Honey Bun Brownies

For the Honey Bun Swirl:

• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preparing the Brownie Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Making the Honey Bun Swirl

4. Prepare the Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Swirl into the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the honey bun swirl mixture over the batter, then spread the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the mixtures together, creating a marbled effect.

Baking the Brownies

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the brownies to remain fudgy.

Making the Glaze

7. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
8. Glaze the Brownies: Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan. While still warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Small bowl
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Knife
• Toothpick

Tips and Shortcuts

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
• Honey Substitute: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute in the honey bun swirl.
• Double Glaze: For an extra indulgent treat, double the glaze recipe and drizzle more over the cooled brownies.

Variations

• Nutty Honey Bun Brownies: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the honey bun swirl mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Honey Bun Brownies: Add a pinch of nutmeg and ground cloves to the honey bun swirl for a spicier kick.
• Chocolate Chip Honey Bun Brownies: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature before serving.