Name: Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter - A Festive Holiday Spread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 teaspoon orange zest; Pinch of salt

A festive, creamy butter infused with tart cranberries, sweet honey, and zesty orange, perfect for spreading on warm holiday treats like biscuits, scones, or rolls.

Contents show

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon orange zest
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Whip the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened butter until it is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Flavor: Add the honey, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and a pinch of salt to the whipped butter.
Combine Gently: Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined but leave some cranberry swirls for a festive appearance.
Transfer to a Jar: Spoon the flavored butter into a decorative glass jar or airtight container and smooth the top.
Garnish: Add a dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of orange zest on top for visual appeal.
Chill: Refrigerate the butter for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Bring to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

Helpful Tips for Making Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Use Softened Butter
Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy whipping. Cold butter will not mix well, and overly melted butter can separate.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
If possible, use homemade cranberry sauce for a richer, fresher flavor. A touch of orange juice in the sauce can enhance the zesty notes.
Swirl for a Festive Look
Mix the cranberry sauce gently to leave visible swirls. This gives the butter a festive and elegant appearance, perfect for gifting or serving.
High-Quality Honey
Use a good-quality, flavorful honey for the best results. Clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey pair particularly well with the cranberries.
Add Extra Zest
If you love a stronger citrus flavor, add a little extra orange zest, or even a few drops of orange extract, for a bright, tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this butter with freshly baked bread, croissants, scones, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It’s also great on savory items like roasted sweet potatoes.
Make it Ahead
This butter can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Perfect for Gifting
Package the butter in small mason jars with a festive ribbon and tag for an easy, thoughtful holiday gift. Include serving suggestions for a personal touch.
Adjust Sweetness
For a sweeter butter, add an extra tablespoon of honey or a dash of powdered sugar. For less sweetness, use unsweetened cranberry sauce.
Freeze for Longevity
If making a large batch, freeze the butter in small portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Add Texture
For an extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the butter mixture for a nutty twist.
Experiment with Flavors
Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm holiday flavor profile that complements the cranberries and honey.

These tips will help you create a delightful Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter that’s both festive and versatile, making it a hit for holiday gatherings and gifts! 🎄

Substitutions and Variations for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Substitutions
- Butter: Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy.
- Honey: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave syrup to create a different sweetness profile or to make it vegan.
- Cranberry Sauce: Use raspberry preserves, cherry jam, or even pomegranate arils if cranberry sauce is unavailable.
- Orange Zest: Lemon zest or lime zest can be used for a citrusy twist. Alternatively, add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract for a non-citrus flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to give the butter a warm, holiday spice flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Citrus Explosion: Add a splash of orange juice or a few drops of orange extract for a stronger citrus kick.
- Herb-Infused: Add a small amount of finely chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory-sweet variation that pairs well with bread or roasted vegetables.
Texture Additions
- Stir in dried cranberries for chewy bites of tartness.
- Fold in small pieces of white chocolate for a decadent treat.
Presentation Variations
- Create a whipped butter texture by mixing at high speed for a few extra minutes, adding extra air for a fluffy consistency.
- For a layered look, spoon plain butter and cranberry butter alternately into the jar and gently swirl with a knife.
Alternative Serving Ideas
- Use this butter as a glaze for roasted vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes.
- Spread on crackers and top with a slice of brie for an easy appetizer.
- Add a dollop to oatmeal or porridge for a sweet, creamy topping.
- Use it as a frosting alternative for muffins or pancakes.
Make it Kid-Friendly
- Replace cranberry sauce with strawberry jam or grape jelly for a flavor kids love.

These substitutions and variations allow for flexibility and creativity, ensuring this butter can suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences while remaining festive and delicious! 🎄

Pairing Ideas for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Breads and Baked Goods
- Spread it on freshly baked biscuits, dinner rolls, or croissants for a sweet and tangy kick.
- Pair with pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, or cranberry scones to enhance their seasonal flavors.
- Use as a topping for cornbread at holiday meals for a surprising twist.
Breakfast Favorites
- Smear it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a festive breakfast treat.
- Add a dollop to warm oatmeal or cream of wheat for a creamy, flavorful boost.
- Serve it alongside bagels with cream cheese or slather on a toasted English muffin.
Appetizers
- Spread a thin layer on crackers or baguette slices and top with a slice of brie for an easy holiday appetizer.
- Use as a base layer on a charcuterie board, pairing it with cheeses like goat cheese, gorgonzola, or camembert.
- Pipe it into phyllo cups and garnish with a cranberry or pomegranate seed for a bite-sized treat.
Savory Dishes
- Melt over roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for a sweet glaze.
- Brush onto baked ham or turkey during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a festive glaze.
- Use as a unique glaze for roasted Brussels sprouts with pecans or walnuts.
Desserts
- Spread it between layers of a spice cake or pumpkin roll for a flavorful filling.
- Add a dollop to cheesecake for a festive topping.
- Use as a frosting substitute for muffins, such as apple cinnamon or banana walnut.
Gift Ideas
- Package it with a loaf of homemade cranberry bread or a box of buttery cookies for a thoughtful gift.
- Include it in a holiday breakfast basket with pancake mix and maple syrup.
- Pair with a jar of homemade cranberry sauce or a bottle of honey for a themed gift.

