In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture.
Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until combined, and then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and elastic.
Transfer the kneaded dough to a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise until doubled in size, which should take around 1 hour.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle roughly 12x8 inches in size.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, chopped pecans, and raisins (if using). Stir until mixed well.
Evenly spread the sugar and pecan mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from the longer side, tightly roll the dough to form a log.
Slice the log into 12 equal pieces. Arrange these pieces in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and any remaining melted butter. Stir until melted and slightly thickened. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged buns in the baking dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, let the buns rise again for about 30 minutes.
Bake the sticky buns in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before inverting them onto a serving plate.
Notes
For an enticing touch, drizzle extra maple syrup over the top of the sticky buns and garnish with whole pecans. Serve them warm to enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures!