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Homemade Honey Buns with Perfect Sticky Glaze

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Soft, pillowy yeast buns coated in a rich, sticky honey glaze that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and delivers bakery-quality results every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warm (110°F)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (170g) honey
  • ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
  • Optional: flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Proof the yeast: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup warm milk (110°F) with 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the remaining sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Add the proofed yeast mixture and stir. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed with the dough hook. Once all flour is in, increase speed to medium and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky.
  3. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the buns: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Cut into 12 equal pieces (about 3×4 inches each). Roll each piece tightly from the short end, pinching the seam to seal. Place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Second rise: Brush the tops of the buns with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy and touching each other. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, ¼ cup butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  7. Bake: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the risen buns. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and glaze is bubbling. Internal temperature should reach 190°F. If browning too fast, tent with foil halfway through. Let cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes.
  8. Serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve warm, straight from the pan.

Notes

For best results, use a kitchen thermometer to ensure milk is at 110°F. If dough is too sticky, wet your hands with water instead of adding more flour. Let the glaze cool for 2-3 minutes after simmering before pouring over buns to prevent sogginess. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey buns, sticky buns, homemade buns, sweet bread, breakfast buns, honey glaze, yeast buns

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/homemade-honey-buns-with-perfect-sticky-glaze/