Honeybun Cookie Recipe

Who doesn’t love the sweet, sticky goodness of a classic honeybun? We’ve taken all that nostalgic flavor and transformed it into a delightful cookie that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. These honeybun cookies combine the comforting warmth of cinnamon and honey with a soft, chewy texture that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Honeybun Cookie Recipe

Here’s how we can create these soft, chewy honeybun cookies packed with nostalgic flavors of cinnamon and honey. Carefully follow these steps for the best results.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk, at room temperature

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
2. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue mixing until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors and prevent spreading during baking.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. Do not overbake!
4. Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Making the Honey Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding a few drops of milk if needed.
2. Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over each cookie using a spoon or piping bag for a clean presentation.

Tips for Success:

• Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and consistent texture.
• Refrigerating the dough ensures a chewy texture with defined cookie shapes.
• If the glaze appears too thick, add milk gradually; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Enjoy the cinnamon-honey aroma while the cookies bake! These honeybun cookies are the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them irresistible for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here is a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious honeybun cookies with their signature flavors of cinnamon and honey. Gather everything ahead to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Honey Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3–4 teaspoons milk, adjust for desired consistency

For Optional Garnish:

• A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of extra honey.

Quick Ingredient Note:

• Make sure to use room temperature butter; it creams more easily with the sugars for a smooth dough.
• Fresh, high-quality honey adds a rich sweetness and authentic flavor to these cookies.
• For the most fragrant cookies, opt for freshly ground cinnamon.

Equipment Needed

To set ourselves up for success, having the right kitchen tools makes preparing these honeybun cookies a breeze. Below is a list of essential equipment that ensures ease and precision during the recipe process.

Tools for Mixing & Dough Preparation

• Large mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Helps cream the butter, sugars, and other wet ingredients to the perfect consistency.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of bowls and folding ingredients.
• Whisk: Ideal for evenly combining dry ingredients like flour and cinnamon.

Tools for Shaping & Baking

• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: A must to give cookies an even bake and easy release.
• Cookie scoop (medium size, approximately 1.5 tablespoons): Ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
• Cooling racks: Crucial for allowing baked cookies to cool properly and maintain their texture.

Tools for the Honey Glaze

• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together glaze ingredients.
• Spoon or small whisk: To smoothly blend the glaze.
• Pastry brush (optional): For an even honey glaze application, if desired.

Optional Equipment

• Spice grinder: For freshly grinding cinnamon to enhance the cookies’ flavor.
• Offset spatula: Handy for applying glaze evenly and smoothly.

Here’s a breakdown of the key kitchen tools we’ll use:

Category	Equipment
Mixing & Dough Prep	Large mixing bowls, measuring cups, hand/stand mixer
Shaping & Baking	Baking sheets, parchment paper, cookie scoop
Glazing	Small mixing bowl, whisk, pastry brush (optional)
Optional Enhancers	Spice grinder, offset spatula

Having these tools ready ensures an enjoyable, seamless baking experience while bringing out the best results in our honeybun cookie recipe.

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on creating these luscious honeybun cookies. Follow along carefully to ensure every cookie comes out soft, chewy, and full of nostalgic flavor.

Prep

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Ensure our butter, eggs, and any other perishable ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
3. Measure out all the ingredients using measuring cups and spoons, keeping the dry and wet components separate for easy access.

Make The Honey Filling

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons melted butter

This mixture will serve as the rich, gooey center for our cookies.

1. Set the filling aside, ensuring it stays at a drizzleable, smooth consistency.

Shape And Fill The Cookies

1. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the cookie dough into even balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each.
2. Flatten each dough ball into a disc shape in your palm, then place 1/2 teaspoon of the honey filling in the center.
3. Gently fold up the edges of the dough around the filling, making sure to seal it entirely to avoid leaks during baking.
4. Roll the filled dough into smooth balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake The Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden and the centers appear set.
2. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Cool And Glaze

1. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
2. Make the honey glaze by whisking together:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons honey

1. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies with a spoon or an offset spatula. Optionally, dust with cinnamon sugar or add an extra honey drizzle for decoration.
2. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving for the perfect sticky-sweet finish.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Planning ahead can make the process of creating our honeybun cookies even smoother. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or simply want to reduce day-of tasks, here are simple, effective make-ahead techniques:

Preparing the Dough in Advance

We can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for optimal freshness.

• Refrigeration: After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for easier handling.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the dough into balls using a cookie scoop, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once the dough balls are firm, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Before baking, thaw dough balls on the counter for about 20-30 minutes.

Tip: Chilled dough not only saves time but enhances the cookies’ chewy texture and amplifies the warm cinnamon-honey flavor.

The Honey Filling

The honey-cinnamon filling can easily be made ahead.

• Whisk together the honey, cinnamon, and melted butter. Transfer the mixture into a small airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• When it’s time to use, reheat lightly in short intervals in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring to restore the smooth consistency.

Storing the Honey Glaze

Prepare the honey glaze in advance and store it properly for stress-free assembly.

• Once the glaze is mixed, transfer it to a small airtight jar or bowl. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Before drizzling, whisk the glaze thoroughly and, if needed, add a teaspoon of warm milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Table: Make-Ahead Storage Summary

Component	Refrigeration Time	Freezing Time	Additional Notes
Cookie Dough	Up to 48 hours	Up to 2 months	Thaw frozen dough balls for 20-30 mins
Honey Filling	Up to 5 days	Not recommended	Warm slightly for smooth texture
Honey Glaze	Up to 3 days	Not recommended	Whisk thoroughly before use

Baking from Frozen

If baking directly from frozen, place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet. Add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time to ensure the cookies bake through completely.

Note: Making key components ahead not only saves time but ensures consistent results, giving you perfectly soft, chewy honeybun cookies every time.

Tips For Perfect Honeybun Cookies

Achieving the perfect honeybun cookies requires attention to detail and a few strategic tips. By following these key recommendations, we can ensure that our cookies turn out soft, chewy, and bursting with the nostalgic flavors of honey and cinnamon.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

To get that perfect blend of soft texture and even mixing, always start with room temperature butter, eggs, and honey. Cold ingredients can create uneven dough, resulting in cookies that don’t bake evenly.

2. Refrigerate the Cookie Dough

Letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours enhances both flavor and texture. This step allows the flour to fully hydrate and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Pro Tip: If time allows, refrigerate overnight. The longer rest intensifies the flavor!

3. Measure Ingredients Accurately

For baking success, precise measurements are vital. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially for the dry ingredients like flour and sugar. Too much flour results in dry cookies, while too little affects the structure.

4. Invest in High-Quality Ingredients

Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference. Opt for pure honey, unsalted butter, and freshly ground cinnamon. These will elevate the warmth and richness of the cookies.

5. Perfect the Filling

When preparing the honey filling, whisk the melted butter, honey, and cinnamon thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency. This creates that signature gooey center we all love.

6. Line and Prepare Baking Sheets Properly

Line the sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This small step saves time and cleanup effort.

7. Space the Cookies

Give each cookie enough room to spread. Leave at least 2 inches of space between cookies on the baking sheet to avoid them merging during baking.

8. Bake to Perfection

Keep an eye on baking times! Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking – the centers should still appear slightly soft as they set while cooling.

| **Baking Temperature** | **Time**            |

 **Indicator**
|-------------------------|---------------------|----------------|
| 350°F (175°C)           | 10-12 minutes       | Edges golden, centers soft |

9. Cool Cookies Properly

Transfer baked cookies to a cooling rack after 2-3 minutes on the tray. This prevents overcooking on the hot surface and retains their tender texture.

10. Whisk the Honey Glaze Perfectly

For a lump-free glaze, sift the powdered sugar before mixing it with honey and milk. The glaze should be smooth and pourable. Drizzle immediately for a glossy, professional finish.

11. Add Creative Toppings

Enhance appearance and flavor by sprinkling cinnamon sugar or drizzling extra honey once the glaze sets. It’s a simple way to make the cookies stand out.

“It’s all about the small details when creating a memorable batch of cookies.”

Conclusion

Honeybun cookies bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon and honey in a way that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. With their soft texture, gooey filling, and sweet glaze, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or indulging in a cozy snack at home, these cookies deliver on flavor and simplicity. Let’s grab our aprons and enjoy the sweetness of homemade goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are honeybun cookies?

Honeybun cookies are a soft, chewy treat inspired by the classic honeybun dessert. They feature flavors of cinnamon and honey, with a delightful honey glaze on top, making them a nostalgic and sweet snack for any occasion.

What ingredients are needed for honeybun cookies?

The recipe calls for basic pantry ingredients: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, honey, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. For the glaze, you’ll need powdered sugar, honey, and milk.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the prepared cookie dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months. This saves time and enhances the flavor and texture of your cookies.

What kitchen tools do I need for this recipe?

Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups, a mixer, a spatula, cookie sheets, parchment paper, a cookie scoop, and cooling racks. Optional but helpful tools include a spice grinder and an offset spatula.

How do I make the honey glaze?

The honey glaze is made by whisking together powdered sugar, honey, and milk until smooth. You can drizzle it over the cookies or apply it evenly with a pastry brush.

Do the cookies have a filling?

Yes, the cookies are filled with a gooey honey filling made from honey, cinnamon, and melted butter. This adds a delightful burst of flavor to every bite.

How do I store honeybun cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

Why should I refrigerate the dough?

Refrigerating the dough helps improve its texture, makes shaping easier, and enhances the cookies’ overall flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.

Can I customize the cookies?

Absolutely! You can add extra toppings like cinnamon sugar, drizzle additional honey, or even sprinkle crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Are there tips for perfect cookies?

Yes, use room-temperature ingredients, measure accurately, and space cookies adequately on baking sheets. Monitor the baking time and let cookies cool properly before glazing for the best results.