Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of sweet, buttery cornbread with a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy center. These Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect bite-sized treat, bursting with warm, comforting flavors in every mouthful.

I first made these when looking for a fun, mess-free way to serve cornbread at a family barbecue. They were an instant hit—easy to grab, perfectly portioned, and loaded with that rich, honey-kissed taste we all love. Now, they’re a staple at our gatherings, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads.

Why You'll Love This Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these sweet and savory little bites. They’re a delightful twist on classic cornbread and offer so many reasons to make them a regular in your kitchen.

First, they come together quickly with simple pantry staples. No fancy ingredients required—just good old-fashioned Southern flavors.

They’re also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish with chili, a snack with honey butter, or even as an appetizer at parties. However you enjoy them, they’re sure to please.

Their bite-sized shape makes them perfect for kids and adults alike. No slicing or crumbling—just grab, dip, and enjoy.

Finally, the honey butter glaze takes these poppers over the top. That rich, buttery sweetness soaks in just enough to create a luscious, slightly sticky coating without overpowering the cornbread itself.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these cornbread poppers lies in the balance of flavors, starting with the right ingredients. Let’s break it down so you can get the best results every time.

Cornmeal is the heart of this recipe. Using fine yellow cornmeal ensures the poppers have a tender crumb while still retaining that classic cornbread texture. Avoid coarsely ground cornmeal, as it can make the batter too gritty.

Flour provides the structure needed to keep these poppers light and fluffy. A mix of cornmeal and all-purpose flour creates the perfect balance—sturdy but soft, with just the right amount of chew.

Buttermilk adds a tangy depth that complements the sweetness of the honey. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with one cup of milk and letting it sit for five minutes.

Honey brings natural sweetness and enhances the cornbread’s rich, golden flavor. It also helps create that luscious glaze when mixed with butter at the end.

A touch of melted butter in the batter ensures a moist, tender texture, while an extra drizzle over the hot poppers infuses them with even more buttery goodness.

To achieve the perfect shape, using a mini muffin tin is essential. It allows the batter to puff up into golden, bite-sized rounds without spreading too much.

How To Make This Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Making these delicious poppers is as easy as mixing, scooping, and baking. Follow these steps for the best results.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and to give the poppers a lovely golden crust.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey, whisking until smooth.

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the poppers dense instead of light and fluffy.

Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, portion the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures they puff up perfectly without overflowing.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the poppers bake, prepare the honey butter by melting butter and stirring in a drizzle of honey until smooth.

As soon as the poppers come out of the oven, brush them generously with the warm honey butter mixture. The poppers will soak up the glaze, creating a beautiful, glossy finish with irresistible sweetness.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), these poppers store beautifully. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days—just reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.

To freeze, place the cooled poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to two months. Warm them up in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is already amazing as-is, but here are some fun ways to tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

For a savory twist, reduce the honey slightly and mix in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños. The combination of spicy, cheesy, and buttery flavors is absolutely addictive.

Looking for a gluten-free version? Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture remains light and delicious without any compromise.

For a richer, more indulgent version, try browning the butter before adding it to the batter. The nutty, caramelized notes of browned butter add a depth of flavor that takes these poppers to the next level.

If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with a little lemon juice. Use a vegan butter alternative for the honey glaze.

Want to add a little extra crunch? Stir in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking. The added texture makes these poppers even more satisfying.

No matter how you make them, these Southern-style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect version!

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