Homemade Honey Buns—Soft, Swirled, and Glazed to Perfection

Homemade honey buns are the warm bakery-style breakfast pastry you’ve always wanted in your own kitchen. These swirled golden rolls are fluffy on the inside, slightly crisp on the edges, and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth honey glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Think of them as a cross between a cinnamon roll and a glazed doughnut—but better. Whether you enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or save one for an afternoon pick-me-up, homemade honey buns are nostalgic, cozy, and worth every step.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Honey Buns

They’re soft, rich, and sweet—but not too sweet. The dough is light and fluffy with just enough richness to feel like a treat. Each roll is swirled with cinnamon sugar and finished with a honey glaze that melts into the creases. Unlike store-bought honey buns, these don’t rely on preservatives or artificial flavors—just butter, sugar, cinnamon, and love.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Filling

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1½ tsp cinnamon

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and softened butter to the flour mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–6 minutes with a mixer until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1½ hours.
6. Punch down the dough and roll it into a large rectangle (about 14×10 inches).
7. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the surface.
8. Roll tightly from the long side into a log and slice into 8–10 rolls.
9. Flatten each roll slightly with your palm to create the honey bun shape.
10. Place buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
11. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake buns for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
12. While buns bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, honey, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze.
13. Let buns cool for 5–10 minutes, then pour glaze generously over each one while still warm.

Tips for the Best Honey Buns

Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing. Flattening the rolls before baking gives that classic oval shape. Drizzle the glaze while the buns are warm so it melts into all the swirls. Add a second layer of glaze after cooling if you like it extra sweet.

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth. Drizzle with maple glaze instead of honey. Add chopped pecans before rolling for a nutty crunch. Make a maple-honey glaze by swapping in maple syrup for half the honey.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften. Freeze unglazed buns for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing and warming.

Final Thoughts

Homemade honey buns take everything you love about the convenience store classic and turn it into a warm, homemade delight. With their buttery swirl, gooey center, and shiny honey glaze, they’re impossible to resist.

Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.