These Homemade Honey Buns are a delightful treat that brings the charm of homemade baking into your kitchen. With their soft, fluffy texture and sweet, sticky glaze, they make for a perfect breakfast or dessert. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress. The blend of cinnamon sugar filling and creamy glaze sets these honey buns apart, making them irresistible.

Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This homemade honey bun recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy these honey buns as breakfast, dessert, or a snack at any time of the day.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of ingredients gives you that soft, fluffy texture you crave from store-bought versions.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make each batch unique!
Family Favorite: These homemade honey buns are sure to become a staple in your household, loved by kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. Proper equipment will help ensure your honey buns turn out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer with dough hook
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Sharp serrated knife

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves time and effort when kneading dough, ensuring it becomes perfectly elastic.
Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out the dough evenly, which is crucial for even baking.
Baking sheet: Provides enough space for your honey buns to rise without crowding.

Ingredients

These soft, sweet Homemade Honey Buns have the same melt-in-your-mouth texture that you love from store-bought honey buns! Sticky and sweet with a cinnamon sugar filling, and creamy homemade glaze.

3 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water (between 105°F-115°F)
1/3 cup honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shortening (melted)
Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
4 2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Warm water (as needed)

How to Make Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine warm water, honey (heat if necessary), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add melted shortening and mix well.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

With a stand mixer set on low speed, add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until combined.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes until it’s somewhat sticky but workable. Shape it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl.

Step 4: Let Dough Rise

Cover with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While the dough rises, combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once risen, turn out dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle approximately 12” by 8”. Dust with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 7: Form Honey Buns

Roll up from one long side to the other. Brush clean edge with water to seal. Cut off ends then slice into 1-inch pieces.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each piece. Let rise for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size.

Now you’re ready to bake or fry these delicious homemade honey buns! Enjoy this delightful treat at breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

Homemade honey buns are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you choose to serve them warm from the oven or slightly cooled, there are plenty of delicious options to elevate your experience.

With Coffee

Pair your honey buns with a freshly brewed cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast or snack combination. The sweetness of the buns complements the bold flavors of the coffee beautifully.

Drizzled with Extra Honey

Enhance the sweetness by drizzling additional honey over your warm honey buns. This adds an extra layer of stickiness and flavor that is sure to delight.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

Spread some creamy frosting on top for an indulgent treat. The tangy cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the buns perfectly.

As a Dessert Sandwich

Slice a honey bun in half and fill it with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich. It makes for a fun and tasty treat!

Topped with Fresh Fruit

Add slices of fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries on top. This not only adds color but also gives a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the buns.

With a Glass of Milk

Enjoy these honey buns with a cold glass of milk. The classic combination is always satisfying and perfect for dipping!

How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

To achieve the best homemade honey buns, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.

Use Warm Water: Ensure your water is at the proper temperature (between 105°F-115°F) so that yeast activates properly, leading to better rise and texture.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has almost doubled in size. This gives you fluffy and airy buns that are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Lightly Flour Surfaces: Use enough flour when rolling out your dough to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring, which can make your dough dry.
Be Gentle When Shaping: Handle the dough gently when cutting and shaping to maintain its airiness. This ensures each bun stays light and fluffy.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits into your cinnamon sugar filling for variations in flavor.
Glaze While Warm: Drizzle glaze over your honey buns while they’re still warm for better absorption and a shinier finish.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

These homemade honey buns can be complemented perfectly with various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of honey buns.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that contrasts nicely with soft honey buns.
Scrambled Eggs: Serve with fluffy scrambled eggs for a heartier meal, making it suitable for brunch gatherings.
Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon pairs well with sweet honey buns, creating an irresistible sweet-and-savory combo.
Breakfast Hash: A colorful vegetable hash can provide nutrition while complementing the sweetness of your baked goods.
Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can serve as a wholesome base to enjoy alongside your sweet treats without overwhelming flavors.
Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides both nutrition and texture alongside your honey buns.
Nut Butter Dip: Serve alongside almond or peanut butter for dipping, adding protein and richness that pairs well with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Honey Buns can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring tools to ensure your flour and sugar are correctly measured.
Ignoring dough consistency: The dough should be sticky but workable. If it’s too dry, add more water gradually; if too sticky, incorporate a little more flour.
Over or under proofing: Proofing time can vary based on temperature. Keep an eye on the dough; it should rise until nearly doubled, not necessarily perfectly doubled.
Skipping the cinnamon sugar mix: This mixture adds essential flavor. Always dust the rolled-out dough generously before rolling it up to ensure every bite is sweet and flavorful.
Cutting uneven pieces: Cutting consistent-sized pieces helps with even cooking and rising. Use a sharp knife and measure carefully to maintain uniformity.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your honey buns in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
You may also wrap them individually in plastic wrap for longer freshness.

Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

Freeze honey buns in an airtight freezer bag.
They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
For best results, freeze them without glaze and add it after thawing.

Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the buns on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat each honey bun for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as they may become tough.
Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions regarding the Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried).

Can I make these honey buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise before refrigerating it overnight. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before shaping.

How do I know if my yeast is active?

To check yeast activity, dissolve it in warm water with a bit of sugar. If it bubbles within 5-10 minutes, it’s active and ready to use.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. However, this may change the texture slightly.

What if I want my honey buns sweeter?

Feel free to add more sugar into the dough or increase the cinnamon sugar mixture when rolling them out for extra sweetness.

How long do homemade honey buns last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) brings a sweet twist to breakfast or dessert. These soft, fluffy treats are perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized with different fillings or glazes. Try making these delightful honey buns today!

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Homemade Honey Buns

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful world of homemade baking with this Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried). These scrumptious honey buns are soft, fluffy, and drizzled with a sweet glaze that elevates any meal. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they feature a warm cinnamon sugar filling that will surely impress friends and family. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, these honey buns can be tailored to suit your taste. Whip up a batch today to experience the irresistible charm of freshly baked or fried treats right in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water (between 105°F-115°F)
1/3 cup honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shortening (melted)
Cinnamon sugar mixture (1/4 cup sugar + 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon)
Glaze (4.67 cups powdered sugar + 2.5 tablespoons honey + 1 tablespoon melted butter)

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Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth; add melted shortening.
Combine wet and dry ingredients in a stand mixer on low speed until mixed.
Knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until sticky but workable; shape into a ball in an oiled bowl.
Cover and let rise for 1 to 2 hours until nearly doubled.
Prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture while dough rises.
Roll out dough into a rectangle; sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and roll tightly.
Cut into 1-inch pieces and let rise again on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or fry as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast/Dessert
Method: Baking/Frying
Cuisine: American