These pairing ideas elevate the versatility of Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter, making it the star of holiday breakfasts, appetizers, and dinners alike! 🎄

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the butter too salty.
How long does this butter last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this butter will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Can I make this butter vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a completely vegan version.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can. Cook fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and water until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. Let it cool before mixing it into the butter.
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes, this butter is perfect for preparing in advance. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What can I serve this butter with?
This butter is versatile and pairs well with biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It also works as a sweet topping for oatmeal or baked goods.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to make more or less butter, depending on your needs.
Why isn’t my butter light and fluffy?
If your butter isn’t whipping properly, it may be too cold. Let it soften at room temperature before starting. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will also help achieve the desired texture.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, finely chopped nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
How do I package this butter as a gift?
Spoon the butter into small mason jars or decorative containers. Add a festive ribbon and label with serving suggestions for a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
You can whip the butter with a whisk, but it will require more effort. Ensure the butter is very soft to make mixing easier.
Can I use this butter for savory dishes?
While it is slightly sweet, this butter can complement savory dishes like roasted vegetables, turkey, or ham when used as a glaze.
How do I get the cranberry swirls to look pretty?
Mix the cranberry sauce into the butter gently, using a spatula or spoon, to create visible swirls without fully blending it.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Dried cranberries can be finely chopped and mixed in, but they will create a different texture. If you prefer smooth butter, stick to cranberry sauce.
Is this butter suitable for children?
Yes, kids will enjoy the sweetness of this butter, especially when paired with pancakes or waffles. You can make it more kid-friendly by replacing the cranberry sauce with strawberry jam.

These answers address common concerns and help ensure success when making and serving this festive holiday butter! 🎄

More Relevant Recipes

Looking for more creative butter recipes to try? Check out these delicious ideas:

Garlic Butter: Perfect for savory dishes and an easy way to elevate your meals. Find the recipe here.
Herb Compound Butter: Infused with fresh herbs, this versatile butter is ideal for spreading, roasting, and more. Get the recipe here.
Honey Butter: A classic favorite that pairs wonderfully with warm breads and breakfast treats. Try the recipe here.

These recipes complement the flavors and versatility of Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter, offering even more ways to enhance your culinary creations! 🎄

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter – A Festive Holiday Spread

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 1/4 cups (serves 8-10) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A festive, creamy butter swirled with tart cranberries, sweet honey, and zesty orange, perfect for spreading on warm holiday treats like biscuits, pancakes, or freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon orange zest
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Whip the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened butter until it is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Flavor: Add the honey, cranberry sauce, orange zest, and a pinch of salt to the whipped butter.
Combine Gently: Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are well combined but leave some cranberry swirls for a festive appearance.
Transfer to a Jar: Spoon the flavored butter into a decorative glass jar or airtight container and smooth the top.
Garnish: Add a dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of orange zest on top for visual appeal.
Chill: Refrigerate the butter for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Bring to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

Notes

For a sweeter butter, add an extra tablespoon of honey.
This butter pairs wonderfully with scones, pancakes, waffles, or warm dinner rolls.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Condiments, Spreads
Method: Whipping
Cuisine: Holiday, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 150
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cranberry butter, holiday butter recipe, Christmas spread, honey butter, flavored butter recipe, festive butter

Ingredients

Instructions

Helpful Tips for Making Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Use Softened Butter Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy whipping. Cold butter will not mix well, and overly melted butter can separate.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce If possible, use homemade cranberry sauce for a richer, fresher flavor. A touch of orange juice in the sauce can enhance the zesty notes.

Swirl for a Festive Look Mix the cranberry sauce gently to leave visible swirls. This gives the butter a festive and elegant appearance, perfect for gifting or serving.

High-Quality Honey Use a good-quality, flavorful honey for the best results. Clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey pair particularly well with the cranberries.

Add Extra Zest If you love a stronger citrus flavor, add a little extra orange zest, or even a few drops of orange extract, for a bright, tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions Serve this butter with freshly baked bread, croissants, scones, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It’s also great on savory items like roasted sweet potatoes.

Make it Ahead This butter can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Perfect for Gifting Package the butter in small mason jars with a festive ribbon and tag for an easy, thoughtful holiday gift. Include serving suggestions for a personal touch.

Adjust Sweetness For a sweeter butter, add an extra tablespoon of honey or a dash of powdered sugar. For less sweetness, use unsweetened cranberry sauce.

Freeze for Longevity If making a large batch, freeze the butter in small portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Add Texture For an extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the butter mixture for a nutty twist.

Experiment with Flavors Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm holiday flavor profile that complements the cranberries and honey.

