Description
Delight in these homemade honey buns featuring a soft, fluffy dough enriched with honey and cinnamon filling, topped with a luscious honey glaze. Perfectly golden and slightly sweet, these honey buns are a comforting treat ideal for breakfast or any time you crave a sweet pastry.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water (105°F-115°F)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup shortening (melted)
Filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
Glaze
- 4 2/3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt to evenly combine all the dry components.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the warm water (between 105°F and 115°F), honey, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then add the melted shortening to the mixture.
- Combine Dough: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer on low speed, mix until incorporated.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it. Allow it to rise until doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 2 hours.
- Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly to prepare the filling.
- Shape Dough: Roll the risen dough into a rectangle. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface. Carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log shape, then cut into individual pieces.
- Second Rise: Place the dough pieces on parchment-lined baking sheets. Let them rise again for about 45 minutes until puffed and slightly risen.
- Cook Honey Buns: Bake the risen buns in a preheated oven at 350°F until they are golden brown, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, these buns can be fried until golden if preferred.
- Prepare Glaze: While the buns are baking or frying, combine powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the buns are cooked, allow them to cool briefly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading time is important for developing gluten, which gives the buns their structure.
- The glaze is quite sweet; adjust the honey or powdered sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet finish.
- The buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Frying the buns gives them a different texture and richer taste but increases calorie content.
