The BEST Honey Butter Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Looking for a quick, rich, and flavorful spread that elevates your bread, biscuits, or pancakes? This homemade honey butter recipe might just be the only one you’ll ever need. With just four ingredients and a few minutes of mixing, you’ll unlock a creamy, sweet, and salty masterpiece that works for every meal. Whether you’re planning a special brunch or just want a little something extra on your dinner rolls, this spread is where simplicity meets indulgence.

Learn more about our twist on classics like Texas Roadhouse Rolls that pair perfectly with honey butter.

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Why This Is the Best Honey Butter Recipe

The power of simple ingredients

This recipe proves that flavor doesn’t need complexity. It starts with just four pantry staples: unsalted butter, honey, powdered sugar, and sea salt. When combined, they create a sweet and creamy blend that melts effortlessly into toast or cornbread. The key? Using room temperature butter that whips into a cloud-like texture.

Why sea salt makes a difference

Don’t underestimate the pinch of flaky sea salt. It balances the sweetness of the honey and brings out the richness of the butter. A sprinkle on top before serving can turn a simple spread into a gourmet delight. If you’re using salted butter, simply reduce or skip the added salt altogether.

Reader-tested and approved flavor

This isn’t just another recipe—it’s a proven favorite. Based on the original by Sally’s Baking Addiction, home bakers rave about how addictive it is. Comments from readers mention pairing it with everything from pancakes to dinner rolls. One said they’d “never eat pancakes without it again.”

Don’t miss our Blueberry Muffins that come alive with a touch of this creamy honey butter.

Ingredients You Need to Make Honey Butter

Choosing the right butter: salted vs unsalted

While you can use either, unsalted butter offers better control over flavor. European-style butters like Kerrygold offer higher butterfat content, which results in a richer texture. For salted butter, start with a reduced amount of sea salt and adjust to taste.

Best honey varieties for rich flavor

You can use almost any type of honey for this recipe, but each one brings its own nuance. Clover honey is mild and classic, wildflower honey adds floral notes, and raw honey delivers deeper flavor with subtle complexity. Don’t overthink it—just use what’s in your pantry.

Honey Type	Flavor Profile	Best Pairings
Clover	Mild and sweet	Everyday toast, muffins
Wildflower	Floral and aromatic	Scones, pancakes
Raw	Deep, bold, slightly earthy	Cornbread, biscuits

A secret ingredient that boosts creaminess

Confectioners’ sugar (also known as powdered sugar) gives this honey butter its signature smoothness. It doesn’t make the butter overly sweet—it just helps it whip up fluffy and creamy, creating that irresistible mouthfeel.

Discover great ideas like our Cream Cheese-Filled Banana Bread which pairs wonderfully with this spread.

How to Make Honey Butter in 5 Minutes

Prep your ingredients like a pro

Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. Cold butter won’t whip properly, and melted butter will ruin the texture. Measure your honey, sugar, and sea salt before starting to streamline the process.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Beat the butter using a stand mixer or handheld mixer until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute).
2. Add honey, powdered sugar, and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Beat again until fully combined—scrape the sides of the bowl and taste.
4. Add more salt or honey to suit your preference.
5. Optional: Whip for another 3–5 minutes for a light, airy texture.

That’s it. You’re done. Store it in an airtight container and it will keep for up to 2 days at room temperature or 2–3 months in the fridge.

Check out our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for another perfect pairing.

Expert tips for ultra-smooth results

• Use a mixer, not a spoon—it’s faster and creates a lighter texture.
• Want it extra fluffy? Beat the mixture for up to 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle extra sea salt and drizzle more honey right before serving for a visual and flavor boost.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Pumpkin Crisp with a honey butter twist.

Honey Butter Variations Worth Trying

Cinnamon honey butter for fall treats

If you love warm, spiced flavors, cinnamon honey butter will be your new favorite. Just add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice) to the basic recipe. This variation pairs incredibly well with pumpkin pancakes, sweet potatoes, or even a slice of apple bread. It’s cozy, seasonal, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Discover great ideas like our Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles that would love a side of spiced honey butter.

Spicy hot honey butter with a twist

Craving a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use your favorite hot honey brand in place of regular honey. This bold twist adds just the right amount of heat, making it perfect for cornbread muffins or grilled corn on the cob. Try it with savory dishes where you want a sweet-spicy contrast.

Check out our Zucchini Cornbread Casserole to pair with this fiery variation.

Maple butter and whipped butter versions

Swap out the honey for pure maple syrup to make a velvety maple butter that’s divine on waffles, French toast, or buttermilk biscuits. If you’re after something lighter, try whipping the finished butter on high speed for 5 minutes to incorporate more air. The result is whipped honey butter that’s fluffier and easier to spread straight from the fridge.

What to Serve with Honey Butter

Best breakfast pairings (muffins, pancakes, biscuits)

Honey butter is the ultimate upgrade for breakfast favorites. Spread it over warm muffins, thick pancakes, fluffy waffles, or classic biscuits for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth bite. A little goes a long way, but most folks go back for seconds.

Some of the best pairings include:

• Cornmeal or banana muffins
• Whole wheat or blueberry pancakes
• Buttermilk or cheddar biscuits
• Morning toast or English muffins

Don’t miss our Blueberry Muffins that soak up honey butter like a dream.

Delicious dinner ideas (cornbread, rolls, sweet potatoes)

This butter isn’t just for breakfast. At dinner, honey butter adds depth to your side dishes. It’s fantastic on:

• Cornbread (especially spicy or cheesy varieties)
• Sweet dinner rolls
• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Roasted squash or carrots

Think of it as a sweet-savory glaze that brightens up traditional comfort foods.

Unexpected uses for leftover honey butter

Don’t let leftovers go to waste. Try:

• Swirling it into hot oatmeal or overnight oats
• Melting it over grilled peaches or baked apples
• Using it as a filling for crepes or croissants
• Adding a spoonful to black tea for a rich, smooth finish

Looking for something sweet and unexpected? Try our Apple Cinnamon Blondies with Maple Cream alongside honey butter for a next-level dessert.

Storage Tips for Homemade Honey Butter

Room temperature vs fridge

After making it, honey butter can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 days—just be sure to cover it tightly. Beyond that, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Chilling it will firm up the butter but preserve freshness for up to 3 months.

Can you freeze honey butter? Yes—here’s how

Absolutely! Honey butter freezes well for up to 6 months. You can either:

• Pack it into a freezer-safe container and seal tightly
• Wrap spoonfuls in plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag

To use, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then let it soften on the counter or re-whip it to restore the creamy texture.

How long it lasts and signs of spoilage

In the fridge, it lasts about 2–3 months if stored in an airtight container. Signs that it’s gone bad include:

• Sour smell
• Mold or discoloration
• Change in texture

Always trust your senses. If it looks or smells off, toss it.

Learn more about preserving sweet spreads like our Nectarine Fruit Butter for longer shelf life ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts on Making the BEST Honey Butter

Make it once, love it forever

There’s something timeless about a rich, sweet butter spread that you can whip up in under five minutes. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday breakfast, a holiday side, or a special brunch, this honey butter transforms simple dishes into memorable meals.

Your next breakfast or brunch MVP

From pancakes and muffins to cornbread and sweet potatoes, this is a staple you’ll want to keep on hand. Try one of the variations, serve it warm, and prepare for compliments.

Looking for more comforting recipes? Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies that also love a smear of honey butter.

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