Honey Butter
This simple honey butter is creamy, lightly sweet, and ready in minutes. Spread it on warm biscuits, toast, cornbread, pancakes, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Total
10 min
Servings
About 1 cup, enough for 12 to 16 small-ы
Level
Easy
Honey butter is one of those small kitchen extras that makes a meal feel more thoughtful. It takes softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt, then turns them into a smooth spread for breads, breakfast dishes, and simple sides.
The key is using butter that is soft but not melted. Soft butter whips well and holds its creamy texture, while melted butter can separate from the honey.
This version is balanced rather than overly sweet. Add cinnamon for a cozy flavor, or keep it plain so it works with everything from toast to cornbread.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · About 1 cup, enough for 12 to 16 small-ы
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or 1/8 teaspoon if using salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Soften the butter
Leave the butter at room temperature until it is soft enough to press with a finger, about 30 to 60 minutes depending on your kitchen. Do not microwave it until melted. Melted butter can make the spread greasy or split.
2. Add the butter to a bowl
Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. If you are using a hand mixer, choose a bowl with high sides to help prevent splatters.
3. Beat until creamy
Beat the butter with a hand mixer on medium speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or stir firmly with a spoon until smooth. This step loosens the butter so the honey blends in evenly.
4. Mix in the honey
Add the honey and beat or stir until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula so no plain butter is left at the edges.
5. Season the spread
Add the salt. If using vanilla or cinnamon, add them now. Mix again until the honey butter looks smooth, fluffy, and evenly colored.
6. Taste and adjust
Taste a small amount. Add another teaspoon or two of honey for a sweeter spread, or a tiny pinch more salt if it tastes flat. Mix well after each addition.
7. Serve or store
Spoon the honey butter into a small serving dish or jar. Serve right away with warm bread, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. For a neat look, smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Honey butter can be made up to 1 week ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before serving so it softens.
- Storage: Keep honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Salted butter swap: You can use salted butter. Start with only 1/8 teaspoon extra salt, then taste before adding more.
- Honey swaps: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different flavor, but the spread may be a little looser. Start with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and add more if needed.
- Flavor ideas: Try orange zest, lemon zest, pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of cayenne, or a little flaky salt on top for serving.
- If it separates: The butter was likely too warm or the honey was added too fast. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes, then beat again until smooth.
Cook's note
For the smoothest texture, use room-temperature butter and liquid honey. If your honey has crystallized, warm the jar gently in a bowl of warm water, then let the honey cool before mixing it into the butter.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I make honey butter without a mixer?
Yes. Use very soft butter and a sturdy spoon or silicone spatula. Stir and press the mixture against the side of the bowl until the honey is fully blended in.
Does honey butter need to be refrigerated?
Yes, for longer storage it should be refrigerated because it contains butter. It can sit out for a short serving time, about 1 to 2 hours, but return leftovers to the fridge.
Why is my honey butter grainy?
The honey may have crystallized, or the butter may have been too cold to mix smoothly. Use liquid honey and softened butter. If needed, let the mixture sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then beat again.
Can I use vegan butter?
Yes. Use a firm plant-based butter stick rather than a soft tub spread, which can be watery. The flavor and texture will vary by brand.
What should I serve with honey butter?
It is great on biscuits, toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, dinner rolls, muffins, and baked sweet potatoes.
05Keep cooking
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