Cranberry honey butter is a festive and flavorful spread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness of honey, all whipped into creamy butter. It’s the perfect way to add a holiday twist to warm dinner rolls, fresh bread, pancakes, or muffins.
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare but makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy brunch, cranberry honey butter is an easy way to impress guests with a homemade seasonal spread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (whole berry for texture or jellied for smoothness)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
Step 1: Beat the Butter
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
- Add cranberry sauce, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
- Beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Chill or Serve
- Transfer mixture to a serving dish or ramekin.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for a firmer spread, or serve immediately for a softer texture.
Variations
- Orange Cranberry Butter: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
- Maple Twist: Replace honey with pure maple syrup.
- Herb Version: Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory butter.
- Whipped Version: Beat longer to make an airy, whipped texture.
Cooking Notes
- Use high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
- Whole berry cranberry sauce gives texture, while jellied makes it silky.
- Store covered in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread on warm dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread.
- Serve at holiday meals alongside roasted turkey or ham.
- Use on pancakes, waffles, or toast for breakfast.
- Add to sweet potatoes for a festive twist.
Tips
- Always start with room-temperature butter for easy mixing.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For a festive presentation, pipe into small jars or ramekins.
- Double the recipe for gifting in small jars.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon, about 16 servings)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 30mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make cranberry honey butter ahead of time?
- Yes, it can be made up to a week in advance and refrigerated.
Q2: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
- Yes, cook them briefly with sugar and water to make a quick compote first.
Q3: Can I freeze cranberry honey butter?
- Yes, freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Q4: Can I use salted butter?
- Yes, but reduce or skip the added pinch of salt.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, use plant-based butter alternatives.
Conclusion
Cranberry honey butter is a quick, festive, and delicious spread that elevates holiday meals and everyday breakfasts alike. With its creamy base, sweet honey, and tart cranberry flavor, it’s a versatile recipe that’s both easy to make and delightful to serve. Perfect for rolls, toast, or gifting in jars, this butter is sure to become a holiday favorite.