Have you ever thought about flavored butter becoming a holiday staple? Whipped Gingerbread Butter is unsalted butter that is mixed with molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, creating a sweet and festive spread. Perfect for Gingerbread Pancakes!! I like to think of it as spreading a little holiday magic (and taste) on my toast, pancakes and waffles, and other favorite treats!

Bowl of Whipped Gingerbread Butter on a wooden table.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter in most recipes, including this compound butter. It gives me the most control over the salt added. Salted butter would also work, but you may want to lessen or omit the salt in the recipe.
Confectioners’ Sugar: The confectioners’ sugar (also called powdered sugar) makes the butter sweet and smooth. If you want to use granulated sugar instead, it’s best to blend it first to make it finer. This helps the butter stay smooth; otherwise, it might feel grainy. But don’t worry—you can still use it!
Molasses: Molasses gives the butter a strong flavor and a little sweetness, making it taste like gingerbread. (And I love gingerbread treats, from gingerbread man cookies to gingerbread brownies and more!) It also adds moisture, which helps keep the butter smooth, and gives it a rich, dark color.
Spices: The spices in the butter—ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg—create a warm and cozy flavor that reminds me of holiday baking. If you don’t have the individual spices but have pumpkin pie spice, you can just use the same amount of pumpkin spice as the total amount of the individual spices called for in the recipe.

Bowl of Whipped Gingerbread Butter on a wooden table from overhead with cinnamon sticks.

Delicious Ways To Use Gingerbread Butter

When I am craving a gingerbread snack or treat, this gingerbread compound butter satisfies my cravings! Here are some delicious and creative ways to use butter:

Spread on toast or bagels.
Add a dollop to buttermilk pancakes or waffles of insane greatness for a morning treat!
Serve it alongside scones or muffins.
Use it as a dip for fruit like apples, pears, or bananas.
Dip in some sweet potato fries.
Use it as a filling or topping for pies and tarts, especially apple or pumpkin desserts.
Want some fun with leftover turkey? Add the gingerbread butter to the bread with cream cheese and turkey for a fun and tasty turkey sandwich!
Give the gingerbread butter as a wonderful homemade gift! To gift whipped gingerbread butter, use a small mason jar with a tight lid and decorate it with a ribbon or holiday tag. Include a recipe card with serving ideas, label the jar with storage instructions, and add a personal touch with a handwritten note or a small gift, like homemade bread or scones.

Bowl of Whipped Gingerbread Butter on a wooden table near gingerbread pancakes.

How To Store Whipped Gingerbread Butter

Store whipped gingerbread butter in an airtight container or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will last up to 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, form the butter into a log, wrap it, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Knife taking a dollop of Whipped Gingerbread Butter from a bowl.

How To Shape Whipped Gingerbread Butter Into A Log

If you want to make a log of butter instead of whipped butter, start by scooping the butter onto a piece of plastic wrap. Then, roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping it until it’s fully wrapped in the plastic. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap together and put it in the refrigerator until it’s firm (at least 2 hours or up to overnight). It will last in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just slice off what you need!

Whipped Gingerbread Butter

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Whipped Gingerbread Butter is unsalted butter that is mixed with molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, creating a sweet and festive spread. I like to think of it as spreading a little holiday magic (and taste) on my toast, pancakes and waffles, and other favorite treats!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
▢ 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
▢ 1 tablespoon molasses
▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
▢ ½ teaspoon ground ginger
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
▢ 1 pinch kosher salt

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
Increase mixer speed to high. Whip for 5-7 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is light and airy.
Add the molasses, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mix on low until fully incorporated, about 1 more minute.
Serve immediately on pastries, pancakes, or biscuits.

Shaping Whipped Gingerbread Butter Into A Log

To make a log of compound butter, scoop the gingerbread butter onto a piece of plastic wrap. Roll the butter into a log shape, pressing and shaping as you go. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap together to secure the log, and refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours or up to overnight).

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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:

Autumn

This gingerbread butter is perfect for the holidays! I spread it on warm toast, and it tasted just like Christmas in a bite.

Elizabeth

I am loving our latest whipped compound butters (like our lemon blueberry butter). This is my favorite so far! What a great idea, especially for the holidays!