Description
Tender, sweet, and incredibly easy soft honey buns made with a simplified yeast dough and a sticky honey glaze. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 ½ to 3 cups (315-375g) all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (for dough)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted (for pan)
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (170g) honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and stir gently. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter for the dough and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well and add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg.
- Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer on low speed. Start with 2 ½ cups flour. Knead for 5-7 minutes by hand or 3-4 minutes in a mixer until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes until doubled.
- Punch down dough and turn out onto a floured surface. Roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
- Mix brown sugar and cinnamon (if using) and sprinkle evenly over the dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
- Melt remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Swirl to coat.
- Place dough pieces cut-side up in the dish, touching each other.
- Cover loosely and let rise again for 15-20 minutes.
- Whisk honey with 1 tablespoon warm water to thin slightly for glazing.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Immediately drizzle honey glaze over hot buns.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast. Do not over-knead the dough to prevent tough buns. If tops brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: soft honey buns, breakfast recipe, easy baking, honey glaze, yeast dough, brunch ideas, quick breakfast