Sauces & Condiments
This McCormick Spice Best Cinnamon Honey Butter transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary with its perfect balance of warm cinnamon, rich honey, and golden butter. The secret lies in using McCormick's ground cinnamon for consistent, bold flavor—no clumping, no measuring headaches.
I developed this recipe after years of testing, ensuring every spread delivers that signature golden crunch and velvety smoothness that makes it irresistible on pancakes, toast, or baked goods.
The beauty of this butter lies in its versatility—whether you're looking to elevate breakfast, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or fold into baked recipes, it adds depth without overpowering. The 1:1:1 ratio of butter to honey to cinnamon creates the ideal harmony, while a pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness.
What sets this apart is how the spices bloom during the mixing process, releasing aromatic notes that make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
What you'll end up with is a creamy, spreadable butter that's rich enough to stand alone but balanced enough to complement any dish. The cinnamon infuses the butter while keeping its texture perfectly workable, so you can pipe it, spread it, or melt it without losing that golden crunch.
This isn't just another cinnamon butter—it's the one that becomes a staple in your kitchen, ready to transform ordinary moments into something special.
Perfect for holiday baking, breakfast treats, or as a gift-worthy condiment, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry staples. Once you try it, you'll never go back to store-bought again. Let's get started on creating your own batch—it's easier than you think.
Ingredients for mccormick spice best cinnamon honey butter
Four simple ingredients transform into golden, aromatic butter that'll make your kitchen smell like holiday morning.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Cold, cubed for even mixing |
| Pure Honey 🍯 | 1 cup | Light amber preferred for balance |
| McCormick Ground Cinnamon 🌶️ | 1 tbsp | Freshly ground for maximum aroma |
| Fine Sea Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Diamond Crystal preferred for purity |
| Vanilla Extract 🌸 | ½ tsp | Pure Madagascar vanilla preferred |
| Toasted Slivered Almonds 🥜 | ¼ cup | Lightly crushed for texture contrast |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 tbsp | Fine grain for smooth blending |
| Heavy Whipping Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | Full-fat for richest texture |
The McCormick ground cinnamon is non-negotiable here—its consistent grind ensures no clumps or weak flavor. Grab the 16-ounce jar from any grocery store's spice aisle, but if you've got it, Whole Foods' organic cinnamon adds an extra layer of warmth. That said, the 1 tablespoon you need is a tiny fraction, so even a half-used jar works. The honey should be light amber—it's sweeter and won't overpower the butter's richness. Trader Joe's has an affordable local honey that's perfect, but any pure honey works. Pro tip: warm the honey slightly (just until pourable) before mixing—it incorporates like a dream.
No vanilla extract? Vanilla bean paste at half the amount gives you those little specks that make it feel special. Running low on almonds? Toasted pecans or walnuts work beautifully—just chop them coarser for texture. The heavy cream is optional but worth it for that ultra-smooth finish. Skip it if you're using this for baking where moisture matters more. For the sugar, confectioners' sugar works too, but it dissolves differently during the mixing process. If you're making this for a gift, double the batch—it's the kind of butter people will fight over at holiday parties.
This butter keeps beautifully in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 2 weeks, though I usually go through it faster. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in parchment and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture stays perfect whether you pipe it, spread it, or melt it—just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using. It's the kind of condiment that makes you feel like a bakery pro, even if you're just slathering it on toast. Trust me, once you try homemade, you'll never buy store-bought again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Three-Ingredient Magic: I swear, this is the kind of recipe where you mix butter, honey, and cinnamon—and suddenly everything tastes like a bakery made it. No fancy techniques, no waiting for the oven to preheat, just spreadable, lickable perfection in minutes.
- Warm Spice Hug: That first bite of honey’s sweetness melting into the butter, then the cinnamon wrapping it all in cozy warmth? It’s like a flavor hug for your taste buds. The vanilla extract ties it together so smoothly, you’ll want to slather it on everything.
- Pantry Staple Power: Honestly, if you’ve got butter, honey, and a spice rack, you’re already halfway there. No last-minute grocery runs—this is the kind of recipe that turns basic ingredients into something special without breaking the bank.
- Lasts All Week: Between us, I’ve had this butter last me from breakfast to dessert for days. A little goes a long way, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge—perfect for when you’re too tired to cook but still want something that tastes like you did.
Step-by-step instructions for McCormick spice best cinnamon honey butter
This luxurious spread delivers the perfect balance of warmth, sweetness, and crunch every time—here's how to make it shine.
Create the Honey-Cinnamon Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup pure honey with the 1 tbsp McCormick ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp granulated sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture reaches 160°F—you'll see the cinnamon dissolve completely and the honey develop a beautiful amber glow. This step develops the aromatic foundation of your butter.
The reason we cook the honey first is to fully integrate the cinnamon's warmth without any gritty texture. You'll know it's ready when the mixture smells deeply spiced and looks slightly thickened. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking, which could make the honey bitter.
Incorporate the Butter and Salt
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the 1 cup unsalted butter in small chunks, whisking constantly. The butter should melt into the honey mixture while maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency. Once fully incorporated, stir in the 0.25 tsp fine sea salt and 0.5 tsp vanilla extract. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally—this prevents the butter from separating.
Here's where the magic happens: the salt enhances all the sweetness while the vanilla adds depth. I like to use a silicone spatula for this step because it helps scrape up any butter that might cling to the sides. The mixture should look like a thick, golden caramel when finished.
Fold in the Cream and Almonds
Once the mixture has cooled slightly but is still warm to the touch, gently whisk in the 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream. This creates a lighter, more spreadable texture. Immediately fold in the 0.25 cup toasted slivered almonds, pressing them lightly to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout. The almonds should remain slightly crunchy—don't overmix or they'll become powdery.
