Classic Homemade Honey Buns Recipe

Introduction

Classic homemade honey buns are soft, sweet, and perfectly spiced rolls drizzled with a luscious honey glaze. These warm, tender treats make a delightful breakfast or snack, offering a comforting blend of cinnamon and honey flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk, a pinch of granulated sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Step 5: Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
6. Step 6: Roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
7. Step 7: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
8. Step 8: Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice this log into 8 to 10 rolls and gently flatten each one slightly.
9. Step 9: Place the rolls on a lined baking sheet or dish, cover them, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
10. Step 10: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes until they are golden brown on top.
11. Step 11: While the buns bake, mix the honey, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the buns immediately after they come out of the oven.
12. Step 12: Allow the buns to cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the whole milk with buttermilk or cream.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra texture and sweetness.
• Make miniature honey buns by slicing the dough thinner for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
• If you prefer a less sweet bun, reduce the glaze amount or serve it on the side.

Storage

Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped buns individually for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warm before serving to refresh their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply mix it with the dry ingredients and reduce the rising time slightly as instant yeast acts faster.

How do I prevent the buns from drying out?

Keep the buns covered when cooling and store them properly in an airtight container. Reheat them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Classic Homemade Honey Buns Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

Classic Homemade Honey Buns are soft, fluffy sweet rolls filled with a buttery cinnamon brown sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection and topped with a smooth honey glaze. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these buns combine warm spices and honey sweetness in every bite.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 honey buns 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs

Filling

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Glaze

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Activate yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and the frothy yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Prepare filling: While the dough is rising, mix brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Keep the softened butter ready for spreading.
6. Roll out dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Spread filling: Evenly spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
8. Shape rolls: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 8–10 equal rolls and gently flatten each roll slightly.
9. Second rise: Arrange the rolls on a lined baking sheet or dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
10. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
11. Prepare glaze: While the buns bake, mix together honey, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
12. Glaze and serve: Remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush the honey glaze over them. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Kneading dough adequately develops gluten for a soft, fluffy texture.
• You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• The glaze should be applied while the buns are still warm for best absorption.
• Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: honey buns, homemade honey buns, cinnamon rolls, breakfast pastry, sweet rolls, cinnamon sugar buns