Homemade Honey Buns
Homemade Honey Buns are a delightful treat that evoke nostalgia and warmth in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these sweet buns are soft, fluffy, and topped with a delicious glaze that brings back fond memories. Whether you’re enjoying them at a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and easy preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: Homemade Honey Buns bring the essence of childhood treats right to your kitchen.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe.
- Versatile Delight: These honey buns make a great breakfast option, afternoon snack, or dessert centerpiece.
- Irresistible Glaze: The sweet glaze adds a perfect finish that enhances the flavor of each bun.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch for gatherings, potlucks, or just to enjoy with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious homemade honey buns, gather your essential tools. Having everything prepared will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Frying pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without any mess.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by breaking up lumps effectively.
- Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out dough for perfect honey buns.

Ingredients
A favorite classic honey bun recipe with that famous glaze we all grew up loving.
For the Dough
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 1 packet instant yeast
- ⅓ cup butter (melted, cooled)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frying
- 1½ tsp vegetable oil
- 2-2½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Glaze
- 3 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1¼ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp honey
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Homemade Honey Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by mixing together the dry ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Whisk until well blended.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the whole milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to your dry ingredients.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once combined, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 5: Shape Your Buns
After rising, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into strips or desired shapes for your honey buns.
Step 6: Fry the Buns
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place shaped dough into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels afterward.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While still warm, prepare your glaze by mixing melted butter with powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over each bun before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Homemade Honey Buns fresh from the fryer! They’re best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for later enjoyment too.
How to Serve Homemade Honey Buns
Homemade Honey Buns are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a sweet breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, these buns can fit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve warm with a side of mixed berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Extra Honey
- Add an extra touch by drizzling honey over the top for an indulgent sweetness.
Paired with Coffee
- Enjoy your honey buns alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Split the bun and fill it with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a decadent dessert twist.
How to Perfect Homemade Honey Buns
To achieve the best Homemade Honey Buns, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising and fluffiness.
- Knead Well: Knead the dough until smooth to develop gluten, which gives the buns their structure.
- Monitor Temperature: Keep your ingredients at room temperature for better mixing and yeast activity.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Glaze While Warm: Drizzle the glaze over the buns while they’re still warm for better absorption and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Buns
Pairing side dishes with Homemade Honey Buns can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweetness perfectly.
- Fruit Salad
A light and colorful mix of seasonal fruits that balances the richness of the buns. - Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a delightful breakfast side that adds creaminess. - Scrambled Eggs
Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein, making it a hearty option for brunch. - Cheese Platter
A selection of mild cheeses pairs well with honey buns, adding savory notes to each bite. - Smoothie Bowl
A cold smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers a refreshing contrast to warm buns. - Chia Seed Pudding
This creamy, nutritious pudding complements honey buns beautifully while adding health benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Honey Buns can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final outcome.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect amounts can lead to dough that is too dry or too sticky. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Ignoring the rise time: Skipping the necessary rise time for the dough can result in dense buns. Be patient and allow the dough to double in size as instructed.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn while the inside remains uncooked. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil between 350°F and 375°F for perfect frying.
- Overcrowding the frying pan: Cooking too many buns at once can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Neglecting to sift powdered sugar for glaze: Sifting helps eliminate lumps in your glaze, ensuring a smooth finish. Always sift before mixing with other glaze ingredients.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Homemade Honey Buns in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Honey Buns
- Freeze buns individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag.
- They will last up to 3 months when properly stored.
Reheating Homemade Honey Buns
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place buns on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each bun on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Homemade Honey Buns.
How do I know if my honey bun dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel slightly puffy when poked. If it springs back slowly, it’s ready.
Can I make these homemade honey buns ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough one day before and refrigerate it overnight before frying.
What can I use instead of butter in this recipe?
You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How do I customize my homemade honey buns?
Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts into your dough for extra flavor and texture.
What should I do if my honey buns are too greasy?
Make sure you’re frying at the correct temperature and avoid overcrowding your pan. Allow excess oil to drain on paper towels after frying.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Honey Buns are not only delicious but also versatile. Their sweet glaze and soft texture make them perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can easily customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy making these delightful treats!
Homemade Honey Buns
Indulge in the nostalgia of Homemade Honey Buns, a delightful treat that offers a perfect blend of sweetness and comfort. These soft, fluffy buns are ideal for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a charming dessert centerpiece. Each honey bun is topped with an irresistible glaze that enhances its rich flavor, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can recreate this classic favorite in their kitchen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup whole milk
- 1 packet instant yeast
- ⅓ cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For frying: vegetable oil
- For glaze: 3 tbsp melted butter, 1¼ cup sifted powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, 2 tsp honey, ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix whole milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add to the dry mixture.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and let it rise covered in a warm spot for about 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into strips or desired shapes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry shaped dough until golden brown on both sides and drain on paper towels.
- While warm, mix melted butter with powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle over each bun before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (60g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
