The soft, pillowy texture of a honey bun is like a warm hug on a chilly day. The sweet aroma wafts through the house, making it impossible not to smile as you take that first bite of gooey goodness.

When my grandmother first introduced me to her famous honey buns, I could hardly contain my excitement. As a kid, I would sneak into the kitchen just to watch her work her magic. Now it’s my turn to share this delightful recipe with you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These honey buns are incredibly easy to prepare; no fancy techniques required.
- The flavor profile is a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth.
- Their golden-brown appearance makes them visually appealing for any gathering.
- Perfect for brunch or a cozy family breakfast!
I remember the first time I brought these honey buns to a family gathering; everyone was asking for seconds and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; opt for unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to reduce the amount if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Baking Powder: This will give your buns that fluffy rise we all love.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for rich flavor; melt it beforehand for easier mixing.
- Milk: Whole milk works best here; it adds moisture and richness.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that warm spice flavor; don’t skimp on this!
- Vanilla Extract: For an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor profile.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze for sweetness and smooth texture.
- Honey: This is the star ingredient; it brings natural sweetness and moisture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Create a well in the center and add melted butter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk and crack in the eggs. Mix everything until just combined but avoid overmixing; we want our buns tender.
Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, gently knead the dough until it’s smooth—about 5 minutes. It should feel soft yet slightly sticky.
Add Flavor: Roll out your dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over it and drizzle with honey before rolling it up tightly.
Shape Your Buns: Cut rolled dough into equal pieces (about 12) using a sharp knife or dental floss—trust me on this one!
Bake Them Up: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cut pieces in a greased baking dish and let them rise while you wait impatiently—about 30 minutes.
Create the Glaze: While they bake (and your kitchen fills with heavenly aromas), whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm buns when they come out of the oven.
Enjoy these delightful honey buns fresh from the oven or save them for breakfast tomorrow (if they last that long)!
You Must Know
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the glaze!
- The sticky sweet topping is what makes a honey bun truly special.
- Let your honey buns cool before slicing them.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing wet ingredients, then combine with dry ones for a smooth batter. Bake until golden brown, and let cool to set.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. You can also add nuts or raisins for texture, making every bite unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure even baking, rotate your pan halfway through.
- This helps achieve that golden perfection all around.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when ready.
When I first tried making these honey buns, my kids declared it “the best thing ever” after just one bite. Their smiles made all the flour-covered chaos worth it!
FAQ
What is a honey bun made of?
A honey bun typically consists of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and honey.
How long do honey buns last?
Honey buns can last up to three days if stored properly at room temperature.
Can I freeze honey buns?
Yes, honey buns freeze well; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Delightful Honey Buns
Experience the joy of soft, sweet honey buns drizzled with glaze—a perfect treat for breakfast or any cozy occasion.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp honey (for filling and glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center and add melted butter.
- Add milk and eggs; mix gently until just combined.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon, and drizzle with honey. Roll tightly into a log.
- Cut the log into equal pieces (about 12). Place in the greased dish and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth and drizzle over warm buns before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
- Experiment with adding nuts or raisins to the filling for added texture.
- Let buns cool before slicing for better shape retention.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (75g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg