Introduction

This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a festive and flavorful spread that brightens up any breakfast or snack. Combining sweet honey, tangy cranberries, and zesty orange, it adds a cheerful twist to bread, pancakes, or waffles.

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy, pale yellow mixture that has small red dried fruit pieces spread evenly throughout, topped with a red ribbon with white polka dots tied in a bow, sitting on a white plate with some dried red fruit scattered near the jar and a dollop of the creamy mixture placed in front, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1/3 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup, agave can also be used)
2 teaspoons orange zest (finely grated)
1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a small to medium bowl.
Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until well blended and smooth.
Step 3: Transfer the cranberry honey butter to a jar with a lid, or scoop it onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log.
Step 4: Store the butter in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy on bread, pancakes, waffles, or as a sweet dip.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother texture, soak the dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
Substitute maple syrup or agave for honey to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.

Storage

Store the cranberry honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it soften at room temperature before serving for easier spreading.

How to Serve

A white ramekin filled with a creamy, textured spread that has swirled shades of pale yellow butter mixed with small dark red berry pieces and flecks of bright orange zest on top, creating a marbled effect. The spread reaches just above the rim with gentle peaks and waves. Around the ramekin on a white marbled surface, small dried red berries and orange zest pieces are scattered. In the blurred background, there are slices of light golden bread on a white plate, adding a soft contrast to the vibrant spread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but since they are tart and juicy, it’s best to cook them down with a bit of sugar first to soften and sweeten before mixing into the butter.

Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?

An electric mixer helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture quickly, but you can also use a sturdy spoon or whisk. It just might take a bit more time and effort to blend evenly.

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 78 reviews

This festive Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter blends creamy unsalted butter with sweet honey, tangy dried cranberries, and bright orange zest to create a flavorful spread perfect for holiday breakfasts or snacks.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups (about 12 servings, 2 tablespoons each) 1x
Category: Condiment
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup or agave as alternatives)
2 teaspoons orange zest, finely grated
1/3 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Beat together all ingredients. Place the softened unsalted butter, finely chopped dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, vanilla extract if using, and a pinch of salt into a small to medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
Transfer to container. Scoop the cranberry honey butter into a jar with a lid or onto a piece of plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, mold the butter into a log shape for easy slicing and serving.
Store properly. Refrigerate the butter for up to two weeks to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze the butter for up to three months.
Serve and enjoy. Use the cranberry honey butter as a delicious spread on bread, pancakes, waffles, or even as a sweet dip during your holiday meals.

Notes

Soften the butter well to ensure easy mixing and a smooth texture.
Finely chop the dried cranberries to avoid large chunks and spread evenly.
Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave for different flavor profiles or dietary preferences.
This butter can be shaped into logs for attractive presentation and easy slicing.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption in the fridge or freezer.
Bring to room temperature before serving if refrigerated, for easier spreading.

Keywords: Christmas butter, cranberry honey butter, holiday spread, festive butter, sweet butter, flavored butter