Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These Homemade Honey Buns have the same deliciously soft, sweet texture that you adore from store-bought varieties. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these buns are filled with a sticky cinnamon sugar mixture and topped with a creamy homemade glaze. Whether baked or fried, they are sure to delight at any occasion, be it a family brunch or a cozy evening snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh honey buns in no time.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Each bite is soft and fluffy, offering an irresistible experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these buns as a breakfast treat or a sweet dessert; they fit perfectly into any meal plan.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your favorite spices or toppings to make these honey buns uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough for everyone, making it ideal for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Homemade Honey Buns.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Sharp serrated knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool saves time and effort when mixing and kneading dough, ensuring perfect consistency.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, which helps achieve the best texture in your honey buns.
Ingredients
For this delightful Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried), you will need the following ingredients:
- 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 (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for glaze)
- 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 bowl. Set aside.
- In another medium-sized bowl, combine the warm water, honey (heat if necessary), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Melt shortening and add it to the wet mixture; stir until fully blended.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
- Using a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, add the wet ingredients to the dry mix.
- Start on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed for about 8 minutes until dough is sticky but workable.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled glass bowl. Flip to coat.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
- Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel; place in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 2 hours until almost doubled.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- While rising, whisk together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Step 5: Shape the Buns
- Once risen, turn out onto a floured surface and roll into an 8” x 12” rectangle.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar mixture leaving clean edges; press gently into dough.
- Roll up tightly from the long side toward clean edges.
Step 6: Cut and Second Rise
- Pinch ends of roll; cut into 1-inch pieces and place on parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each piece.
- Press down lightly on each piece; let rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
Enjoy making your own Homemade Honey Buns, whether baked or fried! The combination of flavors will surely impress friends and family alike!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Homemade honey buns are versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these sweet treats can be dressed up or down to suit your occasion.
For Breakfast
- Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced morning meal.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a comforting start to your day.
As a Dessert
- Drizzle additional honey over the top for extra sweetness.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
For Snacks
- Enjoy them plain for a quick energy boost during the day.
- Slice them in half and fill with cream cheese frosting for a delicious twist.
At Parties
- Arrange on a platter with assorted fruits and nuts for an appealing display.
- Offer alongside hot chocolate or coffee at gatherings for cozy vibes.
With Glaze Variations
- Try different flavored glazes like maple or chocolate to change things up.
- Add sprinkles on top of the glaze for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
To ensure your homemade honey buns turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your yeast is active by checking the expiration date. Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and rise.
- Knead Properly: Kneading helps develop gluten, giving your buns structure. Aim for 8 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Control Temperature: Keep your dough in a warm spot while it rises. A draft-free environment helps the dough rise properly.
- Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has visibly doubled. This step is essential for achieving light and fluffy buns.
- Experiment with Fillings: While cinnamon sugar is classic, feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips for unique flavors.
- Store Correctly: Keep leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Pairing side dishes with homemade honey buns can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent suggestions that complement their sweetness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the honey buns.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries to create a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with soft honey buns.
- Scrambled Eggs: The savory nature of scrambled eggs provides a hearty complement to sweet buns, perfect for breakfast.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty flavor of bacon pairs beautifully with sweet honey buns, making it an ideal brunch option.
- Smoothies: Blend up some greens and fruits into a smoothie for a nutritious drink that enhances any sweet dish.
- Coffee Cake: Serve coffee cake alongside honey buns to create an irresistible brunch spread filled with varied textures and flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade honey buns can be a delightful experience, but there are several common mistakes to watch out for.
- Incorrect yeast temperature: Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast. Always ensure the water is between 105°F-115°F for optimal results.
- Not kneading enough: Failing to knead the dough properly leads to dense buns. Aim for at least 8 minutes of kneading for a fluffy texture.
- Ignoring rise time: Skipping or rushing the rising process will result in less fluffy buns. Be patient and let the dough rise until it has almost doubled in size.
- Cutting uneven pieces: Unequal pieces will bake unevenly. Use a serrated knife and measure 1-inch cuts for consistency.
- Overfilling with cinnamon sugar: Adding too much filling can make the buns difficult to roll. Keep a clean edge and apply just enough filling to enhance flavor without overloading.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Homemade honey buns will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Place cooled honey buns in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a covered skillet for about 5 minutes, allowing gentle reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the homemade honey bun recipe that might help you as you bake.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture slightly. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best results.
How do I make my homemade honey buns sweeter?
To make your homemade honey bun recipe even sweeter, you can increase the amount of granulated sugar in the dough or add extra honey into the glaze.
Can I add nuts or fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or dried fruits such as raisins, can be added to enhance flavor and texture.
What makes these homemade honey buns different from store-bought ones?
The main difference lies in freshness and ingredients. Homemade versions allow you to control sweetness, flavors, and omit preservatives found in store-bought options.
How long does it take to prepare homemade honey buns?
The total time is approximately 225 minutes, including prep and rise time. It’s worth every minute for those delicious results!
Final Thoughts
These homemade honey buns are irresistibly soft and sweet, perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can customize them with your favorite fillings or glazes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these comforting treats with loved ones!

Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting delight of these Homemade Honey Buns, a perfect treat for breakfast or dessert. With their soft and fluffy texture, these buns are filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar mixture and drizzled with a creamy homemade glaze. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser at family brunches or cozy evenings at home. Easy to make and customizable, you can add your favorite spices or toppings for a unique twist. Enjoy the nostalgia of freshly baked goods right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 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)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 2/3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for glaze)
- Warm water (as needed)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla; stir in melted shortening.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to combine wet and dry ingredients until sticky.
- Shape dough into a ball and let rise in an oiled bowl for 1 to 2 hours until doubled.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar filling while the dough rises.
- Roll out risen dough into a rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, roll tightly.
- Cut into pieces and let rise again for about 45 minutes until puffy.
- Bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes or fry until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (75g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg