Cinnamon Roll Honeybun

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Honeybun is the ultimate breakfast or dessert indulgence that combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the soft, sticky goodness of a honeybun. This decadent treat features layers of sweet cinnamon filling, soft dough, and a sweet glaze, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you’re craving a cozy weekend breakfast, looking to impress guests, or simply want a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee, this Cinnamon Roll Honeybun is sure to become a favorite. It’s the perfect combination of gooey, soft, and sweet, making it irresistible from the first bite.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

For the cinnamon filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, salt, egg, and yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.

   • Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment.

   • Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the cinnamon filling:

   • While the dough is rising, prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and well combined.

3. Shape the honeybun:

   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 12 x 18 inches.

   • Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

   • Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

   • Slice the dough log into 12-15 even rolls. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a round cake pan, packing them close together for a honeybun effect.

   • Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

4. Bake the honeybun:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

   • Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.

5. Prepare the glaze:

   • While the rolls are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

   • Drizzle the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls just before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 rolls (depending on size)

• Prep time: 30 minutes (excluding rise time)

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours (including rising and baking)

Variations

• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon filling for added texture and flavor.

• Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace the simple glaze with a rich cream cheese glaze made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract for a tangy twist.

• Apple Cinnamon Honeybun: Add thinly sliced apples to the cinnamon filling for a fruity variation that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon flavor.

• Caramelized Honeybun: Drizzle the rolls with caramel sauce before baking for an extra sweet and sticky finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll Honeybuns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the rolls the night before. After shaping them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze these honeybuns?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Arrange them in a pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw and rise for about 1-2 hours before baking as usual.

What’s the best way to make the dough rise faster?

If you’re in a hurry, you can place the dough in a warm (not hot) area, like an oven with the light on, to speed up the rising process.

How do I prevent my cinnamon rolls from being too doughy inside?

Be sure to let the rolls rise fully before baking, and bake them until they are golden brown and the center is set. If they’re underbaked, the dough can be too dense.

Can I use a stand mixer to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to mix and knead the dough, which will save time and effort.

Can I use a different filling for the honeybun?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other fillings like Nutella, almond paste, or even a chocolate hazelnut spread for a unique twist.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes, you can halve the recipe to make a smaller batch, but adjust the baking time accordingly, as the rolls will bake faster in a smaller pan.

Can I use store-bought dough?

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cinnamon roll dough or pizza dough, but homemade dough will give you the best results for flavor and texture.

How do I know when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and slightly crisp around the edges. You can also test by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the rolls are ready.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make these honeybuns dairy-free by using plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a dairy-free glaze.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Honeybun is the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, sweet cinnamon filling, and a gooey glaze. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy morning or serving them for a special breakfast or brunch, these honeybuns will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Try it today, and you’ll understand why cinnamon rolls and honeybuns are a match made in heaven!