. Sometimes people like him are put into our paths to make us realize how fortunate we each are. So while that $5 might have helped to feed his family that night, that $5 fed my soul that day. And you can’t put a price on that. We get so caught up in life that we fuss and complain when we see a sink piled high with dirty dishes, but we should be thankful because those dirty dishes mean we were able to feed our families that night. There are so many out there who would give everything to have a sink piled high with dirty dinner dishes. Think about it…
Y’all these cinnamon rolls are going to rock your world. I promise. And the best part is, they are SUPER easy. Your family and friends will never guess these are made with canned cinnamon rolls!
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 2 – 17.5 oz cans of cinnamon rolls (5 per can – I used Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme and would recommend using these exact ones for the best results.)
Directions
- Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
- Spread into the bottom of a metal or glass 9X13 baking pan.
- Sprinkle with pecans.
- Open cinnamon rolls and separate. Place in dish on top of pecans and sugar/butter mixture.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Flip out onto serving platter.
- Drizzle top with white icing from cinnamon rolls if desired.
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Recipe Card
Sticky Pecan Cinnamon Buns
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 2 (17.5-ounce) cans of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough (5 per can – I recommend Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray an 9x13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup and mix well.
- Spread into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Sprinkle pecans over the brown sugar mixture.
- Open cinnamon rolls and separate. Place in dish on top of pecans and sugar/butter mixture.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Flip out onto serving platter.
- Drizzle top with white icing from cinnamon rolls if desired.
Notes
Hey Stacey, I’d like to incorporate some maple syrup into these rolls. Would you recommend adding it to the frosting that comes with the rolls or to the layer with the butter, sugar, corn syrup? Thanks!
I think I’d add it to the butter/sugar/corn syrup later. Hope it turns out great!
Does it matter what type of corn syrup?
I typically just use light corn syrup.
Hi I made them the night before for my son he needs to take him to school tomorrow any suggestions I’m reheating so they are warm Without overcooking?
These reheat ok in the microwave, but they’re best fresh.
Always have loved sticky buns but never had the courage to attempt making them , this recipe is easy and delicious Stacey ! Made them tonight for small group at church and come home with empty platter ! Thank you so much for sharing this !
That’s amazing! So glad everyone enjoyed them!!
Just made these cinnamon rolls and when they came out of oven the topping was like hard candy lol. They were very good but would like to know if you know what I did wrong? Will definitely make again.
Typically this means the oven was a little hot or they cooked a little too long and the sugar got to the hard crack stage.
Thanks Stacey for replying to my question. I will make again as they were still delicious.
I couldn”t find the “flaky” grand cinnamon roll brand, well the regular grand cinnamon work the same ? Looking forward to trying this recipe… thanks
Yes, the regular ones will work as well so long as they’re the right package size.
I always say the same thing, I can’t help it if they are crooks or not, I did what I thought was the right thing to do.
Exactly! It’s not our place to judge, just give when we feel led to do so.
My new favorite
Yay!!
Made the cinnamon rolls. Delicious. Thanks recipe.
Glad you enjoyed them!!
Do you spray the pan so they don’t stick?
You can, but it’s not required. They usually don’t stick much at all because of the butter.
can you use margarine instead of butter
You can, but butter is preferred.
Hi Stacey. These cinnamon rolls look like something I have been looking for for a long time. I cant wait to try them. I cooked many things during my career at the firehouse but nothing that looked this good. Im retired now but I still like to cook. May our Lord continue to bless you.
Thanks so much, John! Hope you’ll enjoy these!
Oh! It’s absolutely a nice story! I love reading your story. You really have a good and a merciful heart. Not everyone is interested to help though they are capable of. Thank you, you are an exemplary person.
Did you use salted butter or unsalted butter?
Either will work just fine, but I prefer unsalted.
Thank you so much for that story. The recipe will be put to good use, and the story was sent straight to me! I am constantly giving money, when I have it, to anyone with a sign or a story. I get so much grief for doing so. I am told I am a fool, gullible, etc. But I felt like you did afterwards, that I got more out of it than I gave. I will not let others make me feel silly ever again! And I try to thank God for my blessings everyday!
So glad you enjoyed the story. It’s definitely one of my favorites.
I just want to begin by saying I never read blogs! I just want to get to the recipe. But I read this one! Thank you for the reminder I needed to be thankful for my blessings this Christmas morning! Merry Christmas to you!
Thanks so much Rebecca! Merry Christmas to you!
Hi Stacey, Could i prepare this the night before and bake it on Christmas morning?
This is really best prepared fresh. Merry Christmas!
Just made them and they are awesome.
So great to hear!
How many grams of butter is your one stick?
About 113 grams.
I spent several years leading up to my adolescence living in rural Ethiopia as a missionary kid during the famine of the early 80s. We lived where the great rift valley begins its ascent to the highlands in the southern part of the country so our area was not hit as hard as the areas publicized by the media. Food was available, but the prices were too high for many to feed their entire families everyday.
