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Classic Homemade Honey Buns 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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