There’s just something about homemade spreads that feels so cozy and special, don’t you think? I always get a little extra excited when I can whip up something simple yet impressive for a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering. And let me tell you, this Cranberry Honey Butter absolutely delivers. It’s bright, it’s creamy, it’s sweet with just the right amount of tartness — basically, everything you want in a festive spread.
The first time I made this, it was for a family Thanksgiving brunch. I wanted something a little different to go with our warm, fluffy biscuits, and this butter ended up stealing the show! It’s been a staple on our holiday table ever since, but honestly, it’s way too good to save just for the holidays. Toast, pancakes, scones, roasted sweet potatoes — this butter makes everything better.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Seriously, if you can stir, you can make this. Let’s get into it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for added brightness)
Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
First things first — we need to break down those cranberries a little so they can mix into the butter beautifully. Grab a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. Toss in your cranberries and drizzle the honey over them. Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries start to pop and soften, creating a gorgeous, chunky sauce. If you like a little more texture, you can just lightly mash them with the back of a spoon or a fork. But if you’re aiming for a super smooth butter, you can blend the cranberry mixture using an immersion blender or a quick pulse in your food processor.
Once everything is cooked and mashed to your liking, take the saucepan off the heat and let the cranberry mixture cool completely. Trust me, it’s worth waiting a few extra minutes — if the mixture’s too warm, it’ll melt the butter when you try to combine them, and we definitely want that creamy, fluffy texture.
Cranberry Honey Butter: A Sweet and Tangy Spread Perfect for Every Occasion
Now that we’ve got our cranberry mixture cooled and ready, it’s time for the really fun part — whipping everything together into a delicious, dreamy butter. Trust me, this is where the magic happens. You’re just a few minutes away from a spread so good, you’ll be finding excuses to use it on everything!
Let’s pick up right where we left off.
Step 2: Mix with Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter. Make sure the butter is nice and soft — not melted, but easily spreadable. If it’s still a little firm, you can leave it out on the counter for 15–20 minutes, or give it a few quick seconds in the microwave at half power (just keep a close eye on it).
Next, scoop in your cooled cranberry-honey mixture. If you’re feeling a little fancy, now’s the perfect time to add the orange zest too. That little pop of citrus really brightens the flavor and makes the whole thing taste extra special.
Add just a tiny pinch of salt — it helps balance out the sweetness and brings out all the flavors. Then, using a spatula or a hand mixer, stir everything together until it’s creamy and fully combined. You’ll see beautiful streaks of pink running through the butter, and it’s honestly so pretty you might just want to eat it straight from the bowl (no judgment here).
Once everything is mixed, give it a taste. If you prefer it a little sweeter, go ahead and drizzle in a bit more honey and stir again. This recipe is super forgiving, so you can really make it your own.
Step 3: Shape and Store
You can absolutely just scoop your finished Cranberry Honey Butter into a small jar or ramekin, pop a lid on it, and call it a day. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to one week, ready whenever you need a little spread of happiness.
But if you want to get a little fancy — say, for gifting or a holiday brunch — shaping it into a log is such a cute touch. Just spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap, roll it up tightly into a log shape, and twist the ends closed like a candy wrapper. Pop it in the fridge until it firms up (an hour or two should do it), and then slice off pieces as needed. It’s a simple trick that looks so impressive!
For longer storage, you can even freeze your Cranberry Honey Butter. Just be sure to wrap it well and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then soften slightly at room temperature before serving.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Honey Butter
Use Fresh Cranberries If You Can: Frozen work great too, but fresh cranberries give the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Don’t Skip Cooling the Cranberry Mixture: Mixing hot cranberries with butter will just leave you with a soupy mess. Be patient and let it cool down fully.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on how tart your cranberries are, you might want to add a little extra honey. Taste as you go!
Add Extra Orange Flavor: A splash of fresh orange juice stirred into the cranberry mixture while cooking gives a beautiful citrusy boost.
Perfect for Gifting: Scoop into small jars, tie with a ribbon, and add a little tag. Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter makes the sweetest holiday gift.
Cranberry Honey Butter: A Sweet and Tangy Spread Perfect for Every Occasion
We’ve covered how easy and delicious this Cranberry Honey Butter is to make, and now it’s time to tackle a few questions you might have before you dive in. I love sharing these little extra tips because, honestly, it’s those small details that make the biggest difference when you’re making something new.
Let’s jump right into it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Cranberry Honey Butter last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Cranberry Honey Butter will last up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Fresh or frozen cranberries really give the best texture and flavor. Dried cranberries are much sweeter and chewier, so they won’t break down the same way. If you absolutely have to use dried, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes first, but the final result will still be quite different.
What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature. It’ll soften much faster that way — usually in about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it at 50% power in 5-10 second bursts, but be very careful not to melt it.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just use a good-quality plant-based butter and substitute maple syrup or agave for the honey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to serve Cranberry Honey Butter?
It’s amazing spread over warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, and even roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes. It also makes a beautiful addition to a charcuterie board during the holidays.
Can I add extra flavors?
Absolutely. A splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a tiny bit of nutmeg can add a warm, cozy twist to the butter. Feel free to get creative based on your personal taste!
Conclusion
I hope you’re feeling just as excited about this Cranberry Honey Butter as I am. There’s just something so special about making a homemade spread — it turns even an ordinary piece of toast into something that feels a little more festive, a little more thoughtful.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a holiday brunch, giving it as a sweet homemade gift, or just treating yourself to a better breakfast, this butter is sure to become one of your new favorites. And honestly, once you taste that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet magic, you might just find yourself keeping a little jar of it in your fridge year-round.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know if you made any fun tweaks or what you served it with. Your ideas always inspire me and other readers too.
Happy cooking and happy spreading!
Print
Cranberry Honey Butter
Description
Cranberry Honey Butter is a delightful, festive spread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the natural sweetness of honey and the rich creaminess of butter. With a hint of optional orange zest for brightness, it’s perfect for slathering on warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, or even roasted vegetables. Simple to make and full of vibrant flavor, it’s an ideal addition to holiday tables or weekend brunches.
Ingredients
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for added brightness)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cranberries
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries and honey. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the cranberries burst and soften, releasing their juices. Use the back of a spoon or a fork to lightly mash the cranberries into a chunky sauce. For a smoother consistency, blend the mixture briefly with an immersion blender or in a food processor. Remove from heat and let the cranberry mixture cool completely.
Step 2: Mix with Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, the cooled cranberry mixture, orange zest if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. Taste and adjust with additional honey or salt if desired.
Step 3: Shape and Store
Transfer the cranberry honey butter to a small jar or ramekin. Alternatively, for a more elegant presentation, shape it into a log by rolling it in plastic wrap and refrigerating until firm. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. Allow the butter to soften slightly at room temperature before serving for the best spreadability.
Notes
For a more intense citrus flavor, you can add a splash of fresh orange juice to the cranberry mixture while cooking. If you prefer a sweeter butter, simply increase the amount of honey. Cranberry honey butter also makes a wonderful homemade gift during the holidays; just package it in a cute jar with a ribbon and a handwritten label.
