Homemade Honey Bun Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the joy of fresh, homemade honey buns. What makes this recipe so special is the combination of the warm, doughy bun and the delicious honey glaze that melts in your mouth. The dough is incredibly soft, and the honey glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. I love making these on lazy weekends when I want to treat myself and my loved ones to something extra special. The best part is that these buns are surprisingly easy to make at home, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 1/4 cup warm water

• 1 packet active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup sugar, divided

• 3/4 cup melted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and bubbly.

2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture to the bowl, followed by the remaining sugar. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together.

3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

4. Shape the Buns: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 1/2-inch thick). Spread a thin layer of melted butter over the dough. Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice the roll into 1-inch wide pieces.

5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the rolled dough pieces in a greased baking pan, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Bake the Buns: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Once the buns have risen, bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Make the Honey Glaze: While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by combining honey and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Once the buns are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle the honey glaze over the hot buns. Let the glaze soak in for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 honey buns. The total preparation time is around 2.5 hours, including the rising times. The baking time is about 20-25 minutes.

Variations

• Cinnamon Swirl Honey Buns: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar inside the rolled dough before you slice it for an extra burst of flavor.

• Add-Ins: For a different twist, you can add raisins or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.

• Glaze Variations: Swap the honey glaze for a cream cheese icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze for a different sweet topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the buns for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise. If you gently press your finger into the dough and the indentation remains, it’s ready for the next step.

Can I make these honey buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight, and then shape and bake the buns the next day.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a bread machine, you can use it to knead the dough. Just follow the machine’s instructions for dough settings.

What can I use instead of active dry yeast?

You can substitute with instant yeast. The process remains the same, but you don’t need to activate instant yeast in warm liquid before using it.

Are these honey buns gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make a gluten-free version. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Conclusion

Making homemade honey buns from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience. The soft, sweet buns paired with a honey glaze are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, they are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. I know I love the comforting smell of these buns fresh out of the oven, and I think you’ll enjoy them just as much!