Substitutions and Variations for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Substitutions

Flavor Variations

Texture Additions

Presentation Variations

Alternative Serving Ideas

Make it Kid-Friendly

Pairing Ideas for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Breads and Baked Goods

Breakfast Favorites

Appetizers

Savory Dishes

Desserts

Gift Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter. Just omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the butter too salty.

How long does this butter last? When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this butter will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this butter vegan? Absolutely! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a completely vegan version.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce? Yes, you can. Cook fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and water until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. Let it cool before mixing it into the butter.

Can I make this butter ahead of time? Yes, this butter is perfect for preparing in advance. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

What can I serve this butter with? This butter is versatile and pairs well with biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It also works as a sweet topping for oatmeal or baked goods.

Can I double or halve the recipe? Definitely! You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to make more or less butter, depending on your needs.

Why isn’t my butter light and fluffy? If your butter isn’t whipping properly, it may be too cold. Let it soften at room temperature before starting. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will also help achieve the desired texture.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins? Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, finely chopped nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

How do I package this butter as a gift? Spoon the butter into small mason jars or decorative containers. Add a festive ribbon and label with serving suggestions for a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer? You can whip the butter with a whisk, but it will require more effort. Ensure the butter is very soft to make mixing easier.

Can I use this butter for savory dishes? While it is slightly sweet, this butter can complement savory dishes like roasted vegetables, turkey, or ham when used as a glaze.

How do I get the cranberry swirls to look pretty? Mix the cranberry sauce into the butter gently, using a spatula or spoon, to create visible swirls without fully blending it.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce? Dried cranberries can be finely chopped and mixed in, but they will create a different texture. If you prefer smooth butter, stick to cranberry sauce.

Is this butter suitable for children? Yes, kids will enjoy the sweetness of this butter, especially when paired with pancakes or waffles. You can make it more kid-friendly by replacing the cranberry sauce with strawberry jam.

More Relevant Recipes

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Use Softened Butter
Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy whipping. Cold butter will not mix well, and overly melted butter can separate.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce
If possible, use homemade cranberry sauce for a richer, fresher flavor. A touch of orange juice in the sauce can enhance the zesty notes.

Swirl for a Festive Look
Mix the cranberry sauce gently to leave visible swirls. This gives the butter a festive and elegant appearance, perfect for gifting or serving.

High-Quality Honey
Use a good-quality, flavorful honey for the best results. Clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey pair particularly well with the cranberries.

Add Extra Zest
If you love a stronger citrus flavor, add a little extra orange zest, or even a few drops of orange extract, for a bright, tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this butter with freshly baked bread, croissants, scones, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It’s also great on savory items like roasted sweet potatoes.

Make it Ahead
This butter can be made a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Perfect for Gifting
Package the butter in small mason jars with a festive ribbon and tag for an easy, thoughtful holiday gift. Include serving suggestions for a personal touch.

Adjust Sweetness
For a sweeter butter, add an extra tablespoon of honey or a dash of powdered sugar. For less sweetness, use unsweetened cranberry sauce.

Freeze for Longevity
If making a large batch, freeze the butter in small portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Add Texture
For an extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the butter mixture for a nutty twist.

Experiment with Flavors
Try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm holiday flavor profile that complements the cranberries and honey.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the butter too salty.

How long does this butter last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this butter will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this butter vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a completely vegan version.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can. Cook fresh cranberries with a bit of sugar and water until they break down into a sauce-like consistency. Let it cool before mixing it into the butter.

Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Yes, this butter is perfect for preparing in advance. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.

What can I serve this butter with?
This butter is versatile and pairs well with biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It also works as a sweet topping for oatmeal or baked goods.

Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! You can easily adjust the ingredient quantities to make more or less butter, depending on your needs.

Why isn’t my butter light and fluffy?
If your butter isn’t whipping properly, it may be too cold. Let it soften at room temperature before starting. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will also help achieve the desired texture.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Yes, this recipe is highly customizable. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, finely chopped nuts, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

How do I package this butter as a gift?
Spoon the butter into small mason jars or decorative containers. Add a festive ribbon and label with serving suggestions for a thoughtful and delicious holiday gift.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
You can whip the butter with a whisk, but it will require more effort. Ensure the butter is very soft to make mixing easier.

Can I use this butter for savory dishes?
While it is slightly sweet, this butter can complement savory dishes like roasted vegetables, turkey, or ham when used as a glaze.

How do I get the cranberry swirls to look pretty?
Mix the cranberry sauce into the butter gently, using a spatula or spoon, to create visible swirls without fully blending it.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Dried cranberries can be finely chopped and mixed in, but they will create a different texture. If you prefer smooth butter, stick to cranberry sauce.

Is this butter suitable for children?
Yes, kids will enjoy the sweetness of this butter, especially when paired with pancakes or waffles. You can make it more kid-friendly by replacing the cranberry sauce with strawberry jam.