Bring a touch of festive cheer to your holiday table with this Cranberry Honey Butter! Sweet, tangy, and creamy with a hint of citrus, this butter is the perfect addition to warm rolls, pancakes, or muffins. Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also a gorgeous pop of color for your spread—and it makes a thoughtful, homemade gift!
Let’s whip up this delightful butter that’s bound to become a holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
1. Festive and Flavorful:
The dried cranberries and orange zest add a holiday twist to creamy butter.
2. Versatile:
Perfect for sweet and savory pairings—from morning toast to dinner rolls.
3. Easy to Make:
Just five simple ingredients and a few minutes of mixing!
4. Great for Gifting:
Package it in small jars for a homemade gift that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
What Does Cranberry Honey Butter Taste Like?
This butter is a harmonious blend of creamy richness, natural sweetness from the honey, tangy bursts of cranberry, and a refreshing citrus kick from the orange zest. It’s a taste of holiday magic in every bite!
Ingredients for Cranberry Honey Butter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp grated orange zest
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Airtight container (for storing)
- Microplane or fine grater (for zesting the orange)
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, and kosher salt. Use a hand mixer or spoon to beat until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the butter is fluffy.
2. Transfer and Store
Scoop the butter into an airtight container or small jars if gifting. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Serve and Enjoy
Spread this festive butter on warm rolls, muffins, toast, or pancakes. You can even use it as a topping for roasted sweet potatoes or cornbread for a savory twist!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Honey Butter
- Use High-Quality Butter:
The flavor of the butter shines through, so opt for a good-quality brand. - Soften Butter Properly:
Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure it’s easy to mix. - Chop Cranberries Finely:
Finely chopped cranberries blend better into the butter, making it easier to spread. - Adjust Sweetness:
Add more or less honey to suit your taste preference.
How to Gift Cranberry Honey Butter
- Mason Jars: Fill small mason jars with the butter, and decorate with festive ribbons or labels.
- Pair It Up: Package it alongside a loaf of fresh bread or a batch of homemade rolls for a delightful gift set.
What to Serve with Cranberry Honey Butter
- Breads and Rolls: Spread on warm dinner rolls, croissants, or baguettes.
- Breakfast Treats: Pair with pancakes, waffles, or scones for a morning delight.
- Sweet Potatoes: Add a dollop to roasted sweet potatoes or mashed butternut squash.
- Baked Goods: Use it to elevate simple muffins, biscuits, or banana bread.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in small containers or silicone molds for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Dried cranberries work best because they don’t add extra moisture to the butter. If using fresh cranberries, chop them finely and pat them dry before mixing.
Q: Can I substitute the honey?
A: Yes! Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey.
Q: What if I don’t have kosher salt?
A: Substitute with a pinch of regular table salt or sea salt.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your holiday meals or create heartfelt gifts for loved ones. Its festive flavors and creamy texture make it a must-have for the season.
Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram—I’d love to see how you use your cranberry honey butter! Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out my guides for Cranberry Orange Scones or Spiced Honey Glazed Carrots.
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
Happy Holidays and Happy Spreading! 🧈✨
