Description
These homemade honey buns are soft, fluffy, and filled with a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture. Topped with a smooth, sweet honey glaze, these bakery-style pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This easy homemade honey buns recipe uses simple ingredients and delivers golden, tender buns with irresistible homemade flavor.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling
¼ cup softened unsalted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Honey Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1–2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, instant yeast, honey, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes using a stand mixer. Continue until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough into a 12 × 16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface.
Step 5: Shape the Honey Buns
Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces and arrange them in a greased 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
Step 6: Bake the Honey Buns
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through in the center. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Step 7: Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm honey buns. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
Notes
Use fresh instant yeast to ensure the dough rises properly.
Warm milk should be approximately 100–110°F (38–43°C).
Avoid adding excessive flour because it can make the honey buns dense and dry.
Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise for a soft and fluffy texture.
Do not overbake the honey buns, as this can reduce their softness.
Apply the honey glaze while the buns are warm for a smooth, glossy coating.
Store plain honey-glazed buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Freeze completely cooled honey buns in airtight packaging for up to two months for best quality.
Reheat individual honey buns in the microwave for approximately 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes active preparation, plus approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes rising time
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun
- Calories: Approximately 375 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 30 g
- Sodium: Approximately 125 mg
- Fat: Approximately 12 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 4 g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 63 g
- Fiber: Approximately 1.5 g
- Protein: Approximately 5 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 50 mg
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