# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
04 - 3/4 cup whole milk, lukewarm
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Maple Walnut Caramel
08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
09 - 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
10 - 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
→ Filling
13 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
14 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
15 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
→ Maple Glaze
16 - 1 cup powdered sugar
17 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
18 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk, as needed
# Method:
01 - Combine lukewarm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Allow mixture to rest until foamy, about 5 minutes. Incorporate melted butter, eggs, and salt. Gradually blend in flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm environment until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
02 - Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in packed brown sugar, pure maple syrup, and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and bubbling. Pour caramel into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle evenly with chopped walnuts.
03 - Blend packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a bowl until evenly combined.
04 - Roll dough on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Starting from a long side, roll dough tightly into a log. Slice evenly into 12 pieces.
05 - Place slices, cut-side up, atop the prepared walnut caramel in the baking dish. Cover loosely and allow to rise until puffy, about 30 to 40 minutes.
06 - Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
07 - Allow buns to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter so caramel and walnuts are on top.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency. Drizzle over warm buns before serving.
