Soft Homemade Honey Buns (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
02 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon instant yeast
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup warm water (105°F-115°F)
06 - 1/3 cup honey
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup shortening, melted
10 - Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

→ Cinnamon Sugar

11 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
12 - 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

→ Glaze

13 - 4 2/3 cups powdered sugar
14 - 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
15 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
16 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
18 - Warm water, as needed

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
02 - In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the warm water, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until the egg is well combined. Add the melted shortening and mix until fully incorporated.
03 - Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until fully combined, then knead on medium speed for 8 minutes until the dough is sticky but workable.
04 - Shape the dough into a ball and place it into a lightly oiled glass bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1 to 2 hours until nearly doubled in size.
05 - While the dough rises, whisk together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
06 - Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12-inch by 8-inch rectangle. Evenly sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar, leaving a clean edge. Press gently to adhere.
07 - Roll up the dough lengthwise toward the clean edge and seal with water. Slice off the ends and cut into eight 1-inch pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently press and shape each piece slightly. Let rise for another 45 minutes until puffy.
08 - Heat oil in a deep pan to 365°F, ensuring at least 3 inches of depth. Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
09 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add warm water, whisking until smooth with a desired consistency.
10 - Gently press the risen buns and fry in hot oil for 90 seconds per side until golden brown. Remove to a wire rack over paper towels.
11 - Dip each fried bun into the prepared glaze and return to the cooling rack to set. Repeat with remaining buns.
12 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Place risen buns on the lower rack and bake for 18 minutes until golden brown. Rest for 5 minutes, then glaze and cool on a rack.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure water temperature is between 105°F-115°F to activate yeast correctly.
02 - Store honey buns in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to three months.