Honey Bun Cookies

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Honey Bun Cookies Recipe

A Sweet Twist on a Classic

Honey buns are those soft, glazed pastries swirled with cinnamon and sugar—beloved in Southern kitchens and bakeries. Turning them into cookies brings all that nostalgia into a bite-sized treat: chewy, gooey, and perfect with a drizzle of glaze.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons honey (the star ingredient!)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for warmth)
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the cinnamon-sugar swirl:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon honey

For the glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
  2. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and honey until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.

2. Add the Honey-Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey.
  2. Gently fold this mixture into the dough, swirling slightly but not fully mixing—like making a cinnamon roll effect.

3. Shape & Bake

  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Flatten slightly with your hand (they’ll spread).
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9–11 minutes, until golden around the edges but soft in the center.
  4. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

4. Glaze the Cookies

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and honey until smooth.
  2. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies (like a honey bun glaze).
  3. Let set for 10 minutes before enjoying—or eat them warm and sticky!

Methods & Tips

  • Swirl technique: Don’t fully mix the cinnamon-honey swirl into the dough; streaks give the cookies that “honey bun” look.
  • Chewy texture: Remove cookies from the oven while slightly underbaked in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool.
  • Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for up to 2 months.

Benefits

  • Energy booster: Honey adds natural sweetness and antioxidants.
  • Comfort food: Combines the nostalgia of a honey bun with the ease of cookies.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for bake sales, parties, or holiday trays.
  • Customizable: Add chopped pecans, drizzle with caramel, or use cream cheese glaze for extra decadence.

History Bite

The honey bun pastry was invented in the 1950s in North Carolina by Howard Griffin. It became a Southern staple, especially popular in school cafeterias and gas stations. These cookies are a fun, modern take that transforms that sticky bun goodness into handheld treats.

Conclusion

Honey Bun Cookies bring the sweet, sticky comfort of honey buns into a chewy, glazed cookie form. With their cinnamon swirls, drizzle of glaze, and hint of honey, they’re perfect for anyone who loves cozy, nostalgic desserts. Serve them with coffee, pack them for snacks, or enjoy warm out of the oven for the ultimate treat.

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