Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

These soft, sweet Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) will take you back to your childhood with their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for breakfast or a delightful dessert, these honey buns are sticky and sweet, filled with cinnamon sugar, and topped with a creamy homemade glaze. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy weekend at home, these honey buns will impress everyone at the table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dough
• For Frying (Optional)
• For Cinnamon Sugar Filling
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
• Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix Dough
• Step 4: Knead & Rise
• Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
• Step 6: Roll Out Dough
• Step 7: Shape Honey Buns
• Step 8: Final Rise
• How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• For Breakfast
• As a Dessert
• For Snacking
• At Gatherings
• How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I Make These Honey Buns Ahead of Time?
• What Is the Best Way to Shape Honey Buns?
• How Do I Know When My Honey Buns Are Done?
• Can I Use Different Fillings?
• What Is the Difference Between Baking and Frying?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These honey buns have an amazing softness that rivals store-bought versions.
• Customizable options: You can choose to bake or fry them, depending on your preference.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—these honey buns fit right in!
• Simple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
• Delicious glaze: The creamy glaze adds an irresistible sweetness that ties everything together.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your homemade honey buns, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Sharp serrated knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing and kneading dough, ensuring consistent results.
• Dough hook: Helps incorporate ingredients evenly while kneading the dough for that perfect texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough to the right thickness for easy shaping.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking.

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 (Optional)

• Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)

For 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: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside so you can prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl:
1. Whisk together warm water, honey (heat if necessary), egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
2. Melt the shortening and mix it into the wet ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Dough

Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook:
1. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
2. Mix on low speed until combined; then increase to medium speed for about 8 minutes until you achieve a somewhat sticky but workable dough.

Step 4: Knead & Rise

Shape the dough into a ball:
1. Place it in a lightly oiled glass bowl.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or towel; let rise in a draft-free spot for 1 to 2 hours until nearly doubled in size.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl:
Whisk together cinnamon and sugar; set aside until you need it later.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once risen:
1. Turn out onto a floured surface.
2. Roll into an 8” wide by 12” long rectangle. Dust with cinnamon sugar mixture while leaving clean edges.

Step 7: Shape Honey Buns

Roll up from one long side toward the clean edge:
1. Brush clean edge with water to seal.
2. Cut off about 1 ½ inches from each end of roll.
3. Slice remaining roll into equal pieces (about 1-inch wide) and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 8: Final Rise

Press down lightly on each piece:
Let rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size before baking or frying as desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade honey buns!

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’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, these soft and sticky buns will surely impress your guests.

For Breakfast

• Pair with coffee: A warm honey bun complements a steaming cup of coffee perfectly.
• Serve with fresh fruit: Add some berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.

As a Dessert

• Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Elevate your honey buns by adding a rich chocolate drizzle.
• Serve warm with ice cream: The combination of warm honey buns and cold ice cream is irresistible.

For Snacking

• Enjoy plain or glazed: Sometimes simple is best; enjoy them just as they are!
• Pack for lunchboxes: These honey buns make a sweet addition to any lunch.

At Gatherings

• Present on a platter: Arrange them beautifully on a serving tray for parties.
• Pair with tea: Offer alongside an assortment of teas for an elegant touch.

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

Achieving the perfect homemade honey bun requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your buns turn out amazing every time.

• Use warm water: Make sure the water temperature is between 105°F-115°F to activate the yeast effectively.
• Knead thoroughly: Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your buns their soft texture. Aim for about 8 minutes.
• Let rise in warmth: A draft-free environment speeds up the rising process; consider using an oven set to low.
• Don’t rush the second rise: Allowing the cut pieces to rise again is crucial for light and fluffy buns.

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

Homemade honey buns can be complemented by several delicious side dishes. Here are some great options to enhance your meal.

1. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy and creamy scrambled eggs balance the sweetness of the buns well.
2. Bacon – The savory flavor of crispy bacon provides a delightful contrast to honey’s sweetness.
3. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your breakfast table.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side that pairs nicely with honey buns.
5. Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns offer texture and savory notes that complement the soft sweetness of the buns.
6. Smoothie – A refreshing smoothie can be a light accompaniment, perfect for those who want something nutritious alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Honey Buns can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

• Overworking the Dough: Kneading the dough for too long can make your honey buns tough. Aim for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly sticky.

• Incorrect Water Temperature: Using water that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast or hinder its activation. Ensure your water is between 105°F-115°F for optimal results.

• Skipping the Rise Time: Rushing through the rising process can lead to dense buns. Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it nearly doubles, which usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

• Not Dusting with Cinnamon Sugar Properly: Failing to dust the dough evenly with cinnamon sugar can result in uneven flavor. Make sure to cover it well, leaving a clean edge for rolling.

• Cutting Uneven Pieces: Cutting your dough pieces unevenly can lead to inconsistent baking times. Use a sharp knife and try to keep each piece around 1 inch for uniform cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store honey buns in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

• Wrap each honey bun tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen honey buns last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm honey buns for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Homemade Honey Bun Recipe.

Can I Make These Honey Buns Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking or frying.

What Is the Best Way to Shape Honey Buns?

Roll out your dough into a rectangle, fill it with cinnamon sugar, and roll from one side to another tightly. Slice evenly for perfect shapes.

How Do I Know When My Honey Buns Are Done?

Buns should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of around 190°F indicates they’re done!

Can I Use Different Fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as chocolate or fruit preserves for variety in flavor.

What Is the Difference Between Baking and Frying?

Baking will yield a lighter texture while frying gives you a crispy exterior with a soft inside. Both methods are delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) is sure to become a family favorite. With its sweet, sticky goodness and customizable filling options, you can enjoy them as breakfast treats or delightful desserts. Don’t hesitate to try different flavors; make this recipe your own!