Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These delightful Homemade Honey Buns are the perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you bake or fry them, their soft, sweet texture and sticky cinnamon sugar filling will surely please your taste buds. These buns are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet dessert, bringing that beloved store-bought flavor straight to your kitchen. The homemade glaze adds a creamy finish that makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can whip up these delicious honey buns.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these honey buns can be enjoyed any time of day.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add different spices or toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly Sweet: The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a sweet treat from scratch with fresh ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these amazing honey buns!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool saves time and effort by kneading the dough efficiently, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps you achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough, crucial for uniform baking.
- Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
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.
For the Dough
- 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)
For Frying or Baking
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Glaze
- 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 bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together warm water, honey (you may need to heat it slightly), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Melt the shortening and mix it into the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Using a stand mixer on low speed with a dough hook attached, combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes. It should be somewhat sticky but manageable. Form it into a ball and place it in an oiled glass bowl, coating top lightly with oil.
Step 5: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Place it in a warm spot and let it rise for 1 to 2 hours until nearly doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While waiting for the dough to rise, combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for later use.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Turn out risen dough onto a floured surface. Roll it into an approximate rectangle measuring 12” long by 8” wide. Dust evenly with cinnamon sugar mixture while leaving clean edges.
Step 8: Shape the Honey Buns
Roll up the dough from one long side towards the clean edge. Brush this edge lightly with water before sealing it shut.
Step 9: Cut Into Pieces
Trim off ends of rolled dough about 1½ inches from each end. Cut remaining roll into equal pieces about 1-inch thick. Place them on parchment-lined baking sheets ensuring at least 2 inches apart between each piece. Press down slightly on each piece before letting them rise for about an additional 45 minutes until puffy.
This process will yield around ten delicious honey buns ready for cooking!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Homemade honey buns are deliciously sweet and versatile. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, there are many ways to serve them that enhance their flavor and texture.
As a Breakfast Delight
- Pair with coffee: The sweetness of the honey buns complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
- Serve warm: Heating them slightly before serving brings out the gooey texture and aroma.
With Fresh Fruits
- Add berries: Sliced strawberries or blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness.
- Serve with bananas: The creaminess of bananas balances the sticky texture of honey buns.
For Dessert Lovers
- Top with ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert option.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce: This adds a decadent touch that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
As a Snack
- Enjoy plain: Sometimes, simplicity is best. Freshly made honey buns are delightful on their own.
- Pack for lunch: They make a sweet addition to lunchboxes, perfect for kids and adults alike.
How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Perfecting your homemade honey bun recipe can elevate your baking skills. Follow these tips for optimal results.
- Use fresh yeast: Ensuring your yeast is active will give your buns the perfect rise and fluffiness.
- Knead properly: Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your buns a better texture. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough.
- Check dough temperature: Make sure your water is at the right temperature (105°F-115°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Don’t rush the rise: Allowing enough time for the dough to rise will result in softer, fluffier honey buns.
- Experiment with fillings: Try adding nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added flavor and texture variations.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your buns as they bake; different ovens may require slight adjustments in time.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Homemade honey buns are wonderfully sweet on their own but pairing them with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Scrambled eggs: Light and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein that complements the sweetness of honey buns.
- Yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast that balances sweetness.
- Sausage links: Savory sausage offers a hearty counterpoint to the sugary goodness of honey buns.
- Crispy bacon: The salty crunchiness of bacon pairs well with the soft texture of honey buns, creating a delightful mix.
- Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and cuts through the richness of honey buns.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal can add fiber and heartiness, making it a wholesome breakfast choice.
- Smoothie: A fruity smoothie provides hydration and vitamins, rounding out your breakfast nicely.
- Coffee or tea: Hot beverages enhance comfort and bring out the flavors in both the honey buns and side dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Homemade Honey Bun Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to keep in mind for perfect results.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the best texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups with precision.
- Skipping the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise is essential for soft and fluffy buns. Be patient and let it double in size for optimal results.
- Using cold water: Warm water activates the yeast properly. Ensure your water temperature is between 105°F-115°F before combining it with other ingredients.
- Overworking the dough: Kneading too much can lead to tough buns. Mix just until everything is combined and knead for the specified time.
- Not letting buns rise after cutting: Allowing cut pieces to rise ensures they become puffy and light. Don’t skip this step for airy honey buns.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in a cool area of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of quality.
Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 20-30 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Homemade Honey Bun Recipe that may help you along the way.
Can I make the Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge before letting it rise.
What can I use instead of shortening?
You can substitute melted butter or coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should be noticeably larger but not necessarily doubled. It should feel airy and light when poked gently.
Can I add nuts or fruit to my honey buns?
Absolutely! Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to customize my icing?
Feel free to add different extracts like almond or maple, or even some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist!
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Honey Buns are not only delightful but also versatile. Enjoy them as breakfast treats or desserts! You can customize them with various fillings or toppings according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Homemade Honey Buns
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately ten servings 1x
Description
Get ready to indulge in the delightful world of homemade honey buns, where soft dough meets a sticky cinnamon sugar filling and a luscious glaze. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, these sweet treats are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting dessert. Whip up a batch with ease, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these melt-in-your-mouth goodies right in your own kitchen. Customize them with your favorite spices or toppings, and savor their irresistible flavor any time of day!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (105°F-115°F)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup melted shortening
- For frying: vegetable or peanut oil
- For cinnamon sugar filling: 1/4 cup sugar, 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- For glaze: 4.67 cups powdered sugar, 2.5 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt; set aside.
- Mix warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla in another bowl until combined. Stir in melted shortening.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients using a stand mixer on low speed until fully mixed.
- Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes until sticky but manageable.
- Form the dough into a ball in an oiled bowl; cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until doubled.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, roll tightly from one side, slice into pieces.
- Let cut pieces rise for an additional 45 minutes before baking or frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies based on method
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (80g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