I ended up becoming friends with the children from the local village instead of the other missionary kids- probably the best decision of my childhood! Those years opened me up to another whole way of life, mindset & culture- affording me a perspective & insight of the world & humanity that can not be put into words. But most of all it instilled in me a sense of gratitude & appreciation for ALL that I have!
It’s wonderful to be reminded that there are others in our society who don’t take all their blessings for granted!
And thank you for the recipe…
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing!
Great story – very inspiring – we need this after all the bad news we hear every day – thank you for great posts!!!
Hi…is this salted/unsalted butter? Thank you!
Either one will work just fine for this recipe. 🙂
Thanks…they turned out great!
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed them!
I made a batch of these as directed and made a batch with only 5 rolls in a 9 x 13 pan. The one with less rolls came out much better as they weren’t overcrowded so they cooked more evenly and plumped up nicely. They smelled great 🙂
I have triedthis recipe twice and both times the “caramel” came out very sugary. Not a smooth caramel. My brown sugar and butter mixture does NOT look like your picture above. I don’t cook the mixture but there is a lot of butter not incorporated with the sugar. Any advice?
When you say you don’t cook the mixture, what do you mean? Do you not bake the cinnamon rolls with the brown sugar and butter mixture?
I have the same problem ,the brown sugar and butter mixture. It does not turn out like in the pic. Its very grainy and seperated. Other than that they are delicious. What am I doing wrong?
Are you talking about before or after you bake them?
before
Just stir vigorously and it the sugar should melt during cooking.
Hi there,
I am making the cinnamon rolls right now! I did kick it up a notch by unrolling the cinnamon rolls and laying precooked bacon on the strips, then re-rolling them……they smell divine!
That sounds amazing! I hope they turned out great!
That .. looks fantastic and as I adore cinnamon …and nuts … yum … I will have to make it soon! But .. I am a Brit who lives in Portugal – and so will have to make it from scratch as the dear little dough boy hasn’t arrived here yet !!!! But whatever recipe I use – I will use your topping!!!
Many years ago in London, UK, I bumped into a young red haired woman who needed directions as she was lost. She was to be a ‘nanny’ for children – so I told her which bus to catch – but she was out of cash. [I can’t remember why now …] So … I upended my money purse into her hands…. it wasn’t that much .. but enough for the bus and a little over …. She was ecstatic … and got on the bus. She smiled at me from the back window – and … well .. mad I may be .. but I KNEW! It just hit me out of the blue – I don’t know why … but I am sure she was an angel!
I’m sorry you’ll have to go to the extra work, but I’m sure they will be delicious! I bet you are right! We just never know who we might encounter each day.
Thank you for these sticky buns, I have wanted some for a long time, and now I will make them and they are so easy. That story is heart breaking, but my husband does the same thing, he gives money to everyone and I am happy he does, as long as we have money for food, he can give until it hurts.
You are so welcome, Diane! I hope y’all enjoy them! You have such a great attitude! 🙂
I just made these and called my husband in to check them out and the first thing out of his mouth was how soon can I have one, which put a smile on my face. 38 years of marriage and I still love making things for him and making him smile. I truly am blessed. Thanks Stacey.
LOVE IT! So sweet!
These were great…thanks for sharing! Have a great day
Absolutely! Thanks for trying them!
I am always disappointed with how dry canned cinnamon rolls are. I just finished making a batch with the brown sugar, butter, and pecans and they are AMAZING. I actually added a bit of butter on the tops (or I guess underside after you flip them) of the rolls and sprinkled the whole thing with a bit of water. The rolls came out exceptionally moist. Thank you!
I’m so glad these turned out great for you, Jesse!
Hey is it only 3/4 cup brown sugar. That pictures of brown sugar looks like more. It didn’t cover bottom of pan and crystallized.
The amount is correct. Was your butter completely melted? Also, the crystallization can happen if they’re cooked too hot or for too long.
All I was looking for was a doctored up cinnamon roll recipe and what I found was a touching and heart-warming lesson that left me in tears! Thanks so much for the recipe and words of wisdom!
Well, just like my encounter with the peanut man, sometimes we find things we aren’t looking for. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and I hope you’ll enjoy the cinnamon rolls too!
Stacey,
This reply has nothing to do with your post, and everything to do with the cinnamon rolls. My Mother would make them from scratch with the 1973 Betty Crocker cookbook recipe. I have tried for years to duplicate hers (not that she ever “topped” them with anything)….So I made yours, and the cinnamon/sugar/pecan mix totally replicated what the essence of her rolls tasted like. I am beyond happy with the outcome. The only change that I made was making more icing because I didn’t think that I had enough. Thank you sooo very much for posting this recipe! Have a great Day!
