Honey Bun Cookies

Who doesn’t love the sweet, comforting taste of a honey bun? Now imagine that flavor in a soft, chewy cookie you can enjoy anytime. Honey Bun Cookies capture the cinnamon-sugar swirl and sticky-sweet glaze of your favorite treat, but in a convenient cookie form. These cookies are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a midday snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Small bowl for glaze

Prep Time

Active prep: 20 minutes
Chilling dough: 30 minutes
Baking: 12–15 minutes per batch
Cooling and glazing: 15 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer).
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing, or the cookies may become tough.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches on a lightly floured surface.
Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the dough.

Tip: You can also swirl it gently with a knife for that classic honey bun effect.

Step 3: Roll and Chill

Roll the dough lengthwise into a log, making sure the cinnamon-sugar layer stays inside.
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up so the cookies hold their shape.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Slice the chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tip: Cookies may appear slightly underbaked in the center—this ensures they stay soft and chewy.

Step 5: Glaze the Cookies

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract. Add more milk if needed for a drizzleable consistency.
Once cookies are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
Let the glaze set for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast treat: Serve warm with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate.
Snack: Pack in lunchboxes or enjoy as an after-school treat.
Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.

Storage

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Stack with parchment paper between layers, wrap tightly in foil or plastic, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy warm.

Tips and Tricks

Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to create a creamy dough that’s easy to work with.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—chilled dough holds its shape better and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Even Slices: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for uniform cookies.
Cinnamon-Sugar Twist: For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a caramelized crunch.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk for a thicker or thinner glaze depending on your preference.

Honey Bun Cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet with that irresistible cinnamon-sugar swirl. They bring the nostalgia of a bakery-fresh honey bun in cookie form, ideal for sharing with family or sneaking a few for yourself. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving the warm flavors of cinnamon, butter, and honey-like sweetness lingering on your palate.

These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a comforting bite of joy, perfect for rainy days, holidays, or any moment when you need a little sweetness in life.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
Cooling & Glazing: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yields: About 24 cookies