Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These soft, sweet Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) delights are a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sticky cinnamon sugar filling will impress everyone. With the added touch of a creamy homemade glaze, these honey buns are sure to be a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Deliciously Sweet: The combination of honey and cinnamon creates a flavor explosion that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy these honey buns fresh out of the oven or fried for a crispy outer layer; they suit any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 10 servings, these honey buns are ideal for gatherings, brunches, or family get-togethers.
- Customizable Options: You can easily tweak the fillings or glazes to suit your tastes, allowing for endless variations.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your homemade honey buns, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Dough hook
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Sharp serrated knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool helps effortlessly combine ingredients and knead the dough to perfection.
- Dough hook: It makes mixing dough easy and ensures even consistency throughout.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to create the perfect shape for your honey buns.
Ingredients
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 (if desired)
- Vegetable or peanut oil
For Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For Glaze
- 4 2/3 cup 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 bowl. Set aside.
- In another bowl, combine warm water, honey (heat if necessary), egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Melt the shortening and add it to the wet ingredients; mix thoroughly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook; add wet ingredients to dry ingredients.
- Mix on low speed until combined; then knead on medium speed for about 8 minutes until dough is somewhat sticky but manageable.
Step 3: Let Dough Rise
- Shape dough into a ball and place it in an oiled glass bowl; cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel.
- Place in a warm spot and let rise for 1 to 2 hours until almost doubled in size.
Step 4: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- While the dough rises:
In a small bowl, whisk together cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll Out Dough & Add Filling
- After rising, turn out dough onto a floured surface; roll into an 8” x 12” rectangle.
- Dust with cinnamon sugar mixture while leaving clean edges.
Step 6: Shape Honey Buns
- Roll up the dough from long side toward clean edge; brush with water at edges to seal.
- Cut off ends then slice into equal pieces about 1-inch wide.
Step 7: Second Rise & Bake/Fry
- Place pieces on parchment-lined sheets with space between them:
Let rise for about 45 minutes until puffy but not doubled in size.
(At this point, you can choose to bake or fry according to your preference.)
With these instructions completed, you’re ready to enjoy delicious homemade honey buns!
How to Serve Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
These exquisite Homemade Honey Buns can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack. Whether you prefer them warm and fresh or with a twist, there are plenty of serving ideas to enhance your experience.
With Coffee
- Pairing hot coffee with honey buns creates a delightful morning ritual. The rich flavors complement the sweet and sticky texture of the buns perfectly.
As a Dessert
- Serve these honey buns warm with ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of warm dough and cold ice cream is mouthwatering!
Breakfast Sandwich
- Transform your honey bun into a breakfast sandwich by adding scrambled eggs and bacon. This savory twist makes for a hearty morning meal.
Drizzled with Extra Honey
- For those who love sweetness, drizzle additional honey over the top of your honey buns before serving. This elevates their flavor and stickiness.
With Fresh Fruits
- Serve alongside sliced fruits like strawberries or bananas. The freshness balances the sweetness of the buns nicely.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a light and airy finish. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your honey buns.

How to Perfect Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
To achieve the ultimate in softness and flavor, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your homemade honey buns.
- Use Warm Water: Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm but not too hot (between 105°F-115°F). This temperature helps yeast thrive, leading to a better rise.
- Knead Properly: Knead the dough thoroughly for about 8 minutes. This develops gluten, giving your honey buns that soft texture you desire.
- Let It Rise: Allow the dough to rise in a draft-free area until it nearly doubles in size. Patience here ensures fluffy buns rather than dense ones.
- Be Generous with Cinnamon Sugar: Don’t skimp on cinnamon sugar filling! It adds essential flavor and sweetness, creating that classic taste we love in honey buns.
Best Side Dishes for Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
Pairing side dishes with your homemade honey buns can create a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides refreshing contrast to the sweetness of honey buns.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that balances sweetness.
- Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs offer protein that complements the sugary taste.
- Maple Bacon: The salty-sweet combination of crispy bacon pairs beautifully with honey-flavored treats.
- Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns add texture and heartiness to your breakfast spread.
- Oatmeal: A bowl of creamy oatmeal can round out your meal while keeping it wholesome.
- Green Smoothie: A nutrient-packed smoothie provides balance against the richness of honey buns.
- Herbed Cheese Spread: Serve with crackers for a savory option that contrasts with sweet flavors.
These suggestions will help you create an enjoyable dining experience centered around your delicious homemade honey bun recipe!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Homemade Honey Buns can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use proper measuring tools. Precision is key in baking, and even a slight variation can affect your honey buns’ texture.
- Skipping the proofing stage: Allowing your dough to rise is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture. Don’t rush this step; let it rise until it’s nearly doubled.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure all liquid ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation and result in dense buns.
- Overworking the dough: Knead just enough to combine the ingredients and develop gluten. Over-kneading can make the dough tough instead of soft and airy.
- Ignoring the frying temperature: If frying, maintain the oil temperature between 350°F-375°F. Too hot or too cold oil will alter cooking time and texture.
- Failing to let them cool before glazing: Glazing warm honey buns is tempting, but letting them cool slightly prevents the glaze from melting away completely.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store honey buns in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Wrap each honey bun tightly in plastic wrap and foil for best results.
- Freeze for up to 2 months; label with date for easy reference.
Reheating Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place honey buns on a baking sheet, cover lightly with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual buns on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Adjust time as necessary based on your microwave’s power.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to achieve soft homemade honey buns?
To get soft honey buns, ensure you allow adequate rising time and don’t over-knead the dough.
Can I make these homemade honey buns without yeast?
While traditional honey buns require yeast for leavening, you can experiment with baking powder as an alternative but expect different results.
How do I customize my homemade honey bun recipe?
You can add nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to your filling for extra flavor!
What’s the difference between baked and fried homemade honey buns?
Baked honey buns are lighter and less greasy compared to fried ones, which have a crispy outer layer and a soft inside.
How long does it take to make homemade honey buns?
The total time including prep and rise is around 225 minutes, but active preparation takes about 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried) delivers that comforting taste you’ve been craving! Whether you bake or fry them, these sweet treats are perfect for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors like chocolate or nuts to make them uniquely yours!

Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Homemade Honey Bun Recipe (Baked or Fried). With a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet cinnamon sugar filling, these honey buns are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a snack. The addition of a creamy homemade glaze elevates them to irresistible status, making them a favorite treat for any occasion. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, these honey buns are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup shortening (melted)
- For 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
Instructions
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, combine warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Melt shortening and add to the wet mixture; combine.
- Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to mix the wet and dry ingredients until combined. Knead for about 8 minutes until somewhat sticky but manageable.
- Shape into a ball and let rise in an oiled bowl for about 1–2 hours until nearly doubled in size.
- Prepare the cinnamon-sugar filling by mixing sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Roll out the dough into an 8” x 12” rectangle, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar filling, roll up tightly from one long side, seal edges with water, and cut into equal pieces.
- Allow to rise on parchment-lined sheets for about 45 minutes before baking or frying.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: Varies based on baking/frying method
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 honey bun (60g)
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 187mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 18mg