I remember the first time I tasted Golfeados Sticky Buns. It was during a family gathering at my cousin’s house. There they were, glistening in the warm light of the kitchen—sticky, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on that recipe. These buns pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of fresh lemonade.
They make an excellent addition to brunch or dessert. The delightful flavor of cinnamon, combined with a hint of anise and the richness of cheese, creates a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to master at home.
What is Golfeados Sticky Buns?
Golfeados are a traditional Venezuelan pastry that takes the concept of sticky buns to the next level. They are soft, sweet rolls that are sticky in all the right ways.
The dough is enriched with spices, butter, and a dark, sticky syrup that brings everything together. When I first heard of them, I was intrigued by the unique combination of sweet and savory ingredients, especially the use of cheese alongside the sweetness.
To create these delightful treats, gather the following ingredients:
For Dough Preparation
1 large egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ teaspoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 cups plain all-purpose flour
¾ cup warm whole milk
1 teaspoon crushed anise seeds
1 tablespoon golden brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup finely shredded aged hard cheese
2 tablespoons soft butter
For the Syrup
1 small cinnamon stick
½ cup filtered water
½ cup packed brown sugar
How to Make Golfeados Sticky Buns
Making Golfeados Sticky Buns is a journey filled with rich aromas and mouthwatering anticipation. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the warm milk, yeast, and golden brown sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is your magic moment—the yeast is waking up!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In another large bowl, combine the flour, salt, orange zest, and crushed anise seeds. Then, add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, and the egg. Grab a fork and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Trust me, this part feels a bit therapeutic.
Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the dough rises, make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, shredded cheese, and soft butter until well combined. This will be the gooey goodness inside your buns.
Step 5: Assemble the Golfeados
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and slice it into equal sections, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Step 6: Prepare the Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick. Heat it over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
Step 7: Bake the Golfeados
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour half of the syrup into the bottom. Arrange the dough pieces cut side up in the dish. Pour the rest of the syrup over the top. Cover the dish with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Once they have puffed up again, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Enjoy!
After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy each sticky, cheesy, sweet bite. You’ll want to share these, but I won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself!
Notes
To make your Golfeados an absolute hit, consider these tips:
Ensure your yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam in step 1, it might be expired.
Use aged cheese. A firmer cheese contributes to a better filling texture.
Experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom gives an extra layer of warmth.
Don’t skip the orange zest. It brightens the dough and enhances the overall flavor.
Serve them warm. These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Storage Tips
Storing your Golfeados properly ensures they remain delicious. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them well and freeze for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes, and they'll come back to life.
Nutrition Information
Golfeados Sticky Buns Recipe Nutrition Facts
Serving Suggestions
Here are five ideas to serve with Golfeados:
Coffee Delight: Pairing these buns with a cup of coffee creates a sweet breakfast or afternoon snack.
Fresh Fruit: A side of berries or citrus brightens up the plate and balances the richness of the buns.
Cheese Platter: Add a variety of cheeses to a brunch spread. The cheese brings an interesting contrast to the sweetness.
Hibiscus Iced Tea: The floral notes complement the spiced flavors of the buns beautifully.
Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream takes these buns to an indulgent dessert status!
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Golfeados Sticky Buns?
If you’re missing an ingredient or just want to mix things up, try these substitutes:
Honey instead of brown sugar: It adds a different depth of sweetness to both the filling and syrup.
Ricotta cheese instead of aged cheese: It gives a creamy texture and a mildly sweet flavor, perfect for Golfeados.
Granulated sugar instead of brown sugar: While it’s sweeter, it works in a pinch, though the molasses flavor will be missing.
Soy milk instead of whole milk: This non-dairy option keeps the buns moist and delicious for lactose-sensitive folks.
Almond extract instead of vanilla extract: It will add an unexpected nutty profile that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.
Conclusion
Golfeados Sticky Buns are more than a simple pastry; they are an experience, a sweet slice of culinary heritage that brings joy and connection. From the comfort of home kitchens to big family gatherings, they work their magic.
With each sticky bite, I can’t help but smile and remember that food has a way of gathering people together.
So, don’t hesitate—get that apron on and bring a taste of Venezuela into your home. Your family will thank you, and you might just create a new tradition of your own!
I remember the first time I tasted Golfeados Sticky Buns. It was during a family gathering at my cousin’s house. There they were, glistening in the warm light of the kitchen—sticky, sweet, and absolutely irresistible.
I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on that recipe. These buns pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of fresh lemonade.
Ingredients
For Dough Preparation
1large egg, room temperature
2tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½teaspoon grated orange zest
1teaspoon instant dry yeast
¼teaspoon fine sea salt
2cups plain all-purpose flour
¾cup warm whole milk
1teaspoon crushed anise seeds
1tablespoon golden brown sugar
½teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling
¼cup packed light brown sugar
1cup finely shredded aged hard cheese
2tablespoons soft butter
For the Syrup
1small cinnamon stick
½cup filtered water
½cup packed brown sugar
Instructions
1
Making Golfeados Sticky Buns is a journey filled with rich aromas and mouthwatering anticipation. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the process!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
2
Start by mixing the warm milk, yeast, and golden brown sugar in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is your magic moment—the yeast is waking up!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
3
In another large bowl, combine the flour, salt, orange zest, and crushed anise seeds. Then, add the frothy yeast mixture, softened butter, and the egg. Grab a fork and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
4
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about five minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Trust me, this part feels a bit therapeutic.
5
Form it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, covering it with a cloth. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
6
While the dough rises, make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the light brown sugar, shredded cheese, and soft butter until well combined. This will be the gooey goodness inside your buns.
Step 5: Assemble the Golfeados
7
Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately ¼ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log and slice it into equal sections, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
Step 6: Prepare the Syrup
8
In a small saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick. Heat it over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick.
Step 7: Bake the Golfeados
9
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and pour half of the syrup into the bottom. Arrange the dough pieces cut side up in the dish. Pour the rest of the syrup over the top. Cover the dish with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10
Once they have puffed up again, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Enjoy!
11
After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy each sticky, cheesy, sweet bite. You’ll want to share these, but I won’t judge if you decide to keep them all to yourself!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Amount Per Serving
Calories279kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat6.8g11%
Saturated Fat4.1g21%
Trans Fat0.2g
Cholesterol15mg5%
Sodium135mg6%
Total Carbohydrate50g17%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars18g
Protein5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
To make your Golfeados an absolute hit, consider these tips:
Ensure your yeast is active. If it doesn’t foam in step 1, it might be expired.
Use aged cheese. A firmer cheese contributes to a better filling texture.
Experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom gives an extra layer of warmth.
Don’t skip the orange zest. It brightens the dough and enhances the overall flavor.
Serve them warm. These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.