Warm, sweet, and perfectly glazed—homemade honey buns are a treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These golden, fluffy pastries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an ideal indulgence for breakfast, snacks, or any occasion that calls for something sweet. Coated in a smooth honey glaze, they offer a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to create these melt-in-your-mouth honey buns from scratch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade honey buns are a timeless delight, offering a perfect blend of warmth, sweetness, and texture. The dough is subtly sweetened with honey, contributing to its rich, tender structure, while a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds warmth and spice. The honey glaze gives the buns a glossy finish and enhances their soft interior, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Despite the slightly more involved preparation process, the results are well worth the effort. You’ll enjoy these fresh and crispy buns that taste better than any store-bought version. They’re also an excellent option for making ahead, so you can enjoy them at your leisure throughout the week.

Ingredients

To make these soft, golden honey buns, you’ll need a combination of simple pantry staples and a few key ingredients that bring out their rich flavor and texture.

Dough:

½ cup warm water
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon active yeast
2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup shortening (melted)
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Honey Glaze:

4 ⅔ cups powdered sugar
2 ½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon melted butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Warm water (as needed)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and yeast. Whisk until just combined and let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
Knead the Dough:
Swap to a dough hook, then add the remaining sugar, flour, honey, melted shortening, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is sticky yet smooth.
Let the Dough Rise:
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Make Cinnamon Sugar:
In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon and granulated sugar.
Shape the Honey Buns:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a 12” by 8” rectangle. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the surface and press it in gently. Roll the dough tightly, slice it into 8 pieces, and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let rise for 45 minutes.
Heat the Oil:
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan to 365°F (185°C).
Fry the Honey Buns:
Fry the honey buns in batches for 90 seconds per side or until golden brown. Transfer them to a cooling rack.
Make the Glaze:
Whisk together powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Add warm water gradually to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
Glaze the Honey Buns:
Dip each fried honey bun into the glaze while still warm, ensuring a generous coating. Let them rest on the cooling rack to set.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 honey buns
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Baked Honey Buns: If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the honey buns instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Different Glaze Options: Switch up the glaze by using a vanilla or cream cheese glaze for a different flavor.
Add-ins: For a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, over the buns before frying.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Freezer Storage: Wrap each honey bun individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

To keep them fresh for the short term, you can store the buns at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat properly to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After kneading, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the next steps.

2. Can I bake the honey buns instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. While baking will give them a less crispy texture, they will still taste delicious.

3. What can I use instead of shortening?

You can use unsalted butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for shortening. Butter will add more flavor, while vegetable oil will maintain a similar texture.

4. How can I make the honey buns less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of honey in the dough and glaze or skip the cinnamon sugar filling for a less sweet result. You can also use a blend of powdered sugar and milk for a lighter glaze.

5. How do I ensure the honey buns are crispy?

Fry the honey buns at 365°F (185°C). Monitor the oil temperature closely to prevent the buns from becoming greasy.

6. How long should I fry the honey buns?

Fry small honey buns for 75–90 seconds per side and medium ones for 90 seconds. Larger buns may require 100–120 seconds per side.

7. Can I use a different type of glaze?

Yes, you can swap the honey glaze for vanilla or cream cheese glaze for a different twist on flavor.

8. Can I make a batch of honey buns and freeze them?

Yes, freeze individually wrapped buns for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

9. What’s the best way to store honey buns?

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.

10. How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To make the glaze thicker, use less water; for a thinner glaze, add more warm water until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Homemade honey buns are a delicious, comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert, these honey buns are sure to impress. With their light, fluffy interior and golden, crisp exterior, they are coated in a sweet honey glaze that enhances their flavor and texture. Make a batch today and enjoy a warm, homemade treat that rivals any bakery version!