Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

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Rich, creamy, and lusciously sweet, Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is the festive indulgence your holiday table needs. Blending the luxurious flavor of honey with tangy dried cranberries and smooth, whipped butter, this spread is perfect for slathering on warm rolls, pancakes, waffles, or toast. It’s a small-batch holiday gift you’ll be proud to share—or keep all to yourself. The contrast between the sweet and tart components makes every bite a delightful surprise.

This butter doesn’t just taste like the holidays—it looks the part too. Dotted with ruby-red cranberries and finished with a silky, glossy texture, it’s the kind of jar you want to showcase at Christmas brunch or wrap in ribbon as a homemade gift. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing for a cozy morning by the fire, this cranberry honey butter adds warmth and sweetness to every moment.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

• Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 10 minutes
• No cooking required, just mixing and chilling
• Perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy cranberries
• Elegant, gift-worthy presentation
• Adds festive flair to any breakfast or snack

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this butter, you’ll need a hand mixer or stand mixer, which helps whip the butter to a light and fluffy texture. A mixing bowl is essential to bring all the ingredients together evenly. You’ll also want a rubber spatula for scraping down the sides and transferring the butter into jars, and glass jars or ramekins for storage and presentation. If gifting, decorative jars with ribbons make it even more special.

Each of these tools plays a key role in ensuring your butter is velvety smooth, well-mixed, and beautifully presented. Avoid over-mixing, but don’t skip the whipping process—it’s what makes the final product light and spreadable.

Preparation Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature before whipping; cold butter won’t blend well and will leave lumps. Chop the dried cranberries finely so they mix evenly throughout the butter and don’t clump. Use good-quality honey for the best flavor—raw or local honey can enhance the overall taste beautifully. Once mixed, chill the butter slightly for about 30 minutes to firm it up before serving or gifting. Always taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding a touch more honey.

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Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup honey (use raw or local honey for enhanced flavor)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for added warmth)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances the sweet flavors)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (for extra holiday spice)
• Zest of 1 orange (pairs beautifully with cranberries and honey)

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Step 1: Soften the Butter

Take the butter out of the refrigerator at least 30–60 minutes before starting. The butter should be soft but not melted—this ensures it whips easily and achieves a smooth, fluffy texture.

Step 2: Finely Chop the Cranberries

Use a sharp knife or food processor to finely chop the dried cranberries. Smaller pieces distribute better and prevent clumping, giving every bite a pop of tart sweetness.

Step 3: Whip the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy. This whipping process incorporates air for a smoother texture and makes the butter spreadable straight from the fridge.

Step 4: Add the Honey and Flavorings

Pour in the honey, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of sea salt. Beat for another 1–2 minutes until everything is fully incorporated. Taste and adjust the honey if you prefer it sweeter.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold the chopped cranberries into the whipped butter mixture. Stir until they are evenly distributed without over-mixing.

Step 6: Add Optional Flavors (If Using)

At this stage, you can add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a bit of orange zest for a citrusy note. Mix gently to combine.

Step 7: Transfer and Chill

Spoon the butter into small glass jars, ramekins, or airtight containers. Smooth the tops with a spatula. If giving as a gift, tie a festive ribbon around the jar. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve with warm rolls, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or even roasted vegetables for a sweet-savory twist. It’s also fantastic spread on bagels or muffins for a cozy winter breakfast.

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Notes

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a wonderfully flexible recipe. You can easily adjust the sweetness, texture, and flavor to suit your taste. Want it smoother? Chop the cranberries extra fine or pulse them in a mini processor. Prefer a stronger tang? Use unsweetened dried cranberries or add a little orange zest. This butter can also be made in advance and stored, making it a great last-minute holiday gift. Don’t forget, it spreads best at room temperature, so set it out a bit before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold butter: This will lead to a lumpy, uneven mixture. Always start with softened butter.
• Overmixing after adding cranberries: It can break down the fruit too much and discolor the butter.
• Forgetting the salt: Even just a pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
• Skipping the chill: A short rest in the fridge improves texture and melds flavors beautifully.
• Using low-quality honey: The honey is a star ingredient—choose one that’s floral and rich.

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Storage Instructions

Store the cranberry honey butter in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small jars or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. If freezing, allow to thaw in the fridge overnight before use. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes so it’s easy to spread.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 1 tbsp serving)

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 15mg
• Carbohydrates: 4.5g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fiber: 0.1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of butter should I use?

Use unsalted, high-quality butter. This gives you full control over the salt level and ensures the butter is creamy and flavorful.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries contain too much moisture and can alter the texture. Stick with dried cranberries for best results.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute with a vegan butter alternative. Just be sure it’s one that can be whipped.

How long will this butter last in the fridge?

Stored properly, it will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Absolutely. Just scale up all the ingredients evenly. A stand mixer is helpful for larger batches.

Does this need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Because of the dairy and honey, it should always be stored chilled unless being served.

What can I serve this butter with?

It’s delicious on toast, bagels, muffins, pancakes, scones, and even roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.

Can I freeze this butter?

Yes. Freeze it in small portions and thaw in the fridge when needed. Great for make-ahead holiday prep.

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Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is the kind of recipe that delivers both comfort and cheer. Whether you’re spreading it over freshly baked bread or wrapping it up as a holiday gift, it brings a festive sparkle to any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this butter is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of homemade warmth to the season. Make it once, and it might just become your new holiday tradition.

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