Keep Warm This Winter With These Hot Honey Recipes

As winter settles in and temperatures drop, the craving for warm and cozy meals becomes irresistible. One of the season’s standout ingredients that brings the heat to any dish is hot honey. This golden elixir adds a delightful kick that transforms simple recipes into unforgettable winter favorites. From start to finish, hot honey is versatile and easy to incorporate into your winter meal. You can even make it at home instead of purchasing pre-made.

In this post, we’ll explore the magic of hot honey and share some mouthwatering recipes that will make your winter meals burst with flavor. Whether you want to warm up your gathering with a tasty appetizer or unwind after a long day in the cold with a delicious cocktail, these recipes are guaranteed to add that perfect balance of heat and sweetness to your day. Let’s dive in and discover how hot honey can be your go-to ingredient this winter.

Crispy Hot Honey Brie Bites

Fair warning: these are highly addictive! This is one of my favorite appetizers to prepare for large gatherings because it’s quick and easy to assemble and its complex flavor profile will have you and your guests coming back for more. 

The trick is phyllo dough cups. They are so thin and crispy but hold up well to the toppings you put inside them. You can usually find pre-made phyllo cups at your local grocery store, but if not, you can use this recipe. 

Simply load up a baking sheet or muffin pan with the cups, add a small spoonful of cranberry sauce (I prefer the whole cranberry sauce for these), and a small piece of brie cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes until the brie has melted and the cups are dark golden brown. Once they’re finished baking, drizzle with hot honey and add a fresh rosemary needle as an optional garnish. Serve and enjoy! 

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Kickin’ Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a winter staple in my household. The crispy, flaky, buttery crust complements the thick, rich filling to create the perfect bite. Add a touch of spice and you’ve got the ultimate one-pot warm-up meal! 

Prepare a chicken pot pie by boiling a whole chicken breast in chicken stock for 12-15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it is cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using a fork or your hands. Finely dice one large carrot, two stalks of celery, and a medium yellow onion and sauté in butter for 10 minutes or until soft. Add one clove of minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. 

Next, add two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and mix well. Continue sautéing for another two minutes to cook the flour, then add two cups of chicken stock and bring to a boil to thicken. Add the filling to a pie dish or individual ramekins and cover with pie crust, making a slit in the top with a knife to allow for ventilation. 

Before you put it in the oven to bake, prepare an egg wash to brush over the crust. Beat one egg in a bowl and mix with one tablespoon of water or heavy cream. Now to add the kick! Mix one tablespoon of hot honey with the egg wash mixture and brush over the pie crust. This will help the crust bake to a nice golden brown and add a pop of sweet heat to the dish! 

Image generated by Midjourney

Hot Honey Kissed Apple Crisp

I remember learning to make apple crisp in a school cooking class and making it at home each time the opportunity presented itself. It was a simple recipe to make as a kid and the sweet, crispy, explosive flavors make the dish hold up to this day. If I knew then what I know now, I would have added hot honey to this dessert a long time ago! Hot apple crisp, a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of hot honey make for a dessert that will be hard to beat. 

Start by slicing five apples, cored and peeled. Mix in a bowl with two tablespoons of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix one cup of brown sugar, ¾ cup each of oats and all-purpose flour, and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Cut one stick of butter into smaller pieces and cut into the oats mixture using a fork. Add your apples to a 9x9 baking dish and top with the oats mixture, patting it down to cover the top evenly. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and the sides are bubbling. Finally, scoop onto a plate or bowl while it’s still hot, and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot honey. 

Spicy Hot Toddy

Sometimes after a long day of shoveling snow or chaotic holiday shopping, you just want to unwind on your couch, turn on the television, and have a nice cocktail. What better way to warm your rosy cheeks and frozen fingers back up than a sweet, steamy hot toddy? 

Boil 4 ounces of water and add to a mug with two ounces of whiskey, bourbon, or scotch, and ¾ ounce of hot honey. Mix well and garnish with a lemon peel, cinnamon stick, and a star anise. Settle into your couch with this after-dinner cocktail and watch your stresses melt away.  

Image from Polina Kovaleva via Pexels 

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We hope these winter-themed hot honey recipes inspire you to spice up your seasonal gatherings and quiet nights alike. Experiment, share, and savor each bite as the golden, sweet heat transforms traditional comfort food into something extraordinary. Here’s to a season filled with warmth, sweetness, and the simple joy of trying something delicious and different!

Did you make any of these recipes? Drop us a comment and let us know how it turned out! We love to hear from our hot honey fanatics about all things hot honey.