How to Make Homemade Butter and Buttermilk in a Stand Mixer -

A small jar of homemade butter with a decorative tag reading Spread the Love tied to it, placed on a wooden board next to plates with scones or biscuits.

I’ve heard for years how easy it is to make homemade butter, but if I’m being honest, I was intimidated by the process and never gave it a try. It felt like one of those old-fashioned kitchen skills that must be complicated or time consuming. This year, I’ve been trying my best to make more things from scratch, and homemade butter kept coming back to mind. I also loved the idea of turning it into a simple handmade gift that felt thoughtful and special.

Once I finally tried it, I realized how approachable the process truly is, even for a first time attempt. You can whip up a batch of homemade butter in no time, and it’s easy to make enough for sharing. The best part is how satisfying it feels to transform heavy cream into something so useful and delicious. I even designed a sweet printable gift tag to make gifting your homemade butter easy and charming.

This homemade butter recipe uses just one main ingredient, comes together quickly in a stand mixer, and yields both fresh butter and homemade buttermilk for future use. It’s a simple kitchen project that feels rewarding, practical, and surprisingly fun.

Jars of homemade butter with wooden lids and tags reading Spread the love are displayed next to a plate with a split biscuit and a butter knife on an ornate white dish.

Why Make Homemade Butter?

Making homemade butter is one of those small kitchen projects that delivers big results. With just good quality heavy whipping cream from the grocery store, you can create a creamy texture and delicious flavor that far surpasses store-bought butter.

When you make butter at home, you control the type of cream, the amount of salt, and the final product. Whether you use organic heavy cream, cream from a local dairy, fresh milk, or even raw milk, the results are rich and satisfying. You also end up with fresh buttermilk, which can be used for biscuits, pancakes, dressings, and baking.

Homemade butter is also a wonderful way to slow down and connect with traditional kitchen methods. Even though there are different methods to make butter, including using a food processor or hand churning, the stand mixer method delivers the best results with minimal effort. It’s approachable, consistent, and perfect for small amounts or larger batches.

Finally, homemade butter makes a thoughtful handmade gift. Packaged in a mason jar with twine and a simple tag, it feels personal, cozy, and heartfelt.

A plate with scones, a knife, a small jar of butter, and a jar of jam on a wooden board. One scone is split and spread with butter on a decorative white plate.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Recipe

This homemade butter recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for beginners. It requires only one ingredient plus a little salt if desired and the process is quick and straightforward. You’ll love how creamy and fresh the final product tastes, especially when spread on warm bread.
Another reason this recipe shines is that it produces both butter and homemade buttermilk. Making your own buttermilk is incredibly satisfying, and it’s far better than store-bought buttermilk in both texture and flavor. Knowing exactly where your ingredients come from and how they’re made adds so much value to everyday cooking.
This recipe is also flexible. Once you’ve made it once, you can easily branch out into compound butter, flavored butter, or herb-infused variations next time. The process builds confidence and opens the door to so many future use ideas.

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Jars of homemade butter with wooden lids and “Spread the love” tags are arranged on a wooden tray next to a plate of biscuits and a knife on a white marble surface.

Ingredients

1 pint organic heavy cream at room temperature
¼ teaspoon salt optional

Using good quality heavy cream is essential for best results. Heavy whipping cream with a higher fat content creates a richer, creamier texture. Allowing the cream to come to room temperature helps the cream separate more efficiently during mixing.

Supplies

Stand mixer with whisk attachment
Mixing bowl
Bowl shield or kitchen towel
Large bowl of cold water or ice water
Plate
Mason jars with lids
Strainer
Twine
Cardstock
Printer or marker

A stand mixer is required for this method. A hand mixer will not work effectively for separating butter solids and buttermilk.

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A white mixing bowl filled with a creamy liquid sits on a marble surface next to a small measuring spoon with a wooden handle.

