Whipped Butter
I first got obsessed with whipped butter in Copenhagen, where every morning it was served with bread and cheese. It instantly made something as simple as breakfast feel special, and once I came home I knew I had to remake it in my own kitchen. Now it’s a staple and with a stand mixer, it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and fluffy: Whipping aerates the butter, making it so much easier to spread.
- Versatile: Pairs with bread, pancakes, waffles, or even melts beautifully over grilled corn.
- Simple ingredients: Just butter, milk or buttermilk, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Restaurant-style at home: It takes something ordinary and makes it feel special.
What You’ll Need
- Butter: European-style works best since it has a higher butterfat content and richer flavor. I love using Kerrygold here for that velvety texture. You can use salted or unsalted — if you go unsalted, just make sure to season with salt to taste so it doesn’t end up bland.
- Milk or Buttermilk: Milk keeps the flavor clean and classic, while buttermilk adds a subtle tang and depth. Both work beautifully.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled at the end for that little crunch and pop of flavor.
How to Make It
Let the butter soften at room temperature until it’s easy to press into. Add it to the bowl of a stand mixer — the best method for getting the fluffiest result — and whip on medium-high speed until pale and airy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drop the speed to low and slowly stream in the milk or buttermilk. Once it’s incorporated, turn the mixer up to high and continue whipping for another 4 to 5 minutes until the butter is smooth, fluffy, and has a glossy sheen. Scrape down the bowl, give it one last whip, and transfer to a dish. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and it’s ready to serve.
Storage
Whipped butter keeps well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. It will firm up when chilled, so let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring back that spreadable texture. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip quickly if needed.
Variations You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can have fun with different flavors. Try mixing in a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness, or cinnamon and sugar for a cozy breakfast spread. Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill make a savory version that’s amazing on roasted veggies or grilled meats. You can even add roasted garlic for something rich and bold — perfect on warm bread.

Craving More Butter? Try These Recipes Out!
- Honey Butter Toast
- Fluffy Diner Pancakes
- Banana Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Homemade Butter
- Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 sticks, 1 cup, salted European-style butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Let the butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft enough to press into easily.
- Add the butter to a stand mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until the butter turns pale and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Drop the mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the milk (or buttermilk). Once it’s fully incorporated, increase the speed to high and whip for another 6 to 7 minutes until the butter is smooth and creamy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and whip one last time to make sure everything is well incorporated. The butter should look fluffy and have a glossy, shiny finish.
- Transfer the whipped butter to a serving dish and sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Tips & Notes
Q: Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
A: I used salted butter here. If you go with unsalted, just make sure to add salt to taste so it doesn’t end up bland.
Q: What’s the best way to whip the butter — stand mixer, hand mixer, or by hand?
A: A stand mixer is definitely the best method since it whips the butter quickly and evenly, giving you the fluffiest texture. A hand mixer works too, but it’ll take a bit longer. Doing it by hand is possible, though it’s a serious arm workout and won’t get as airy.
Q: What’s the difference between using milk versus buttermilk?
A: Milk will keep the flavor clean and classic, while buttermilk adds a subtle tang and a little extra richness. Both are delicious, so it just depends on your preference.