Christy, I am beyond humbled. I am so glad that you got a little taste of what your mother used to make for you. It warms my heart to know that my food reminded you of her. You have a GREAT day, too! And thanks for taking them time to post your comment!
Stacey, Thanks for sharing that story with us. Wish everyone was as loving and humble. Belinda…I know you are very proud of Stacey. What an inspiration to us all.
Thanks, Mickie! You make me blush. ~grins~
Well I can wow my guys with these. I’ve got a cinnamon-bun-aholic coming home from the hospital tomorrow. I’ll get really good wife points for these buns, and after two days at the hospital wallering around, they look like they’ll take just about as much energy as I’ll have left.
Oh, and about judging people you see asking for handouts, this was a bit of wisdom passed down to me once: When you are led to donate to someone/something, you are responsible to God for your gift. What that person does with the gift, they are responsible to God for.
Well, I think and hospital visit more than deserves some cinnamon rolls like this! I know you must be exhausted, but these really are super simple.
Thanks so much for sharing that wisdom. It is so true!
This brought tears to my eyes! Bless you Stacey!!!
Ahh, thanks Tammy! God bless you too!
Thank you for making me step back & be grateful for all that God has done for me. May the Holy Spirit help me to be more like Christ, and not so “complainy” about what I don’t have & probably don’t need!
Now to those fantastic, easy rolls!!! Wow..will definitely be making these in the future. The pictures are outstanding. Thanks! What a good mama you have – she raised you right!!!!
You are so welcome! I really appreciate the little reminder I get every now and then and I’m so glad this was one for you.
I hope you and your all enjoy these cinnamon rolls!
Hi, Stacey.
It says in The Bible… “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it”. That just may have been an angel you helped.
Through reading your posts, I have determined your mother raised a good man! Bless Her Heart! I know she is proud of you!
Love the recipe! Going to try it soon! Keep “entertaining angels”! 🙂
You are so right! And it’s not within us to determine if it’s an angel or not. We need to treat them all like angels. Can you imagine what an awesome world it would be if everyone did just that?
You are too sweet! I’ll share that with my Mom, though I bet she’s seen your comment already. She loves to lurk around the blog. 🙂 Just for the record, I think she did a pretty good job too!
What a moving story that really touched my heart. Sometimes we get so sidetracked on our own path that we don’t see how grim it is for those around us. Thank you.
Those sticky buns- that is my kind of cookin’!
You’re right Vickie… we do get sidetracked. And a little reminder every now and then does wonders! I hope you enjoy this recipe.
yes, it is not for us to judge and if we are moved to give we need to give and not ‘look back’ — but — hey, don’t tell me that canned rolls are as good as homemade — I use this type of ‘topping’ for my home made cinnamon and/or pecan rolls that I sell at our local FM (now closed for the season) and, in fact, made some for a customer this morning —- I guess, in a pinch, ?? but really????? Okay, okay, okay, not everyone has time to make from scratch but — it still is the best way, isn’t it?? Love your blogs anyway.
I love the convenience of using premade rolls. I don’t have time to make homemade and am afraid to use yeast because I don’t know how. Thanks for this recipe.
Yum! I’ve been craving cinnamon rolls for the past 2 weeks! This look delicious!
This is so true (the story). We are so caught up in our daily lives that we don’t even give some people even a second of our time or thoughts. We are blessed beyond measure and we forget to act like it sometimes. It does the soul good to give back to those in need, even if we do get duped once in a while.
My hubby and I volunteer twice a month at a kitchen that provides healthy meals to those in need. They always smile and say thank you. It’s the ones that come back after they’ve finished eating to say “God Bless” that touch me the most. I know they are all truly grateful. And while I may not be able to give them cash, my time to help prepare a good warm meal for them is just as good.
Well, now there’s no reason to keep craving them! 🙂
You and your husband are doing great work, I know it fills your heart to help out like that. Bless you!
Let me tell you folks, not just because he’s my son, but these were the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth !!!! My daughter-in-law called while eating these and said you have got to come over here right now, she scared the death out of me, I thought something was wrong. No,she wanted me to eat one of these, I did, and the rest is history. So good ……
And you are the most caring young man a mom could ever want. I am so proud of the man, father, and husband you have become. God blessed me with you. I love you 🙂
Mom , you are too sweet! Remember… you made me this way! Love you!
Stacey, thank you for sharing your story, it has touched my heart and reminded me to stop complaining about my daily chaos (chores) but to be thankful that I have reason to have to do them! Too often we (society) do pass judgement not knowing the true stories behind what we call “slackers” in life. I am once again thankful for my chaos.
And these sticky buns! Thank you! I know some football players and cheerleaders who are going to be thankful for them too 😉
I’m so glad you were touched by my post today! I love sharing those kinds of moments with y’all. I hope you and all the football folks enjoy them too!