Hot Honey Meets Cornbread: Muffins with a Kick You’ll Make on Repeat
Nothing hits quite like warm, golden cornbread fresh out of the oven—but these Hot Honey Cornbread Muffins take it a step further. Sweet, moist, and with just the right touch of spicy heat, they’re the perfect side for chili night, barbecue spreads, or simply served with a smear of butter.
In this easy recipe, classic cornbread batter gets a flavor boost from hot honey—a trending pantry staple made from infusing honey with chili peppers. Whether you’re already obsessed or new to the buzz, these muffins are the easiest (and tastiest) way to try hot honey at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Sweet with a kick – A balanced blend of honey and chili warmth
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Quick and easy – Ready in 25 minutes, one bowl, no fuss
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Pairs with everything – Chili, fried chicken, BBQ, or even brunch
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Make ahead – Stays moist and flavorful for days
Ingredients
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar)
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2 large eggs
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¼ cup melted butter
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¼ cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
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In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, oil, and hot honey until smooth.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
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Divide the batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full.
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Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra hot honey before serving.
Substitutions and Tips
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No hot honey? Mix ⅓ cup honey with ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Want extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or finely diced jalapeño to the batter.
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Dairy-free? Use almond milk and coconut oil as swaps.
What to Serve These With
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Smoky beef chili or turkey chili
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Pulled pork sandwiches
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Fried chicken or Nashville hot tenders
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Southern-style greens
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Or just with coffee for a spicy-sweet breakfast treat
Editor Insights
Hot honey continues to trend across food blogs, TikTok, and restaurant menus—and this recipe taps right into that flavor craze. These muffins not only add a wow factor to your table but are incredibly easy to make ahead and reheat. For a gourmet touch, try brushing them with compound hot honey butter right before serving.
