Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 18 poppers
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅔ cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for brushing); 1 tablespoon honey (for brushing)

Hey y'all! If you love the sweet and savory magic of classic cornbread, you're in for a real treat with these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. These bite-sized delights are golden, fluffy, and bursting with a rich honey-butter flavor—perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a fun addition to your family dinner spread. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite meal, these poppers are always a big hit. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Quick and easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Bite-sized and portable, making them ideal for snacking or entertaining.
Sweet, buttery, and tender texture appeals to both kids and adults.
Customizable with add-ins like cheese, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flavor.
Pairs perfectly with soups, chili, BBQ, or enjoyed on their own.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus 2 tablespoon for brushing)
¼ cup honey (plus more for drizzling)
Nonstick cooking spray

Directions: How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Generously spray a mini muffin tin (24-cup) with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together until well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and honey until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Brush with Honey Butter

While the poppers are still warm, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 tablespoon of honey. Brush this luscious honey butter over the tops of each popper for that irresistible shine and flavor.

Notes & Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Don’t overmix the batter—overmixing can make the poppers dense instead of tender. Learn more about mixing techniques.
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup milk, let sit for 5 minutes.
For extra golden tops, broil the poppers for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Variations

Cheesy Cornbread Poppers: Fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese before baking.
Spicy Jalapeño: Add ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeños for a kick of heat.
Bacon & Chive: Mix in 4 slices cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons chopped chives.

Required Equipment for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Mini muffin tin (24-cup preferred)
Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry brush

Storing Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Once cooled, store poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 6-8 minutes, or until warm throughout.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Serve warm with extra honey drizzle or a dollop of whipped honey butter.
Pair with chili, BBQ pulled pork, or hearty soups for a comforting meal.
Great as a party appetizer with a side of spicy dipping sauce or herbed cream cheese.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Use fresh, high-quality cornmeal for optimal flavor and texture—learn more about cornmeal varieties at King Arthur Baking.
Let the poppers cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing to prevent crumbling.
Double the recipe for a crowd—these sweet bites disappear quickly! For serving-size tips, check out this guide.

FAQ: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Can I make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers ahead of time?: Yes! Bake the poppers up to 1 day in advance and reheat before serving. They freeze well, too.
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose?: Absolutely—just substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
How do I prevent the poppers from sticking to the pan?: Generously spray your muffin tin with nonstick spray, and let the poppers cool for a few minutes before removing.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers