Honey Buns

Short Description

Honey buns are soft, sweet rolls swirled with cinnamon and topped with a smooth, glossy glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent snack, these buns bring the nostalgic taste of a bakery-style treat right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey bun recipe brings together fluffy dough, a warm cinnamon swirl, and a sweet glaze to create a pastry that’s both comforting and indulgent. They are easy to make at home and taste even better than the store-bought version. Whether you prefer them freshly glazed or lightly reheated the next day, these buns are an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• salt
• whole milk
• instant yeast
• butter, melted and cooled
• large egg
• vanilla extract
• vegetable oil

For the Filling

• ground cinnamon

For the Glaze

• butter, melted
• powdered sugar, sifted
• milk
• honey
• vanilla extract

Directions

1. Make the dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix warm milk (about 110°F) with yeast, then add melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
2. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
3. Roll and fill: Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 15×8 inches). Sprinkle evenly with ground cinnamon. Roll tightly from the long side into a log and cut into 1-inch slices.
4. Second rise: Place the rolls on parchment paper. Spray with non-stick spray, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
5. Fry the buns: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the buns for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Glaze: Whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each bun in the glaze while still warm and let set on parchment paper.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 14 honey buns
• Preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Variations

• Baked honey buns: Bake the shaped rolls at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.
• Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes for a lighter version.
• Vegan honey buns: Use non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for yeast baking.
• Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts or raisins with the cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap buns individually and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Warm in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes.

FAQs

What makes honey buns different from cinnamon rolls?

Honey buns are usually glazed with a thinner, sweeter coating and may be fried instead of baked, giving them a unique texture and flavor.

Can I bake honey buns instead of frying?

Yes, baking at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes is a great alternative for a lighter version.

How can I tell if my yeast is active?

Dissolve it in warm milk; it should foam within 5–10 minutes if active.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise, then bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Do honey buns need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. They can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days but will last longer in the fridge.

Can I use honey substitutes?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, though they will slightly change the flavor.

How can I make these dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. Ensure your glaze ingredients are also dairy-free.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?

Yes, but be sure to activate it in warm milk before using.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil work best due to their high smoke points.

Why are my buns not fluffy?

Overkneading or using old yeast can lead to dense buns. Make sure the dough is properly proofed and handled gently.

Conclusion

Honey buns are a classic treat that can easily be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether fried or baked, their soft texture, cinnamon swirl, and sweet glaze make them an irresistible addition to any table. Enjoy them fresh, reheat for later, or customize with your favorite variations—they’re sure to become a go-to favorite.

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