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honey buns

(1 rating)
Kitchen Crew
By Kitchen Crew

Forget about cinnamon rolls! These delectable honey buns are the new, must-try breakfast pastry. This recipe yields an irresistible bun with the perfect balance of sweetness.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This recipe yields honey buns that are soft, fluffy and filled with light, floral notes. They’re the perfect sweet treat to pair with your morning cup of coffee or tea. There are some differences between traditional cinnamon rolls and honey buns. Although both are delicious, the honey bun has a more well-developed consistency that is yeastier and more bread-like than cinnamon rolls. As well, cinnamon rolls typically have a more sugar forward filling that’s a combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon where honey buns keep it simple with just a touch of cinnamon, allowing the naturally sweet honey to be the primary flavor component. Finally, cinnamon rolls are typically finished with an icing made with cream cheese, while honey buns use a glaze created with (you guessed it) honey.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(1 rating)
yield 15 piece(s)
prep time 1 Hr 50 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For honey buns

  • DOUGH
  • 1/3 c
    unsalted butter
  • 1/3 c
    milk
  • 3 Tbsp
    honey
  • 3/4 c
    warm water (115 degrees F)
  • 3 Tbsp
    sugar
  • 3 1/2 tsp
    instant yeast
  • 3 c
    bread flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 1
    egg, room temperature, whisked
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    cinnamon
  • GLAZE
  • 3 Tbsp
    unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/3 c
    powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp
    milk
  • 2 tsp
    honey
  • 1/2 tsp
    vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt

How To Make honey buns

  • melting butter
    1
    To make the dough, add the butter to a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the butter has melted.
  • whisk in milk
    2
    Whisk in the milk.
  • whisk in honey
    3
    Once the milk is incorporated, whisk in the honey. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to lukewarm. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer.
  • add yeast
    4
    Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir to mix thoroughly, then set to the side.
  • mix flour and salt
    5
    In a bowl, combine 2 cups of the bread flour and the salt.
  • add flour to yeast mixture
    6
    Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture.
  • use dough hook to combine
    7
    Using the dough hook attachment, combine the ingredients for 1 minute on the lowest speed setting.
  • add egg and mix
    8
    Add the egg and mix again on low.
  • completed dough
    9
    With the mixer on, add 1/2 cup flour. After a minute or two, add the final 1/2 cup flour. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides, as needed. At this point, the dough should be less sticky. If it's still sticking to the sides of the bowl, add additional flour, 2 tablespoons at a time, until the dough has reached the desired consistency.
  • cover with a towel to rise
    10
    Allow the dough hook to work for two more minutes, then remove and place in a large warm, greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size. Meanwhile, grease a 9x13" baking dish and set aside.
  • transfer dough to work surface
    11
    Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured work surface and use a rolling pin to shape the dough into a 6x14" rectangle.
  • sprinkle cinnamon
    12
    Sprinkle the cinnamon over the entirety of the dough and use your hands to lightly work it into the dough.
  • roll
    13
    Carefully roll one long side of the dough to the other to create a log shape.
  • seal the roll
    14
    Dip your fingers in water and run them along the edge. Use your fingers to pinch it together to seal.
  • slice the dough
    15
    Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 1" slices. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and cover with a tea towel.
  • after second rise
    16
    Place in a warm place to rise for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. After 30 minutes, carefully transfer the buns to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • after baking
    17
    Bake 15-17 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool 20 minutes before glazing.
  • melt butter
    18
    To prepare the glaze, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • sift in flour
    19
    Sift in the powdered sugar.
  • add milk and whisk
    20
    Whisk as you pour in the milk, honey, and vanilla. Add the salt and mix again.
  • dip the buns
    21
    Invert each honey bun and dip the tops into the glaze.
  • completed honey buns
    22
    Place glazed buns on a baking sheet to harden before storing or serve immediately. Enjoy!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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