Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

These delightful Homemade Honey Buns are soft, sweet, and have the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals store-bought versions. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion, these honey buns are sticky and sweet with a delicious cinnamon sugar filling, topped with a creamy homemade glaze. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they will surely impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of making homemade honey buns, perfect for beginners.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or a snack; these buns fit any time of day.
• Mouthwatering Flavor: The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a sweet symphony that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Customizable Options: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add toppings to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 10 servings, these honey buns are great for gatherings or family brunches.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking or frying your homemade honey buns, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with dough hook
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Sharp serrated knife
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with dough hook: Makes mixing and kneading the dough effortless, resulting in a consistent texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to achieve the right shape for your honey buns.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking when baking and makes clean-up easier.

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.

• 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)
• Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 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

1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine warm water, honey (microwave if needed), egg, and vanilla extract until well mixed. Add melted shortening and stir until combined.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
2. Mix on low speed until everything is combined.
3. Knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until the dough is somewhat sticky but workable.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled glass bowl. Coat the top with oil as well.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours or until it has almost doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

While the dough rises:
1. Whisk together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Honey Buns

1. Once risen, turn out onto a floured surface.
2. Roll into an 8 by 12 rectangle and dust with cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Gently press down on the mixture so it adheres to the dough.
4. Roll up tightly from one long side toward the clean edge.

Step 6: Cut into Pieces

1. Brush the clean edge of the roll with water to seal it.
2. Trim off ends about 1½ inches from each side using a serrated knife.
3. Cut into equal pieces about 1 inch thick and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Second Rise

Let cut pieces rise for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size before you proceed to bake or fry them according to your preference!

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

Serving your Homemade Honey Buns can elevate the experience and make them even more delightful. There are several ways to enjoy these sweet treats, whether you’re serving them for breakfast or as a dessert. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Banana Slices: Add banana slices for a creamy texture that pairs well with honey buns.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the honey buns for an indulgent treat.
• Nutella Spread: Spread Nutella on top for a rich, hazelnut flavor.

Pairing with Coffee

• Espresso: Enjoy your honey buns with a shot of espresso to balance the sweetness.
• Iced Coffee: A chilled latte can be a refreshing accompaniment on warmer days.

Adding Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm honey buns.
• Caramel Ice Cream: For an extra sweet touch, serve with caramel-flavored ice cream.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the honey buns.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding vanilla or almond extract to the whipped cream for an added twist.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• With Bacon or Sausage: Slice the honey bun in half and fill it with crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory combo.

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

To achieve the best results with your homemade honey buns, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure that your baked or fried treats turn out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active and ingredients are at room temperature to help the dough rise properly.
• Knead Properly: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives the buns their soft texture.
• Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on rising times; dough should double in size but not overproof. Adjust based on room temperature.
• Don’t Skimp on Filling: Generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar filling to enhance flavor; this is key for delicious honey buns.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with different glazes or toppings like nuts or sprinkles for variety in flavors.
• Store Correctly: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh longer.

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

Pairing side dishes with your homemade honey buns can create an exciting meal. Here are some great options that complement their sweetness and texture beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit provides a nutritious counterpoint to honey buns.
3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and make for a satisfying breakfast spread.
4. Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns offer a crunchy contrast and pair well with sweet flavors.
5. Breakfast Sausages: Savory sausages enhance the meal’s heartiness while balancing sweetness from the honey buns.
6. Smoothies: A fruity smoothie can refresh your palate between bites of sticky goodness.
7. Cinnamon Applesauce: The warm spices in applesauce echo those in the honey buns, creating harmony in flavors.
8. Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins echo similar flavors, making them an ideal pairing alongside your baked treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Honey Buns can be a fun experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast activation: Using water that is too hot or too cold can kill the yeast. Always ensure your water is between 105°F-115°F.
• Over-kneading the dough: Kneading for too long can make the buns tough. Aim for about 8 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
• Not allowing enough rise time: If you rush the rising process, your buns may turn out dense. Let the dough rise until it has almost doubled in size.
• Skipping the cinnamon sugar filling: This adds flavor and sweetness. Don’t skip this step—spread it generously before rolling up the dough.
• Cutting uneven pieces: Cutting the dough into equal pieces ensures even baking. Use a sharp serrated knife and measure carefully.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

• Wrap each honey bun tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place honey buns on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual buns for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, but avoid overheating as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes for a soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making these delicious treats, check out these frequently asked questions!

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

The dough should have nearly doubled in size and feel puffy. You can also gently press your finger into it; if it springs back slowly, it’s ready.

Can I make this Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise overnight in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking or frying.

What oil is best for frying honey buns?

Vegetable oil works great for frying because of its high smoke point. Peanut oil is another excellent choice if you enjoy its flavor.

Can I add different spices to my honey buns?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin spice to create unique flavors that suit your taste.

How do I customize my glaze?

You can add cocoa powder for chocolate glaze or flavored extracts like almond or maple to switch things up!

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. With its soft texture and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Plus, you can customize fillings and toppings to fit your preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this delightful recipe a try today!