Slightly sweet Honey Cornbread Muffins are a delightful addition to any meal. These muffins are not only perfect as a side for chili, soups, and stews but also stand out on their own. The unique blend of honey and sugar, combined with melted butter and buttermilk, creates a moist, cake-like crumb that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these muffins will surely impress!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
- How to Make Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
- Step 6: Bake the Muffins
- Step 7: Cool and Serve
- How to Serve Honey Cornbread Muffins
- With Butter and Honey
- As a Side for Soups
- With Jam or Preserves
- With Cheese
- As Breakfast Muffins
- With Honey Butter
- How to Perfect Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Best Side Dishes for Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Reheating Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my Honey Cornbread Muffins sweeter?
- Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
- What dishes pair well with Honey Cornbread Muffins?
- How do I prevent my muffins from sticking?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these muffins in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and sugar brings a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.
- Versatile Side: Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or cozy nights in; these muffins complement a wide range of meals.
- Moist Texture: Buttermilk ensures that each muffin is tender and moist, making them irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet taste of these muffins!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe for Honey Cornbread Muffins, make sure you have the right tools on hand to ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin pan: Ensures even baking and helps shape your muffins perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: A great tool for mixing batter smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
Slightly sweet Honey Cornbread Muffins are the perfect side for chili, soups, stews, and more! Honey and sugar combine with melted butter and buttermilk for the ultimate moist, cake-like crumb cornbread muffins.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (see notes)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs

How to Make Honey Cornbread Muffins
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prepare a 12-cup muffin pan by placing a liner in each well.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, sugar, melted butter, and large eggs using the same whisk until everything is mixed thoroughly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; ensure no flour streaks remain in the batter.
Step 5: Fill Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly between the 12 muffin cups. Each should be nearly full. Using a large cookie scoop makes this step easier!
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake for 13-15 minutes until the tops are lightly golden brown with cracks forming on top. To check doneness, press gently; it should spring back or use a toothpick—it should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a serving plate. Serve warm with butter & honey or just butter alone—try making some honey butter for an extra touch!
How to Serve Honey Cornbread Muffins
Honey Cornbread Muffins are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to add a sweet touch to your meal or serve them as a delightful snack, here are some serving suggestions.
With Butter and Honey
- Spread a generous amount of butter on warm muffins and drizzle with honey for a classic sweet treat.
As a Side for Soups
- Pair these muffins with your favorite chili or soup. Their slight sweetness complements savory flavors perfectly.
With Jam or Preserves
- Top your muffin with fruit jam or preserves for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the honey notes.
With Cheese
- Serve alongside slices of sharp cheddar or cream cheese for a delightful contrast between sweet and savory.
As Breakfast Muffins
- Enjoy these muffins as part of your breakfast spread, paired with eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
With Honey Butter
- Mix softened butter with honey for an easy spread that makes these muffins even more irresistible.
How to Perfect Honey Cornbread Muffins
Making the perfect Honey Cornbread Muffins takes just a few extra steps. Follow these tips to ensure your muffins turn out moist and flavorful every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is not expired for the best rise in the muffins.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined; this keeps the texture light and fluffy.
- Check oven temperature: An oven thermometer can help you bake at the correct temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Cool slightly before serving: Letting muffins cool in the pan allows them to set properly without becoming soggy.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Try adding corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese for unique flavor variations.
- Store properly: Keep leftover muffins in an airtight container to maintain their moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Cornbread Muffins
Honey Cornbread Muffins pair wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some excellent side dishes that complement their sweetness beautifully.
- Chili
A hearty bowl of chili provides warmth and spice that balances the sweetness of cornbread muffins. - Vegetable Soup
A light vegetable soup is refreshing and goes well with the rich texture of the muffins. - BBQ Pulled Pork
The sweet cornbread muffin contrasts nicely with tangy BBQ flavors, creating a satisfying meal. - Stews
Any savory stew benefits from the addition of honey cornbread muffins, making it more filling. - Salad
A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness, balancing the warmth of cornbread muffins nicely. - Fried Chicken
The combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet cornbread creates a comforting Southern-style feast. - Grilled Vegetables
Smoky grilled vegetables enhance the overall flavor experience when served alongside these muffins. - Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese pairs well with honey cornbread muffins for a deliciously indulgent meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Honey Cornbread Muffins can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your muffins turn out perfectly every time.
- Using stale ingredients: Always check the freshness of your baking powder and flour. Stale ingredients can lead to dense muffins instead of the light and fluffy texture you desire.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create tough muffins. Stir just until the ingredients are combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Skipping the oven preheat: Not preheating your oven can result in uneven baking. Make sure your oven is hot before you place your muffins inside for consistent results.
- Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so incorrect measurements can ruin your muffins. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
- Ignoring muffin liners: Using no liners or greasing the pan improperly can lead to sticking. Always use liners or grease well to make removal easy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Honey Cornbread Muffins in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm muffins for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual muffins on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a muffin in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Honey Cornbread Muffins sweeter?
You can increase the amount of honey or granulated sugar in the recipe. Just keep in mind that too much sweetness may alter the texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour works well. This will give your muffins a nuttier flavor while still maintaining moisture.
What dishes pair well with Honey Cornbread Muffins?
These muffins are excellent alongside chili, soups, and stews. Their slightly sweet flavor complements savory dishes wonderfully.
How do I prevent my muffins from sticking?
Using paper liners or greasing your muffin pan properly will help prevent sticking. Be sure to allow them to cool slightly before removing them from the pan.
Final Thoughts
Honey Cornbread Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile! They make an excellent side dish for meals or a delightful snack on their own. Feel free to customize them by adding ingredients like jalapeños, cheese, or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy baking these sweet treats!
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Honey Cornbread Muffins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 muffins 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Honey Cornbread Muffins, a perfect accompaniment to your favorite meals or a tasty snack on their own. These muffins combine the rich flavors of honey and sugar with the creaminess of buttermilk, resulting in a moist, cake-like texture that is sure to impress both family and friends. Ideal for serving alongside chili, soups, and stews, or simply enjoyed warm with butter and honey, these versatile muffins make every meal special. Easy to prepare with straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a muffin pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, honey, sugar, melted butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
- Fill muffin cups nearly full with batter using a cookie scoop.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden brown. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (60g)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg