Honey Bun Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Are you ready to bake up a batch of irresistible honey buns? This recipe delivers soft, fluffy buns with a delightful honey glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these honey buns are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons honey
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and melted butter to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the cinnamon.
Step 6: Roll and Fill the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12x18 inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture evenly over the dough.
Step 7: Cut and Shape
Tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices. Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
Step 8: Second Rise
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 10: Make the Glaze
While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, honey, and milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 11: Glaze and Cool
Once the buns are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the honey glaze over them. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Nutty Honey Buns: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Bake as directed in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftover honey buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious homemade honey buns! Remember to share your baking creations using #honeybunrecipe and tag us!
