Delicious Honey-Based Recipes for Every Occasion
- Diane Hutchinson Jackson
- Aug 22, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Honey is not just a sweetener; it is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. From breakfast to dessert, honey adds a unique flavor and a touch of natural sweetness. Whether you are hosting a brunch, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a sweet treat, these recipes will inspire you to use honey in new and exciting ways.
The Sweet Benefits of Honey
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the benefits of honey.
Natural Sweetener: Honey is a great alternative to refined sugar. It has a lower glycemic index, which means it can provide a more stable energy release.
Rich in Antioxidants: Honey contains antioxidants that can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals.
Soothing Properties: Honey is known for its soothing effects on sore throats and coughs. It can be a comforting addition to teas and other beverages.
With these benefits in mind, let’s explore some delicious recipes that highlight honey’s unique flavor.
Breakfast Delights
Honey Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm bowl of honey oatmeal. This simple recipe is nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups water or milk
2 tablespoons honey
A pinch of salt
Fresh fruits (like bananas or berries) for topping
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in honey.
Top with fresh fruits before serving.
This honey oatmeal is not only delicious but also a great way to start your day with energy.
Honey Yogurt Parfait
For a quick and healthy breakfast, try a honey yogurt parfait. It’s easy to make and looks beautiful in a glass.
Ingredients:
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup granola
1 cup mixed berries
Instructions:
In a glass, layer Greek yogurt, honey, granola, and mixed berries.
Repeat the layers until the glass is full.
Drizzle a little extra honey on top for added sweetness.
This parfait is perfect for busy mornings or as a refreshing snack.
Savory Dishes
Honey Garlic Chicken
For a delicious dinner option, honey garlic chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of honey and garlic creates a flavorful glaze that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the honey mixture over them.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
You can turn this recipe from a glaze into a marinade by simply adding 1/4 cup olive oil to the mix. Pound your chicken breasts, toss them into a sealable plastic bag along with the marinade and refrigerate. Let them soak up the goodness for between 2 and 24 hours before grilling or baking.
Serve this dish with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots or Spiced Honey Glazed Root Vegetables
These honey mustard glazed carrots are a perfect side dish for any meal. They are sweet, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. For variety, we sometimes skip the mustard and use our own Spiced Honey for this recipe. We also often add sweet potatoes and / or butternut squash to the dish along with the Spiced Honey. It's delicious!
Ingredients:
1 pound baby carrots, and maybe some sweet potatoes and / or squash
2 tablespoons honey or Spiced Honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (if using creamy or liquid honey)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. (If you're using Spiced Honey, skip the mustard).
Toss the baby carrots in the mixture until well coated. You can add other veggies, like sweet potatoes and squash, too.
Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
These roasted vegetables are not only tasty, they add a pop of color to your plate.
Sweet Treats
Honey Cake. Recipe credit to Taste of Home:
Peanut Butter and Honey Cookies
Remember when you were a kid and basically lived on toast coated in peanut butter and honey? These cookies taste just like that!
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter (crunchy will work too, but cookies may be more crumbly)
1 cup honey
2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking power
1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir the butter, peanut butter and honey together until smooth and well combined, (I like to use liquid honey. Creamy honey works, too, but requires more mixing) then add in the eggs. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, then pour them into the peanut butter and honey mix and stir together.
Make into 1 or 1 1/2 inch balls on ungreased cookie sheets. Use a fork to flatten. Put in 350 degree over for 8 to 10 minutes. These cookies do spread out, so leave lots of room between the balls. Remove from oven and cool.
These cookies will last about 5 days in an air-tight container and can also be frozen.
Wondering how to measure ingredients and flatten the balls of dough without having both the peanut butter and honey stick to your utensils? In the old days we coated things with flour. That still works :) But you may also choose to use a bit of non-stick cooking spray. That works too!
Oatmeal Cranberry Honey Cookies
These are a real favourite! And they could even be considered a bit festive, thanks to the cranberries, if you want to add them to your Christmas cookie list.
1 cup butter or shortening
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1⁄2 cup honey
1 large egg
1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1⁄ 2cups All Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats, quick
1 cup cranberries
1⁄2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
HEAT oven to 350°F
Combine butter / shortening, brown sugar, honey, egg and vanilla in bowl of electric mixer. Beat at low speed until blended. Increase speed to medium. Beat until light and creamy.
In a different bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Add gradually to shortening mixture at low speed. Increase speed to medium. Beat until well blended. Stir in oats, cranberries and pecans.
Drop dough in spoonfuls onto baking sheets.
Depending on the size of your dough balls, bake 8 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheets. Place on cooling racks to cool completely.
Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.
Honey Cookies
In our house, we sometimes make these cookies by using our own Spiced Honey. If you do that, don't add the ground cinnamon to the mix, because it's already there!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tablespoons honey (or Spiced Honey)
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using creamy or liquid honey)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Combine the sugar, oil, egg, honey and vanilla in a bowl and mix until smooth. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon (unless you're using the Spiced Honey, then don't add cinnamon) and salt together in a small bowl, then gradually stir into to the liquid mix.
When it's all combined, cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Leave lots of space for expansion. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool briefly before removing from pan to wire rack. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days or frozen.
This recipe makes about 18 cookies. You might want to double it!
Honey Fruit Salad
A refreshing honey fruit salad is a perfect way to end any meal. It is light, sweet, and packed with vitamins.
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed fruits (like watermelon, pineapple, and strawberries)
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine mixed fruits.
Drizzle honey and lime juice over the fruits and toss gently.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
This fruit salad is not only delicious but also a healthy dessert option.
Drinks to Savor
Honey Lemonade
On a hot day, nothing beats a refreshing glass of honey lemonade. It is simple to make and incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup honey
4 cups water
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
In a pitcher, combine fresh lemon juice and honey.
Add water and stir until the honey is dissolved.
Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices.
This honey lemonade is perfect for summer gatherings or picnics.
Honey Ginger Tea / Spiced Honey Tea
For a soothing drink, honey ginger tea is a great, traditional choice. It is warm, comforting, and perfect for chilly evenings. For another option, that doesn't require extra prep, try our Spiced Honey. It has a delicious and calming taste and aroma.
Honey Ginger Tea:
2 cups water
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
2 tablespoons honey
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring water to a boil.
Add sliced ginger and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in honey.
Strain into cups and garnish with lemon slices.
This tea is not only delicious but also great for digestion.
Spiced Honey Tea:
2 cups water
Tea (tea bag or whatever you use) of traditional tea such as English Breakfast
2 tablespoons Spiced Honey
Put the kettle on to boil and, while its heating, add a tea bag to a pot or cup, along with the spiced honey. When the water boils, pour it over the tea and honey. When the mix has steeped to your liking, its ready to enjoy.
Perfect Pairings
Honey pairs well with many ingredients. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Cheese: Drizzle honey over cheese platters for a sweet contrast. It pairs well with goat cheese and sharp cheddar.
Nuts: Toss nuts in honey and roast them for a sweet snack.
Bread: Spread honey on warm bread or toast for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Tea: Use honey as a natural sweetener in your favorite teas.
A Sweet Ending
Honey is a wonderful ingredient that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. From breakfast to dessert, the recipes shared in this post showcase the versatility of honey.
Whether you are cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, these honey-based recipes are sure to impress. So, grab a jar of honey and start experimenting in the kitchen. You might just discover your new favorite dish.
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