Honey Butter
This simple spread combines just a few ingredients to create something that feels far more special than the sum of its parts. The best part? It takes less than five minutes to make, and once you try it homemade, you'll never reach for plain butter again.
Equipment
- Hand Mixer - or stand mixer (optional but helpful for fluffier texture)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula - or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Small airtight container - or ramekins for serving and storing
- Plastic wrap - or parchment paper (if rolling into a log for presentation)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 113g, softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons raw honey - 63g, or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - omit if using salted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - optional but highly recommended
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - optional, for a warm spiced version
Instructions
- Remove butter from refrigerator 30-60 minutes before making. It should be softened but not melted.
- Place softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Slowly drizzle in honey while continuing to beat on low speed until fully incorporated and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add sea salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Beat for 30 seconds to 1 minute until combined. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Spoon into a ramekin or small jar for serving. Alternatively, roll into a log using plastic wrap, chill for 30 minutes, and slice into rounds.
Notes
- Always start with room temperature butter. Cold butter won't whip smoothly, and melted butter won't hold its airy texture.
- Use raw or high-quality honey like wildflower or clover for the best floral complexity.
- Beat the butter before adding honey to create a fluffy base. Adding honey too early will weigh it down.
- Taste and adjust sweetness — honey varies significantly by brand. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.
- Don't skip the salt even if using salted butter; a small pinch helps the flavors pop.
- For gifts, roll the honey butter in a parchment log, chill until firm, and slice into beautiful golden rounds.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To soften for serving, remove from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before using. Do not microwave.
- Try variations like cinnamon, vanilla bean, orange zest, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.