A silver stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment sits on a kitchen counter next to a glass jar holding wooden utensils. The countertop and background have a light, neutral color scheme.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1 Add the heavy cream to the mixer bowl

Pour the room temperature heavy cream into the mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Be sure the bowl is clean and dry before starting.

Step 2 Begin mixing on medium speed

Attach the whisk attachment and begin mixing on medium speed. On a KitchenAid stand mixer, this is about a 6 setting. Mixing at medium speed allows the cream to aerate evenly and transition properly.

A silver KitchenAid stand mixer with a whisk attachment is whipping a creamy mixture in a metal bowl on a light-colored countertop.

Step 3 Continue mixing as the cream separates

As you mix, the cream will first become whipped cream. Continue mixing past this stage. After several minutes, the cream separates into butter solids and liquid buttermilk. This process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on room temperature and the type of cream used.

As the butter begins to form, the buttermilk may splash up to the top of the bowl. Using a bowl shield or draping a towel over the mixer helps contain splashes.

A stand mixer with a whisk attachment is mixing a bowl of fluffy, white whipped cream. The mixing bowl is metallic and the mixer is branded KitchenAid.

A stand mixer with a wire whisk attachment is mixing a creamy white batter in a stainless steel bowl on a kitchen counter.

Step 4 Remove the butter solids

Once the butter solids have fully separated from the liquid, stop the mixer. Remove the butter from the mixing bowl and place it onto a plate.

A stand mixer with a whisk attachment holds freshly made butter, while liquid buttermilk remains in the mixing bowl below. The mixer and bowl are situated on a kitchen counter.

A stand mixer with a whisk attachment holds a large amount of creamy, whipped mixture. The metal mixing bowl is partially filled, and kitchen items are visible in the background.

Step 5 Squeeze the butter together

Using clean hands, gently squeeze the butter together to form a tight ball. You’ll notice remaining buttermilk releasing from the butter as you press it.

A hand holds a clump of freshly made butter above a glass plate, next to a whisk attachment and an empty glass bowl on a light marble surface.

Two hands knead a ball of dough or butter on a white patterned plate next to an empty glass bowl on a light marble surface.

Step 6 Strain the buttermilk

Strain the remaining buttermilk from the mixing bowl and plate through a strainer into a mason jar. This recipe yields about 16 ounces of fresh buttermilk. Homemade buttermilk is perfect for baking and recipes that call for live cultures.

A hand holds a fine mesh strainer over an empty glass jar. Above them is a metal bowl containing a milky liquid, all set on a light-colored surface.

A hand holding a glass mason jar with a white plastic lid, filled with a creamy white liquid, against a light marble-patterned background.

Step 7 Rinse the butter in cold water

Place the butter into a bowl of cold water or ice water. Gently squeeze the butter to release any remaining buttermilk.

A clear glass bowl of water sits next to a decorative white plate holding a small, round ball of dough on a light marble surface.

Step 8 Repeat the rinsing process

Change the water and repeat rinsing and squeezing until the water runs clear. This step is very important. Any remaining buttermilk left in the butter can cause it to spoil more quickly.

A person wearing a beige sweater shapes dough with their hands over a glass bowl, with a white decorative plate nearby on a light marble surface.

Step 9 Check for remaining liquid

Continue rinsing as needed until no cloudiness remains in the water. Removing all remaining buttermilk ensures the best shelf life and flavor.

A close-up of a ball of pale, smooth dough resting on a textured white plate with a soft, blurred background.

Step 10 Add salt if desired

Once the butter is fully rinsed, you can add a little salt if you prefer salted butter. Incorporate the salt evenly with your hands, adjusting the amount of salt to taste.

Step 11 Store the homemade butter

Transfer the finished butter to a mason jar, wrap it in parchment paper, or place it in a butter bell. Store in the refrigerator for best results.

Gifting Homemade Butter

One of my favorite parts of this project is gifting the butter. Stored in a small mason jar and tied with twine, it feels thoughtful and handmade. I designed a sweet printable gift tag that says “Spread a Little Love” to make gifting easy and special. It’s perfect for hostess gifts, holidays or sharing with friends and neighbors.

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Storage and Food Safety Notes

A hand holds a small jar of homemade butter. Nearby, two more jars, wooden lids, a spoon, and a patterned plate with a mound of butter rest on a marble surface.

Fresh butter can be kept unrefrigerated for a few hours and used immediately. For longer storage, homemade butter should be kept in the refrigerator and will last approximately 21 to 30 days. Always check for freshness. If you notice mold, an off smell, or signs of rancidity, discard immediately.

I have not personally stored this butter in a butter bell, but butter bells can be used to keep fresh butter at room temperature. Always follow the manufacturer’s food safety guidelines.

A wooden board with a jar of butter, a butter knife, a jar of jam, and a white dish filled with scoops of biscuits or scones, creating a cozy breakfast or brunch setting.

Tips for Best Results

Use good quality cream from a trusted grocery store or local dairy for the best flavor and creamy texture. Let the cream come fully to room temperature before mixing to help the cream separate efficiently.

Mixing at medium speed produces the best results. Mixing too fast can cause splashing and uneven separation, while mixing too slowly may delay the process.

Rinsing the butter thoroughly in cold water or ice cubes is essential. Removing all remaining buttermilk extends the shelf life and improves the final product.

If you plan to experiment next time, this butter is a great base for compound butter. Add herbs, honey, or garlic for savory or sweet variations.

Cheese cloths or muslin cloth can be used to help squeeze out liquid, but clean hands work just as well for small batches.

A small jar of homemade butter with a tag reading Spread the love sits on a wooden tray next to biscuits, a knife, and more jars with similar tags and wooden lids in the background.

Common Questions

Can I use a food processor instead of a stand mixer
Yes, different methods exist, and a food processor can work. However, a stand mixer with a whisk attachment provides the most consistent results and is easier to manage.

Does homemade butter contain live cultures
Homemade butter made from fresh cream may contain beneficial cultures depending on the type of cream used, especially if sourced from fresh milk or raw milk.

Is homemade buttermilk the same as store-bought buttermilk
Homemade buttermilk is the liquid left after the butter solids separate. It is thinner than cultured store-bought buttermilk but works beautifully in many recipes.

How much butter does this recipe make
This recipe makes approximately three quarters of a pound of butter and about 16 ounces of fresh buttermilk.

Can I control the salt level
Yes, you can adjust the amount of salt or skip it entirely. Unsalted butter is perfect for baking, while a little salt enhances flavor for spreading.

A white plate with a round ball of dough sits on a marble surface next to three empty glass jars and their wooden lids.

Now that I know how easy homemade butter is to make, I have so many ideas for future batches, flavored butter and creative uses. This simple process is so rewarding and the delicious flavor makes it worth every minute!

If you give this homemade butter recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it. Follow along on social media at @returninggrace and tag me in your photos, or leave a comment below to share how you used your butter or who you gifted it to.

salutation with a signature Wishing you grace, Stephanie

Meet Stephanie

Hi, I’m Stephanie—a lifelong creative, homebody at heart, and the hands behind Returning Grace. I believe home should feel like your favorite place, and I’m passionate about helping you create spaces filled with warmth, character, and charm. From simple DIYs and seasonal crafts to cozy recipes and vintage-inspired decor, I share approachable ideas to make your home feel beautifully lived in. I love thrifting, styling old finds in fresh ways, and documenting our home remodeling adventures along the way.
 
I’m honored to have served as the 2024 American Farmhouse Style Brand Ambassador and to share my love for cottage farmhouse living with a community that values creativity, comfort, and meaningful design.

More of my story

How to Make Homemade Butter and Buttermilk in a Stand Mixer

Why Make Homemade Butter?

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Butter Recipe

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Ingredients