Can I skip the dough chilling step?

Chilling is essential for thick, chewy cookies. Skipping this step can cause them to spread too much and lose their beautiful swirl.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Not at all. A hand mixer works just as well, and you can even mix by hand, though it’ll take a bit more elbow grease.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature and re-whisk before brushing onto cookies.

What if my glaze is too runny or thick?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a bit more milk will loosen it up.

Honey Bun Cookies Recipe

Name: Honey Bun Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (about 3 teaspoons); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sift if lumpy); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons milk (2%, whole, or your favorite)

Bite into pure comfort with Honey Bun Cookies—a soft, cinnamon-swirled delight that brings everything you love about classic honey buns right into cookie form. These cookies are impossibly easy to whip up, overflowing with warm cinnamon flavor, crowned with a glossy honey butter glaze, and ready in just over an hour from start to finish. Whether you need a quick treat for a busy weeknight, a bake sale, or just something sweet for your afternoon coffee, these cookies truly deliver the goods—effortlessly and deliciously.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Foolproof and Fast: The dough mixes up quickly with simple pantry staples, and chilling is the only real patience required. Busy schedule? No problem—active prep is minimal!
Bakery-Style Results at Home: Big, thick cookies with a beautiful cinnamon swirl, just like your favorite bakery, are totally doable—even if you’re new to baking.
Comforting Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a warm fusion of sweet cinnamon, buttery goodness, and a luscious honey glaze. Utter heaven.
No Fussy Steps: Aside from a quick chill, the process is as straightforward as it gets. No fancy equipment required, and you can adjust everything to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these staples and get ready for pure cookie joy:

Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: The perfect duo for a balanced sweetness and golden color.
Eggs: They bind the dough and help it stay tender—room temperature eggs mix best.
Vanilla Extract: A generous splash brings warmth and enhances every other flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives these cookies just the right structure—don’t substitute with cake or bread flour.
Cornstarch: Secret weapon for a soft, pillowy crumb; don’t skip it!
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Both work together for lift and the perfect chew.
Ground Cinnamon: The star that gives these cookies their classic honey bun vibe. Use good quality, fresh cinnamon for max impact.
Kosher Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and amplify flavors.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Sifts easily into a dreamy, glossy finish.
Honey (for glaze): Adds floral sweetness and that signature sticky bun flavor.
Milk (for glaze): Use what you have on hand—whole or 2% works best.
Softened Unsalted Butter (for glaze): Ensures your glaze is smooth and luscious.

Tip: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling keeps your cookies thick and prevents spreading.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make these cookies your own by swapping or adding ingredients:

Nutty Crunch: Fold in pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Glaze Swap: Add a dash of vanilla or a pinch of salt to the glaze if you like things a little deeper in flavor.
Spiced Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a richer spice profile.
Mini Cookies: Use a small scoop to make bite-sized versions—just reduce the baking time.
Brown Butter: Brown the butter first for a subtle, toasty flavor.

How to Make Honey Bun Cookies

1. Cream Together Butter & Sugars

In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

2. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs and a healthy splash of vanilla until smooth and fully combined. The dough should already smell amazing!

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt.

4. Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

On low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Don’t overmix—a gentle hand keeps your cookies soft!

5. Shape & Swirl

Line baking sheets with parchment. Scoop out generous mounds of dough (think bakery-style—about 3 tablespoons each). Flatten each mound slightly to 1/4-inch thick. Using the back of a knife, spatula, or chopstick, carve a gentle spiral swirl, starting in the center and working outward.

6. Chill

Transfer your baking sheets (or plates, if tight on space) with shaped cookies to the freezer for 10 minutes, or to the refrigerator for 45-60 minutes. This locks in that gorgeous swirl and thick, chewy texture.

7. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake cookies (one sheet at a time, on the center rack for best results) for 13-15 minutes, rotating once halfway. The edges should be lightly golden, and centers will look just set—resist the urge to overbake.

8. Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then move them to a wire rack. Glazing cookies while too warm will melt the glaze, so let them cool completely!

9. Glaze

Whisk together softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, honey, and milk until smooth. Brush over fully cooled cookies and let set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Sift Your Powdered Sugar: No one wants lumps in the glaze—take the time to sift!
Perfect Swirls: Use a chopstick for a pronounced spiral that shows through the glaze.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling prevents spread so your cookies come out bakery-thick.
Even Baking: Only bake one sheet at a time, rotating for even color and doneness.
Glaze at Room Temp: Glaze will set prettiest and tastiest on fully cooled cookies.

How to Serve

Honey Bun Cookies pair beautifully with everything from a cozy cup of tea to a tall glass of cold milk. For adults, they’re a dreamy match for bold coffee or an after-dinner latte. Arrange them on a platter at brunch, serve as an easy dessert for your next gathering, or tuck into lunchboxes for an extra sweet surprise. They’re wonderful solo, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never hurt anyone!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed and set, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They actually improve in flavor on day two!

Freezing

Freeze unglazed baked cookies or raw dough balls for 3-4 months. You can bake frozen dough balls straight from the freezer—just add a couple minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you want a just-baked sensation, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds—just enough to soften it up without melting the glaze.

FAQs

Can I skip the dough chilling step?

Chilling is essential for thick, chewy cookies. Skipping this step can cause them to spread too much and lose their beautiful swirl.
Do I need a stand mixer?

Not at all. A hand mixer works just as well, and you can even mix by hand, though it’ll take a bit more elbow grease.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature and re-whisk before brushing onto cookies.
What if my glaze is too runny or thick?

If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a bit more milk will loosen it up.

Final Thoughts

Honey Bun Cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen—soft, loaded with cinnamon, and glazed to perfection, all with minimal effort. Embrace the sweet swirl, savor the honey-kissed glaze, and don’t hesitate to make these your own. You deserve a recipe this easy and delicious—give them a try and let yourself bask in cookie bliss!