This is the moment that matters: the cream lightens the base while the almonds add that perfect textural contrast. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can pulse the almonds briefly in a food processor before adding, but I prefer the rustic crunch. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld completely.
Achieve Perfect Spreadable Consistency
Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth and fluffy. The butter should look like a thick, glossy ribbon that holds its shape when spooned. If it's too soft, chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes—this ensures it spreads beautifully without melting.
For the best results, I always press the mixture into a small dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step guarantees that each bite delivers that perfect balance of creamy butter, warm spice, and crunchy almond. The butter should be firm enough to slice but still soft enough to spread easily—this is the hallmark of a perfectly made cinnamon honey butter.
Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Spice Best Cinnamon Honey Butter
- Melt Butter Slowly: I learned this the hard way—dumping cold butter into warm honey makes it seize up like glue. Instead, cut the unsalted butter into small cubes and let them melt gradually over low heat, stirring constantly. You want it silky, not greasy.
- Use Warm Honey: Cold honey thickens the mixture and makes it clump. Microwave the honey for 10–15 seconds first—just until it’s pourable but not hot. This ensures the butter and honey blend smoothly without curdling.
- Toast the Cinnamon: Skip the pre-ground McCormick cinnamon straight from the jar. Lightly toast it in a dry pan for 30 seconds until fragrant—this deepens the flavor and cuts through the sweetness. Let it cool before mixing, or it’ll make the butter smell like a campfire.
- Salt Last, Taste First: The fine sea salt is the thing that matters most, but don’t just eyeball it. Mix everything except the salt, taste a spoonful, then add ¼ teaspoon at a time. You’ll need less than you think—this isn’t a salted caramel.
Storing and reheating your mccormick spice best cinnamon honey butter
Refrigerator Storage
Store your cinnamon honey butter in an airtight container—I use a small glass jar with a tight-sealing lid—to preserve its rich flavors and creamy texture. Keep it refrigerated at 40°F or below for up to 2 weeks, though I rarely have leftovers that long.
The butter thickens slightly in the fridge, making it perfect for piping onto pastries or spreading on cold toast. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using to restore its ideal spreadable consistency. 🧈
Freezer Preservation
For longer storage, portion your butter into parchment-lined silicone molds or small airtight containers, leaving ½-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months—this method locks in the honey's sweetness and cinnamon's warmth without compromising texture.
When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Microwave thawing isn't recommended as it can make the butter too soft and lose its signature crunch. ❄️
Reheating for Baking
If using your butter for baking, there's no need to reheat—simply soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. For recipes requiring melted butter, gently warm in a double boiler over low heat until fully liquid, stirring occasionally.
Never microwave, as it can cause the honey to separate or the butter to seize. The ideal temperature for melted butter is 120-130°F—just warm enough to blend with other ingredients without cooking them. 🔥
Reviving Texture
If your butter becomes too soft after refrigeration, place the container in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up. For a quicker fix, chill the container in an ice bath while stirring occasionally. Avoid over-chilling, as this can cause the honey to crystallize.
The perfect texture should be smooth yet spreadable, with just enough firmness to hold its shape when piped. This balance ensures every use delivers that bakery-quality experience. ✨
Gift-Worthy Packaging
When gifting, transfer the butter to a small ceramic dish or glass jar and tie it with twine and a cinnamon stick for an elegant touch. For longer shelf life during gifting, freeze the butter in its container and include a note to thaw overnight.
The presentation matters just as much as the flavor—this butter makes an unforgettable homemade gift that's always a hit at holiday parties. 🎁
Shelf Life Indicators
Your cinnamon honey butter is at its best when the honey remains clear and the butter stays smooth. If you notice separation (oil pooling on top) or the honey develops a cloudy appearance, it's time to make a fresh batch.
The almonds should maintain their crunch, though they may soften slightly over time. When stored properly, this butter will keep its quality far longer than store-bought options—proof that homemade always tastes better. 💡
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this cinnamon honey butter without a stand mixer?
If you don't have a stand mixer, use a hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon with elbow grease. After combining all ingredients, transfer the mixture to a bowl and whisk vigorously for 3-5 minutes until smooth. For extra fluffiness, chill the butter for 10 minutes between mixing sessions to help it come together better. The texture will be slightly less refined but still delicious.
How do I adjust the sweetness level for kids or diabetics?
For less sweetness, reduce the honey to ½ cup and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for depth. For diabetic-friendly versions, use sugar-free honey substitute (like monk fruit sweetener) and omit the granulated sugar. Always taste as you go—this butter is versatile enough to accommodate these adjustments while keeping the warm cinnamon flavor intact.
What’s the best way to use this butter for baking?
This butter works beautifully in recipes calling for softened butter, like muffins, cookies, or scones. Replace regular butter with an equal amount of your cinnamon honey butter—just make sure it's softened to room temperature first. For extra flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough. The honey adds moisture, while the cinnamon infuses baked goods with warm, aromatic notes.
Why did my butter separate? How can I fix it?
Separation usually happens if the butter melts too quickly or the honey cools too fast. To fix it, place the mixture in a double boiler over low heat and gently stir until smooth again. If the honey crystallizes, warm it slightly (just until pourable) before re-mixing. Going forward, keep the heat low when combining ingredients and let the mixture cool gradually to prevent separation.
Can I make this butter with different spices?
Yes! Swap the cinnamon for ½ teaspoon each of nutmeg and cardamom for a Middle Eastern twist, or use 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired flavor. For a citrus kick, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest along with the vanilla. Just remember to adjust the amount of honey or sugar slightly if you're adding more complex spices to balance the flavors.