Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These Homemade Honey Buns, whether baked or fried, are a delightful treat that brings nostalgia and sweetness to your kitchen. With their soft texture, cinnamon sugar filling, and creamy glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or serve them at gatherings. This recipe captures the essence of store-bought honey buns while allowing you to savor the warmth of homemade goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these honey buns as a sweet breakfast item, a delightful snack, or a charming dessert.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of soft dough and rich glaze creates an irresistible texture that you won’t forget.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite fillings or toppings to make these honey buns uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: With ten servings, these honey buns are great for family breakfasts, brunches with friends, or festive occasions.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Homemade Honey Bun Recipe easy and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Sharp serrated knife
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool helps knead the dough effectively, ensuring a smooth and elastic texture.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need several for combining ingredients and allowing the dough to rise properly.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough into the desired shape before filling it with cinnamon sugar.
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 or Baking
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
For Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For 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: Prepare the Dough
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Melt the shortening and mix it into the wet ingredients until well blended.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Using a stand mixer on low speed with a dough hook attachment, slowly combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until mixed.
- Increase speed to medium and knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it’s somewhat sticky but workable.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled glass bowl. Flip it to coat both sides with oil.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm area until nearly doubled in size; this should take about 1 to 2 hours.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- While the dough is rising:
1. Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
- Once risen:
1. Turn out onto a floured surface; roll out into an 8” x 12” rectangle.
2. Dust evenly with cinnamon sugar mixture while leaving edges clean.
Step 6: Shape Honey Buns
- Roll up tightly from one long side toward the clean edge.
- Brush clean edge with water to seal; pinch edges together firmly.
Step 7: Cut Buns
- Trim off pinched ends about 1½ inches from each end.
- Cut into equal pieces about 1 inch wide; place on parchment-lined baking sheet allowing space between each piece.
Step 8: Final Rise Before Cooking
- Press down slightly on each piece; let rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size.
Now your Homemade Honey Buns are ready to be baked or fried! Enjoy this delightful treat hot from your kitchen!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These delightful Homemade Honey Buns can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing their sweet and sticky appeal. Whether you are serving them for breakfast or as a dessert, consider these suggestions to elevate your honey bun experience.
With a Warm Beverage
- Coffee: A classic pairing, coffee complements the sweetness of honey buns perfectly.
- Tea: Choose herbal or black tea for a soothing contrast to the sugary treat.
- Hot Chocolate: For a decadent touch, serve with rich hot chocolate on cold days.
As a Dessert
- Ice Cream: Top with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside berries or sliced bananas for a fresh touch.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and flavor.
For Breakfast
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer pieces of honey bun with yogurt and fruit for a delicious breakfast bowl.
- Nut Butter Spread: Spread almond or peanut butter on warm honey buns for added protein and flavor.

How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
To achieve the ultimate soft and sweet texture in your homemade honey buns, keep these tips in mind.
- Preparation: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the dough rise better.
- Kneading: Knead the dough well until it is smooth and elastic. This improves its texture.
- Rising Time: Allow enough time for the dough to rise. If it doesn’t double, it still needs to be puffy before shaping.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a warm environment while rising. A slightly heated oven can help speed up this process.
- Rolling Technique: Roll evenly to ensure uniform thickness, which results in even baking or frying.
- Glazing Immediately: Brush with glaze while warm so it seeps into the buns for an irresistible finish.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Pairing side dishes with your homemade honey buns can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of honey buns.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs add protein and make it a hearty breakfast option.
- Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet flavors of honey buns.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal provides a wholesome side that complements the sweetness.
- Sausage Links: Savory sausage links offer a savory counterpart to sweet honey buns during brunch.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, perfect alongside sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade honey buns can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can affect your results.
- Ignoring the yeast: If your yeast is expired or not activated properly, your dough won’t rise. Always check the yeast date and ensure it bubbles when mixed with warm water.
- Too much flour: Adding too much flour can make your honey buns dense. Measure accurately and add flour only as needed during rolling.
- Over-kneading the dough: Kneading for too long can lead to tough buns. Aim for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth but still slightly sticky.
- Skipping the rising time: Rushing the rising process will result in flat buns. Make sure to let your dough rise until it has nearly doubled in size.
- Not using enough cinnamon sugar: A light sprinkle won’t give you that delicious flavor. Generously dust the rolled dough before rolling it up.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Keep a close eye on baking times. Your honey buns should be golden brown; underbaked ones will be doughy, while overbaked ones will be dry.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your honey buns in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to enjoy my Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)?
You can enjoy these honey buns fresh out of the oven or with a drizzle of glaze on top. They also pair well with coffee or tea!
Can I make these honey buns without yeast?
While traditional honey buns require yeast for that fluffy texture, you can try using baking powder as a quick alternative but expect different results.
How do I customize my Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the filling before rolling them up for added flavor!
Why are my honey buns not rising?
If your kitchen is too cold or your yeast is not active, this could prevent rising. Ensure that you use warm water and create a draft-free environment for rising.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly as it absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its soft texture and sweet glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fillings and toppings; you’ll find endless ways to enjoy these delightful treats!

Homemade Honey Buns
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Honey Buns are a warm and nostalgic treat that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you prefer them baked or fried, these soft, sweet buns filled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy glaze are perfect for breakfast or dessert. They bring the delightful taste of store-bought honey buns right to your kitchen while allowing for personal customization. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, at family gatherings, or as a delicious snack throughout the day. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (105°F-115°F)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shortening (melted)
- For glazing: powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, combine warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla; mix in melted shortening.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients using a stand mixer until combined; knead for about 8 minutes.
- Let the dough rise in an oiled bowl covered for 1 to 2 hours until puffy.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, roll up tightly, and cut into pieces.
- Place on parchment-lined sheet and let rise again for about 45 minutes before baking or frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg