How to Make Butter

Ever wondered how to turn plain cream into rich, creamy butter—plus garlic butter, peanut butter, brown butter, and even weed butter? Buckle up, because today, we’re making ALL the butters.
I’ve been churning my own butter for years (yes, I’m that person), and let me tell you: Homemade butter tastes infinitely better than store-bought. Plus, once you master the basics, you can make flavored, infused, and specialty butters that’ll blow your mind.
From classic homemade butter to garlic herb spread, pistachio butter, and ghee, this guide covers everything. Ready to become a butter-making pro? Let’s get churning.
What You’ll Need to Make Butter
Before we dive into the fun variations, let’s nail the basics.
Ingredients & Tools:
- Heavy cream (pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized)
- Salt (optional, but recommended)
- Stand mixer, hand mixer, or mason jar (for shaking)
- Strainer or cheesecloth (to drain buttermilk)
- Cold water (for washing butter)
That’s it! No fancy equipment—just cream and a little patience.

How to Make Homemade Butter (3 Easy Methods)
1. Mixer Method (Fastest & Easiest)
- Pour 2 cups heavy cream into a stand mixer.
- Whip on medium until it separates into butter and buttermilk (~5-10 min).
- Strain, wash with cold water, and add salt.

2. Jar Method (Most Satisfying)
- Fill a mason jar halfway with cream.
- Shake vigorously for 10-20 minutes until a butter lump forms.
- Drain, wash, and season.
3. Food Processor (Quick & Hands-Off)
- Pulse cream for 2-3 minutes until separated.
- Strain, rinse, and enjoy.
Pro Tip: Save the buttermilk for pancakes or biscuits!
8 Irresistible Butter Variations
Now, the fun part—let’s upgrade that butter.
1. How to Make Garlic Butter
- Mix 1/2 cup softened butter with:
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Perfect for bread, steak, or roasted veggies.

2. How to Make Peanut Butter (Yes, It Counts!)
- Blend 2 cups roasted peanuts + 1 tbsp honey + pinch of salt until smooth.
- Creamier than store-bought and no weird additives.

3. How to Make Brown Butter (Nutty & Divine)
- Melt butter over medium heat until golden-brown (5-8 min).
- Drizzle over pasta, pankakes, cookies, or mashed potatoes.

4. How to Make Clarified Butter (Great for High-Heat Cooking)
- Melt butter, skim off foam, and strain out milk solids.
- Higher smoke point = perfect for frying.

5. How to Make Ghee from Butter (Clarified Butter’s Rich Cousin)
- Cook butter longer until milk solids brown (adds a toasty flavor).
- A staple in Indian cooking.

6. How to Make Pistachio Butter (Luxurious & Sweet)
- Blend 1 cup shelled pistachios + 1 tbsp honey + 1/4 tsp salt.
- Spread on toast or swirl into ice cream.

7. How to Make Cinnamon Honey Butter (Breakfast Game-Changer)
- Whip 1/2 cup butter + 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp cinnamon.
- Slather on warm biscuits or pancakes.

8. How to Make Herb Butter (Fancy but Effortless)
- Mix butter with rosemary, thyme, chives, and lemon zest.
- Elevates grilled meats and roasted potatoes.

Why Make Your Own Butter?
✅ Better flavor (no preservatives or fillers).
✅ Cheaper than gourmet store-bought versions.
✅ Endless customization (sweet, savory, or infused).
✅ Impressive AF (your brunch guests will lose it).
Final Thoughts: Which Butter Will You Try First?
Whether you’re making classic homemade butter, garlic butter for steak, or weed butter for edibles, the possibilities are endless. And honestly? Once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
So grab some cream and get churning—your toast (and taste buds) will thank you. 🧈