Warm glaze. Soft spirals. That first sticky bite that makes you pause for a second—yeah, that moment. Homemade Honey Buns hit different, and IMO, they deserve a permanent spot in your baking rotation.

These buns are rich, fluffy, and dripping with that classic sweet glaze we all secretly want extra of. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at family gatherings and somehow tastes even better the next morning. Breakfast? Snack? Midnight craving? No judgment here.

Honey buns have a funny way of unlocking memories. Maybe it’s the convenience store classic, the vending machine splurge, or a bakery box shared with friends. Store-bought versions are iconic, sure—but making Honey Buns Homemade takes that nostalgia and cranks it up to eleven. This Honey Bun Recipe Homemade delivers all the cozy flavor with none of the mystery ingredients. Win-win.

What makes this recipe special? It’s designed to be Homemade Honey Buns Easy, baked until golden, soft inside, and unapologetically sticky on top. Think Copycat Honey Buns, but fresher, fluffier, and honestly better. Yes, better. We said it.

There’s also flexibility here. Prefer shortcuts? This Honey Buns Recipe works beautifully as Homemade Honey Buns Without Yeast or classic Homemade Honey Buns Baked—no fryer required. FYI, that means less mess and more buns. Always a good trade.

The origin story of honey buns is a bit of a mystery. Some credit a North Carolina baker in the 1950s, others shrug and grab another bun. Fair. What we do know is that Homemade Honeybuns have earned their cult following for a reason.

Soft, sweet, and glazed to perfection, these Homemade Honey Buns prove one thing: the best comfort food is the kind you make yourself. Ready to bake happiness? Let’s do this.

Homemade Honey Buns

These homemade honey buns are soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet honey glaze that melts into every swirl. Made from scratch, they deliver that classic bakery-style flavor with a warm, comforting touch you just can’t get from store-bought versions. Each bun is lightly spiced with cinnamon, fried until golden, and finished with a smooth, sticky icing that makes them irresistible. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack, these honey buns are great for sharing with family and friends. Serve them warm with coffee or milk and enjoy a nostalgic treat that tastes even better homemade.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 20

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients:
Honey Buns
2¼ cups plain flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup whole milk
1 packet instant yeast
⅓ cup butter melted and slightly cooled
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 –2½ cups vegetable oil for frying
Honey Glaze
3 tablespoons butter melted
1¼ cups powdered sugar sifted
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Add the flour, sugar, and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Give it a quick mix to combine.

2. Warm the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds until it reaches roughly 110°F—warm, not hot.

3. Stir the yeast into the warm milk, then whisk in the melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Knead on medium speed for about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until a soft dough forms.

5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Shape the dough into a ball and place it inside, turning once to coat.

6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

7. Gently punch down the dough and move it to a lightly floured surface.

8. Roll the dough into a rectangle roughly 15 x 8 inches.

9. Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the surface of the dough.

10. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Lightly moisten the seam with water and pinch to seal.

11. Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife to slice the log into 1-inch rolls.

12. Arrange the buns on wax paper, leaving space between each one. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick spray, cover loosely, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

13. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.

14. Fry the buns in batches, turning once, until both sides are golden brown.

15. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

16. While the buns cool slightly, prepare the glaze.

17. In a bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth and pourable.

18. Dip the tops of the warm buns into the glaze.

19. Place glazed buns on parchment paper and allow the icing to set before serving.

Notes

Helpful Tips

Keep the oil temperature steady—too hot and the buns brown too fast; too cool and they absorb excess oil.
Use floss for clean slices without flattening the dough.

Serving Ideas

Serve these honey buns just like the classic version—warm with coffee or milk for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For parties or potlucks, arrange them on a platter and let guests grab and go. No extra garnish needed.

Storage Instructions

Store covered honey buns at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week in an airtight container.

To freeze, wrap each bun tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about making honey buns from scratch. The soft dough, the warm spice, and that glossy honey glaze come together to create a treat that feels nostalgic yet extra special. They’re perfect for sharing—but fair warning: once people try them, they’ll ask for the recipe every single time.