These homemade cardamom honey buns are soft, tender, and warmly spiced—perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet evening treat. With fragrant cardamom, a buttery cinnamon filling, and a luscious honey glaze, they deliver comforting bakery-style flavor right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cardamom honey buns are wonderfully aromatic, bringing together floral cardamom and sweet honey in every bite. The dough is easy to work with, and while it requires some rising time, the steps are simple and approachable. The filling melts into soft spirals of dough, and the glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and they store beautifully for quick snacks throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the honey buns:
1 packet active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup honey plus 2 tablespoons
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup warm milk
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups bread flour (more as needed)

For the filling:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the glaze:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons whole milk

Directions

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast, warm water, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the vegetable oil, warm milk, egg, egg yolk, salt, and 2 cups of bread flour. Using the dough hook, mix on medium speed until the dough begins to come together.
3. Reduce the speed to low and add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides and wraps around the hook. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a rectangle, then roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.
7. Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces and arrange on two parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover with clean towels and let rise again for about 1 hour or until doubled.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the buns for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
9. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
10. Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioner’s sugar, honey, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm buns and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 15 honey buns.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note.
• Replace the brown sugar filling with a mix of honey and butter for a sweeter, stickier center.
• Sprinkle chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the filling before rolling the dough.
• Increase the cardamom to 1 teaspoon if you prefer a stronger spice profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for about 10–15 seconds until soft.
For longer storage, freeze the baked, unglazed buns for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze and serve.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough has enough flour?

The dough should pull away from the sides of the bowl and feel soft, smooth, and slightly tacky but not sticky.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes. Instant yeast can be added directly to the dry ingredients, and the rise time may be slightly shorter.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

You can replace up to 1 cup of bread flour with whole wheat flour, though the buns may be slightly denser.

How do I keep the buns soft?

Do not overbake them, and store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. You can use less brown sugar in the filling, though the buns will be less sweet.

Can I omit the cardamom?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. You can replace it with more cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg.

Why didn’t my dough rise?

Your yeast may have been expired, or the warm water may have been too hot or too cold. Aim for around 105–110°F (40–43°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double all ingredients and divide the dough into two logs when shaping.

Can I freeze the unbaked rolls?

Yes. Freeze the shaped buns on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Thaw, let rise, and bake as usual.

Conclusion

These homemade cardamom honey buns deliver warm, comforting flavors with minimal effort, making them perfect for weekend baking or a sweet treat anytime. With their soft dough, spiced filling, and glossy honey glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheat for a fragrant, cozy bite anytime.

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