From Scratch Honey Buns: Fried vs Baked 🍯
I made homemade honey buns completely from scratch and decided to test both versions side by side fried vs baked.
The fried honey buns gave that classic bakery-style texture with crisp golden edges and a soft center. The baked version surprised me though. They stayed fluffy in the middle with lightly crisp edges and felt a little lighter overall.
Honey Bun Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling:
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Splash of milk
• Vanilla extract
How I baked them:
1. Mix the dough ingredients and knead until smooth.
2. Let the dough rise until doubled in size.
3. Roll out the dough, spread with butter, then add brown sugar and cinnamon.
4. Roll tightly and cut into rolls.
5. Refrigerate overnight or let rise until puffy.
6. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
8. Glaze while still warm.
Prep time: overnight dough rest
Bake time: about 20 minutes
Personally, I loved both versions for different reasons. The fried honey buns tasted more nostalgic and bakery-style, but the baked ones were softer than I expected and still had slightly crisp edges. I’d honestly make both again depending on my mood.
Making homemade honey buns offers a wonderful opportunity to customize the flavors and textures to your liking. When trying both fried and baked versions, I noticed how the frying process imparts a golden crispness that's hard to beat for that classic bakery feel. Frying in oil helps develop that slightly caramelized crust, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, pillowy inside. However, baking honey buns is a great alternative if you want a lighter version without sacrificing softness. Baking also reduces oil usage, making it a bit healthier and easier to manage in a home kitchen. One tip I found helpful is to ensure the dough is properly rested and risen, as this directly impacts the airiness of the final baked buns. Refrigerating the rolled dough overnight allows for better flavor development and easier slicing. For the filling, a blend of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates the signature sweet and warmly spiced taste that perfectly complements the dough. Glazing while the buns are still warm allows the sugary glaze to melt slightly over the surface, adding to that indulgent sticky sweetness everyone loves. If you’re short on time, you can bake the buns fresh without the overnight rest, but the flavor and texture won’t be quite as rich. Experimenting with different fillings like adding chopped nuts or cream cheese can also elevate your honey buns to a new level. Ultimately, whether you choose to fry or bake depends on your texture preference and convenience. Both methods highlight the deliciousness of homemade honey buns and provide a satisfying treat that rivals store-bought versions. I’d recommend making a batch of each and inviting friends or family to vote on their favorite – turning your kitchen into a fun tasting experience!
Homemade honey buns sound so good 🍯 soft sweet rolls with sticky glaze always feel warm and comforting.