Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These soft, sweet Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) options bring the delightful taste of store-bought honey buns right to your kitchen! Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these treats feature a sticky, cinnamon sugar filling and a creamy homemade glaze. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, these honey buns are sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these honey buns in no time.
- Versatile: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven as a breakfast treat or as a sweet dessert after dinner.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of warm honey and soft dough creates a delightful texture that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or chocolate chips, for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Sharing: With enough servings to feed a crowd, these honey buns are ideal for family gatherings or brunch parties.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Homemade Honey Buns, having the right tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer with dough hook: This tool makes kneading the dough easier, ensuring a well-mixed and elastic texture.
- Rolling pin: A must-have for rolling out the dough evenly to create perfectly shaped honey buns.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking on the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients needed for your Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried):
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 teaspoons cinnamon
For Glaze
- 4 2/3 cups 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, combine warm water, honey (microwave briefly if needed), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Melt the shortening and add it to the wet ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients on low speed until well blended.
- Increase speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes until dough is sticky but workable.
Step 3: Let It Rise
- Shape dough into a ball and place it in an oiled glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it has nearly doubled in size.
Step 4: Create Filling Mixture
While dough rises:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once risen:
1. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and roll into an 8” x 12” rectangle.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface while leaving edges clean.
Step 6: Roll Up Dough
- Roll up from one long side towards the opposite edge.
- Brush clean edge with water; press together to seal.
Step 7: Slice Into Pieces
- Cut off ends of roll; slice into equal pieces about 1-inch thick.
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet with at least 2” space between each piece.
Step 8: Second Rise
Let sliced pieces rise for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size before frying or baking as desired.
With these steps followed carefully, you’ll have delicious homemade honey buns ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These soft and sweet Homemade Honey Buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. You can serve them in various ways to enhance their flavor and texture.
Pair with Coffee
- A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness of honey buns beautifully. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sugary glaze.
Add Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. The freshness adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sticky sweetness.
Warm Milk or Cream
- Drizzle warm milk or cream over the honey buns for added richness. This makes for a comforting treat that feels indulgent.
Ice Cream Delight
- Place a honey bun on a plate and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm and cold is truly heavenly.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. This enhances the flavor profile and adds texture.
Glaze Variations
- Experiment with different glazes like maple syrup or chocolate sauce. Changing up the glaze can give your honey buns a unique twist each time you make them.

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.
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Use fresh yeast: Always check the expiration date on your instant yeast. Fresh yeast ensures your dough rises properly for that fluffy texture.
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Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale if possible. Accurate measurements lead to consistent results in baking.
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Knead well: Properly kneading your dough helps develop gluten, resulting in softer buns. Aim for about 8 minutes of kneading time.
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Monitor rising times: Temperature affects rising times. If your kitchen is too cold, consider placing the dough in a slightly warm oven to help it rise more effectively.
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Don’t rush cooling: Allow honey buns to cool slightly before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting away and ensures it sticks better.
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Try different shapes: Feel free to make variations by shaping them differently—like twists or knots—for an interesting presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Homemade honey buns pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor profile. Here are some tasty options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the buns.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that pairs well with honey buns.
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Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein, creating a more balanced breakfast experience.
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Sausage Links: Savory sausage links offer a hearty side that contrasts nicely with sweet honey buns.
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Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness, making it a satisfying meal option alongside honey buns.
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Cinnamon Applesauce: A warm bowl of cinnamon applesauce enhances the cinnamon flavor in your honey buns while adding moisture.
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Coffee Cake: Serve with slices of coffee cake for an indulgent brunch spread that keeps things sweet.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of honey buns perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Honey Buns can be simple, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for perfect results.
- Incorrect Dough Consistency: Not kneading the dough enough can lead to dense buns. Make sure to knead for about 8 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly sticky.
- Wrong Rising Temperature: Placing the dough in a drafty area can affect its rise. Find a warm, draft-free spot for the best results.
- Overfilling with Cinnamon Sugar: Using too much filling can make it hard to roll the dough. A light dusting is sufficient to ensure even sweetness without overwhelming the bun.
- Improper Cutting Technique: Cutting the rolls unevenly may lead to inconsistent baking. Use a sharp knife and cut evenly for uniform honey buns.
- Skipping the Glaze: The glaze adds sweetness and enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step; it transforms your honey buns from good to great!

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent sticking.
Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual buns on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet covered with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Homemade Honey Bun Recipe.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should have almost doubled in size. It will feel puffy and soft when ready.
Can I make these honey buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight before shaping and baking.
What if I want to make a glaze without powdered sugar?
You can mix honey with milk or cream as an alternative glaze that is still delicious!
Is this Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! These sweet buns make a delightful breakfast treat or snack any time of day.
Can I customize the fillings?
Yes! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to personalize your honey buns.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Honey Buns are incredibly soft and sweet, offering the same comforting taste you love from store-bought versions. They are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite fillings or glazes. Try this recipe today and enjoy these charming treats!

Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Homemade Honey Bun Recipe, available in baked or fried versions. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or a delicious dessert. Each honey bun features a sticky cinnamon sugar filling and is topped with a creamy glaze that adds an irresistible finish. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you can impress family and friends with these soft, melt-in-your-mouth buns. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist. Bake or fry to achieve your desired texture, and get ready to savor every bite!
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)
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cinnamon sugar 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 for glaze)
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Melt the shortening and add it to the wet ingredients. Stir until well mixed.
- Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients on low speed until well blended.
- Increase speed to medium and knead for about 8 minutes until dough is sticky but workable.
- Shape dough into a ball and place it in an oiled glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Allow dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours until it has nearly doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon and sugar for the filling.
- Once risen, turn out dough onto a floured surface and roll into an 8” x 12” rectangle.
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface while leaving edges clean.
- Roll up from one long side towards the opposite edge, brushing the clean edge with water to seal.
- Cut off ends of the roll and slice into equal pieces about 1-inch thick.
- Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet with at least 2” space between each piece.
- Let sliced pieces rise for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size before frying or baking as desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg