Honey butter is a delightful blend of creamy butter and sweet honey, creating a spread that's both indulgent and versatile. Whether I'm slathering it on warm cornbread, fluffy biscuits, or freshly baked rolls, this simple concoction elevates any baked good to a new level of deliciousness.
Why I Love This Recipe
I find this honey butter recipe incredibly easy and quick to prepare, requiring just four ingredients and a few minutes of my time. The combination of unsalted butter, honey, powdered sugar, and sea salt results in a perfectly balanced spread that's both sweet and slightly salty. It's a staple in my kitchen, especially during the holidays or whenever I want to add a special touch to my meals.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- I place the softened butter in a medium bowl or the bowl of my stand mixer. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, I beat the butter until it's smooth.
- I add the honey, powdered sugar, and sea salt to the bowl. Continuing to beat at medium speed, I scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed, until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the butter is smooth.
- I take a moment to taste the honey butter and adjust the honey or salt if needed.
- I serve it immediately with an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt, or I transfer it to a storage jar or airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings and takes about 5 minutes to prepare. It's perfect for spreading on a variety of baked goods or incorporating into other dishes.
Variations
- Cinnamon Honey Butter: I add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Maple Honey Butter: I substitute half of the honey with maple syrup for a richer taste.
- Herb Honey Butter: I mix in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store the honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to soften, ensuring it's easily spreadable.
FAQs
Does honey butter need to be refrigerated?
I find that it's okay to leave honey butter out for a day or two in a tightly sealed container. However, for longer storage, I refrigerate it, where it lasts about 2 weeks.
Can I serve honey butter straight from the fridge?
I prefer to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this makes it soft and spreadable, enhancing its texture and flavor.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but I adjust the added sea salt accordingly to avoid over-salting the butter.
Is powdered sugar necessary?
I believe powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and contributes to a smoother, more spreadable consistency. However, it's optional based on personal preference.
Can I freeze honey butter?
Absolutely. I freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, I thaw it in the refrigerator and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This honey butter recipe is a simple yet luxurious addition to my culinary repertoire. Its sweet and creamy profile enhances a variety of dishes, making it a versatile spread that I turn to time and again. Whether I'm hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet breakfast, this honey butter adds a special touch that delights every time.

The BEST Honey Butter
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, creamy, and sweet spread made with butter, honey, powdered sugar, and sea salt, perfect for enhancing baked goods like biscuits, rolls, and cornbread.
Ingredients
- 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place softened butter in a medium bowl or stand mixer bowl. Beat until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add honey, powdered sugar, and sea salt. Continue to beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl as needed, until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Taste and adjust honey or salt if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Let refrigerated honey butter sit at room temperature before serving for best spreadability.
- Can be left out for 1-2 days in a sealed container, but refrigerate for longer storage.
- Optional variations include adding cinnamon, substituting maple syrup, or mixing in fresh herbs.
- Honey butter can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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