Classic Homemade Honey Buns

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Fluffy, sticky, sweet, and golden—Classic Homemade Honey Buns are the bakery-style breakfast treat that never goes out of style. Made from scratch with real ingredients and no shortcuts, these buns are pillowy soft, coated in a shiny honey glaze, and just the right touch of nostalgia. Perfect for lazy weekends, family brunches, or a little comfort on a weekday morning.

If you’ve only ever had the store-bought version, you’re in for a warm surprise. The homemade dough is rich and tender, with a buttery swirl of cinnamon sugar tucked inside. Once baked, the buns are bathed in a luscious honey glaze that seeps into every swirl, making each bite ooey-gooey perfection. They taste like love baked into a swirl.

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What Kind of Dough Works Best for Honey Buns?

A soft, enriched yeast dough is key to achieving that iconic honey bun texture. Look for recipes with milk, eggs, and butter to give the dough a tender crumb and slight sweetness. This kind of dough is easy to work with after a first rise and rolls out smoothly for shaping.

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Ingredients for the Classic Homemade Honey Buns

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Honey Glaze:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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How To Make the Classic Homemade Honey Buns

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle in the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add eggs, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix in the flour, one cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes, until smooth.

Step 3: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Fill and Roll

Punch down the dough and roll it into a rectangle (about 10×15 inches). Spread the melted butter over the dough, then sprinkle with the brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll tightly from the long edge and slice into 12 equal buns.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place the buns in a greased baking dish or parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the buns for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 7: Glaze

While buns are warm, whisk together the honey, powdered sugar, and milk. Drizzle generously over the buns. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

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Serving and Storing Your Honey Buns

Serve the buns warm for ultimate gooey deliciousness. They pair beautifully with hot coffee or cold milk. If you’re prepping ahead, you can refrigerate unbaked buns overnight and bake them fresh the next morning. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave for a soft texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If the yeast mixture becomes foamy after 5–10 minutes, it’s active. If nothing happens, the yeast may be expired or the milk may have been too hot.

Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Use the dough hook on medium speed for 6–7 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic.

What if I don’t have honey for the glaze?

You can substitute maple syrup or even light corn syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I freeze honey buns?

Yes! Freeze them after baking (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm them before glazing and serving.

How do I make them extra soft?

Avoid over-baking and be generous with the glaze, which helps lock in moisture.

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Want More Sweet Breakfast Ideas?

If you’re all about cozy, carb-loaded treats like these honey buns, you might love these other favorites:

• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a gooey, chocolatey brunch.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe that brings donut-shop vibes to your kitchen.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for a sticky-sweet bite-sized indulgence.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars that are just as creamy as they sound.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you want to take dessert to another level.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest brunch board so you can revisit the magic any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the glaze? Add nuts or raisins? I love seeing your creations.

Follow more of my daily kitchen adventures over on Pinterest at Nina Dishes. Let’s bake and inspire each other!

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