Soft, gooey cinnamon rolls with a sticky, sweet honey glaze.
These Honey Bun Cinnamon Rolls bring together the best of both worlds: classic cinnamon rolls and the nostalgic flavor of honey buns. Soft, gooey, and topped with a sweet honey glaze, they're a comforting treat worth every bite.
Why you'll want it now, Nostalgic honey bun flavor in a soft, gooey roll.
Why this recipe works
The combination of a rich, buttery dough and a sweet cinnamon-honey filling creates a roll that's both soft and flavorful. The honey glaze adds a nostalgic touch reminiscent of classic honey buns.
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Stand mixer with dough hook
Rolling pin
9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) baking dish
Parchment paper
Cooling rack
How to make it
In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix on low speed until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter for the filling.
Roll the dough into a 15 x 9 in (38 x 23 cm) rectangle. Spread the filling mixture over the dough and drizzle with honey.
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
Place rolls in a parchment-lined 9 x 13 in (23 x 33 cm) baking dish. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Whisk together powdered sugar, honey, and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Enjoy the nostalgic flavors of honey buns in a deliciously soft cinnamon roll. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day!
How you'll know it's ready
The rolls are ready when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped lightly on top.
Convection oven? (and if you don't have one)
For standard ovens, the temperature is just right. If using a convection oven, lower the temperature by 25°F and check a few minutes early, as the fan may bake faster.
Frosting, filling & glaze notes
The glaze should be smooth and pourable, falling in a slow ribbon from the spoon.
Troubleshooting
If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until manageable.
If the rolls are not rising, ensure the yeast is fresh and the environment is warm enough.
For rolls that are too dense, check that the dough was kneaded enough to develop gluten.
If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Make ahead
Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
Variations
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor twist.
Drizzle with a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.
How do I keep the rolls soft for longer?
Store them in an airtight container and reheat briefly before serving to restore softness.
Can I freeze these cinnamon rolls?
Yes, freeze the unbaked rolls after shaping. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then let rise before baking.
What if I don't have a stand mixer?
You can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 1 roll (80 g)
Calories320
Total Fat10 g
Saturated Fat6 g
Cholesterol55 mg
Sodium180 mg
Total Carbohydrate52 g
Dietary Fiber2 g
Total Sugars28 g
Protein5 g
Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used and may vary depending on brands and exact measurements.
Recipe from softsweetdough.com · Soft, sweet desserts worth every bite.