Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze Recipe

If you love the nostalgia of honey buns but crave the comfort of a homemade treat, Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze are about to win your heart. Imagine all the best parts of the classic pastry—rich cinnamon swirls, that sweet vanilla glaze, and the soft, buttery texture—packed into a chewy, one-bowl cookie. These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, but the results are bakery-worthy, making them perfect for cozy evenings, bake sales, or impressing friends at any gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every piece of this recipe has a delicious role to play! These simple, everyday ingredients join forces to create the tender crumb, warm cinnamon flavor, and irresistible glaze that make these cookies a standout. If you want extra spiced bursts, don’t skip the optional cinnamon chips.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery richness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds structure and balances the flavors without overpowering the cinnamon notes.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses and warmth, echoing the classic honey bun flavor.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds lovely richness for soft, chewy cookies.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses both the dough and glaze with cozy, sweet aroma and depth.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing the perfect chew factor.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies puff up to just the right thickness.
• Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: A small addition that brightens and harmonizes all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature honey bun swirl of warm spice in every bite.
• Cinnamon chips (optional): Intensifies the cinnamon flavor with delightful bursts in every cookie—highly recommended if you want them extra special.
• Powdered sugar: The foundation of the vanilla glaze that dazzles every cookie.
• Milk: Loosens the glaze so it drizzles beautifully and melds into the cookie tops.
• Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds that last fragrant, comforting note to the icing.

How to Make Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This guarantees an even bake and saves you from sticky pan clean-up later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is what gives these Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze their irresistible tenderness and rich flavor base.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract next. These two additions help bind the ingredients and infuse that classic bakery-style essence right into the dough.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures your cinnamon is evenly distributed and every cookie is perfectly spiced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. For a real cinnamon lover’s treat, fold in the optional cinnamon chips at this point.

Step 6: Portion the Dough

Scoop your dough into generous, two-tablespoon-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each one. This allows them to spread into perfect, palm-sized beauties.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the baking sheet in the oven for 11 to 13 minutes. Let your nose be the judge—the cookie edges should be lightly golden and the tops just set. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can resist!).

Step 8: Glaze

While the cookies are still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle it liberally over each cookie so the heat helps it sink into every nook. This sweet touch truly makes Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze unforgettable.

How to Serve Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze

Garnishes

Go simple with a little extra dusting of cinnamon over the just-set glaze. For special occasions, a pinch of crushed cinnamon chips or white chocolate shavings will add texture and a pop of color. A light drizzle of honey brings out the honey bun inspiration even more.

Side Dishes

Serve your Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze alongside a mug of strong coffee, a frothy latte, or spiced chai. For a more indulgent spread, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh berries.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies practically beg to be the centerpiece of a dessert platter. Stack them high on a vintage cake stand, or package a few in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for edible gifts. For brunch, set them on a tiered tray with mini pastries and fruit for a wow-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cooled Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so each bite stays soft and irresistible.

Freezing

If you want to savor them later, freeze the undecorated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and add fresh glaze when ready to serve for the ultimate just-baked taste.

Reheating

Pop a cookie into the microwave for about 10 seconds to revive its freshly baked softness and intensify those cinnamon aromas. If they’re already glazed, reheat gently to avoid melting the icing too much.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cinnamon chips?

Absolutely! The base recipe for Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze is perfectly delicious on its own. Cinnamon chips simply add an extra punch, but they’re entirely optional.

What’s the best way to get a smooth glaze?

For that signature silky finish, whisk the glaze ingredients thoroughly and add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s drizzly but not runny. Sifting your powdered sugar ahead of time also helps prevent lumps.

Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?

Yes! After shaping the dough balls, flash-freeze them on a tray. Once firm, store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for fresh, warm cookies anytime the craving strikes.

Why do my cookies turn out flat?

If your cookies spread too much, double check that your butter wasn’t overly soft or melting. Measuring your flour by spooning and leveling will also help maintain that perfect, thick bakery-style texture.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

They’re wonderful for sharing! Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze stay soft for days, travel well, and look absolutely charming in a cookie tin or wrapped with ribbon for holiday gifts.

Final Thoughts

Ready to make your kitchen smell like a neighborhood bakery? Give Honey Bun Cookies with Sweet Vanilla Glaze a try for your next cookie craving or whenever you want to treat your loved ones to a cozy, cinnamon-infused delight. Once you’ve had your first bite, I have a feeling this recipe will become a new favorite in your sweet repertoire!