Honey Bun Cookies

These soft, buttery cookies are swirled with a honey-cinnamon glaze that tastes just like the center of a classic honey bun. They’re nostalgic, sweet, and utterly irresistible!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Bake time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Makes: About 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Honey Butter Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
⅔ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed for consistency)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overmix.
Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 hour (up to 3 days) to firm up.

2. Bake the Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place about 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just golden and centers look set but still soft.
Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Honey Butter Glaze:

In a medium bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.
Add sifted powdered sugar, honey, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time if glaze is too thick.
Optional: Stir in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or vanilla extract.

4. Glaze the Cookies:

Once cookies are completely cool, spoon or drizzle glaze over the tops. For a classic honey bun look, use the back of a spoon to swirl the glaze gently.
Let glaze set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

Chill the dough: This prevents excess spreading and helps the cookies keep their soft, thick texture.
Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth, even dough and glaze.
Don’t overbake: Take cookies out when edges are lightly golden—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Glaze may soften slightly over time.
Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before baking.

Enjoy these sweet, honey-kissed treats with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee—they taste like a warm hug in cookie form! 🍯✨