Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Bun Recipe

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I created a recipe for the Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Bun—a mouthwatering fusion of nostalgic flavors that will turn any ordinary afternoon into a slice of pure bliss. This recipe is perfect for anyone who craves the rich, familiar taste of Hershey’s chocolate paired with the comforting warmth of a freshly baked honey bun.

How to make Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Bun

Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Bun is a sweet pastry inspired by Hershey’s Cookies ’n’ Creme candy bar. It’s typically a soft, glazed honey bun infused or topped with white crème icing and chocolate cookie pieces, combining the flavors of a classic honey bun with the creamy, cookie-filled taste of Hershey’s Cookies ’n’ Creme.

Ingredients

For the Honey Bun Dough:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ⅓ cup (75ml) warm milk (around 110°F/43°C)
• ⅓ cup (75g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ⅓ cup (75g) brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Topping:

• 2 Hershey’s Cookies and Cream chocolate bars, melted
• ½ cup crushed Oreo cookies (optional, for added crunch)

Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm milk and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, the remaining sugar, eggs, softened butter, and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour (1 tablespoon at a time).
3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
2. After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×8 inches). Spread the melted butter evenly over the surface and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Honey Buns

1. Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side into a log, then slice into 6-8 equal pieces. Place the buns cut-side up into a greased baking dish.
2. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the honey buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Add the Hershey’s Topping

1. Once the buns are out of the oven, let them cool slightly (for around 5 minutes).
2. Melt the Hershey’s Cookies and Cream chocolate bars in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring in between) or using a double boiler.
3. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the honey buns. Sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top for added texture.

Step 6: Optional Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the chocolate-covered buns for extra sweetness.

Tips for Success

• Be precise with your yeast temperature: If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 110°F.
• Don’t skimp on the rising time: Allowing the dough to rise fully will ensure fluffy, soft honey buns.
• Melt chocolate carefully: Hershey’s Cookies and Cream chocolate can scorch if microwaved for too long—heat it in short intervals and stir frequently.
• Customize your toppings: Add other cookie crumbles, crushed candies, or drizzle additional chocolate for your own spin!

What to serve with

Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Buns are so decadent and flavorful on their own that they don’t require anything extra—but pairing them with complementary sides can elevate the experience and create a memorable dessert or snack moment.

Coffee or Latte

The sweetness of the honey bun pairs beautifully with a warm, mildly bitter coffee. Consider serving it with:

• Vanilla Latte: The vanilla notes will enhance the creamy Hershey’s chocolate flavor.
• Cappuccino or Flat White: These options provide a rich, frothy accompaniment that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
• Cold Brew: For summertime servings, a cold brew coffee provides a refreshing contrast to the gooey, chocolatey Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Bun.

Hot Chocolate

• Double down on the chocolate goodness by serving the buns with a creamy cup of hot chocolate. You can even garnish the hot chocolate with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or crushed Oreo cookies to match the buns.

Tea

For a more subtle pairing, opt for a warm herbal or black tea:

• Chamomile or Peppermint Tea: These light teas cleanse the palate while subtly complementing the dessert.
• Earl Grey Tea: The citrusy bergamot notes provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Ingredients Substitutes

Want to make Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Buns but don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some substitutes for ingredients you can use while maintaining the taste and texture of the recipe.

For the Dough

1. All-Purpose Flour

Substitute: Whole Wheat Flour (Use 2 cups whole wheat flour + ½ cup all-purpose flour for a softer texture).

Whole wheat flour will create a denser bun, add a nutty flavor, and boost fiber content.

Substitute: Gluten-Free Flour Blend (Make sure it’s labeled as suitable for baking yeast-based recipes).

If you’re gluten-intolerant, a quality gluten-free flour blend will work well.

2. Active Dry Yeast

Substitute: Instant Yeast (Use the same amount; no need to activate in warm liquid).

Instant yeast makes the process faster since it can be added directly to the flour mixture.

Substitute: Baking Powder and Baking Soda (Use 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp baking soda).

This works for non-yeast bread alternatives, but the buns won’t have the same fluffy rise.

3. Warm Milk

Substitute: Non-Dairy Milk (Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk).

Use the same quantity and make sure it’s warmed to activate the yeast properly.

Substitute: Water (Add 1-2 tsp of oil or melted butter to mimic the rich texture of milk).

Water works as a neutral option but may slightly reduce the richness.

4. Sugar

Substitute: Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor to the dough, especially if paired with cinnamon already in the recipe.

Substitute: Honey or Maple Syrup (Use ¼ cup; reduce wet ingredients slightly).

These liquid sweeteners bring a subtle sweetness and enhance the “honey” flavor of the honey bun.

5. Butter

Substitute: Coconut Oil (Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor).

It provides a similar fat content for tender buns.

Substitute: Margarine or Vegetable Oil (Use the same amount).

These are great for non-dairy or vegan options.

6. Eggs

Substitute: Flaxseed or Chia Seed Egg (Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tbsp water per egg).

This is perfect for vegan diets or if you’re out of eggs.

Substitute: Unsweetened Applesauce (¼ cup per egg).

Applesauce adds moisture but won’t contribute to the dough’s structure as much as eggs do.

For the Filling

1. Brown Sugar

Substitute: Granulated Sugar (Use equal parts, with a teaspoon of molasses for a similar flavor).

This works without compromising the sweetness or texture.

Substitute: Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is a great lower-glycemic option with a mildly caramel-like flavor.

2. Cinnamon

Substitute: Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin spice brings a warm, similar flavor with hints of nutmeg and cloves.

Substitute: Nutmeg + Allspice (Combine ½ tsp of each for a spiced filling alternative).

3. Melted Butter

Substitute: Coconut Oil or Neutral Vegetable Oil (Use the same amount).

Both options work well for non-dairy diets.

For the Topping

1. Hershey’s Cookies and Cream Chocolate Bars

Substitute: White Chocolate Bars + Crushed Oreo Cookies

Melt white chocolate and mix in crushed Oreo cookies for a similar flavor profile.

Substitute: Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate (For those who prefer a richer or less sweet topping).

If you prefer dairy-free chocolate, choose brands like Enjoy Life or Hu.

2. Crushed Oreo Cookies

Substitute: Crushed Chocolate Graham Crackers

Graham crackers provide crunch and a mild chocolate flavor that complements the topping.

Substitute: Chopped Nuts (Pecans or walnuts work well for added texture).

This is a great option if you want to balance the sweetness with a nutty twist.

Final Thoughts

These Hershey Cookies and Cream Honey Buns are a decadent treat that combines classic dessert textures with a modern twist.

More Cookies Recipes:

• Homemade Crumbl Cookie Brookie Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Cookie Dough Recipe