Few spreads capture the taste and spirit of the holidays quite like Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter. Blending creamy butter with sweet honey, tart cranberries, and zesty orange, this festive recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious spread that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Whether you serve it with warm rolls, pancakes, or roasted meats—or package it beautifully as a homemade gift—this holiday butter will brighten every table with its rich flavor and vibrant color.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
This sweet, tangy, and creamy butter spread brings the best of the holiday season to your kitchen.
Here’s why home cooks love it:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with just one bowl.
- Festive flavor: Combines cranberry’s tart sparkle with warm honey and orange zest.
- Versatile: Delicious on breakfast breads, meats, or as a party spread.
- Gift-worthy: Beautiful ruby hue and cozy holiday aroma make it a charming homemade present.
- Family-friendly: No alcohol, pork, or processed ingredients—just pure, natural sweetness.
Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
Here’s what you’ll need to make this holiday favorite:
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup honey (or pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Butter substitute: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or refined coconut oil. Both create a creamy, spreadable texture.
- Sweetener options: Maple syrup, date syrup, or agave can replace honey for a different sweetness level.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a chewy, tart texture, but you can also use freeze-dried or fresh cranberries finely minced for a brighter color.
- Flavor variations: Add a hint of nutmeg, cardamom, or clove for extra warmth.
- Orange zest: Don’t skip it—it balances the sweetness and gives this butter its signature holiday aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Soften the Butter
Remove the butter from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes. It should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted.
Pro tip: If you’re in a hurry, cut the butter into cubes to speed up softening.
Step 2 – Chop the Cranberries
Using a sharp knife, finely chop the dried cranberries into small bits. Smaller pieces blend more evenly throughout the butter, giving you a consistent flavor and a beautiful speckled look.
Step 3 – Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, honey, orange zest, chopped cranberries, and a pinch of salt.
Use a rubber spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
If you like extra holiday flavor, stir in cinnamon or vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Step 4 – Chill the Butter
Transfer the mixture into a small jar, ramekin, or decorative container.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The butter will firm up and become perfectly spreadable.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve this vibrant butter with:
- Warm biscuits, muffins, or pancakes
- Holiday rolls or cornbread
- Roasted turkey, ham, or chicken
- Cheese and cracker platters
Pro Tips for Success
- Use quality butter: European-style butter (like Kerrygold) enhances richness and flavor.
- Mix evenly: Blend until the mixture looks creamy with cranberry pieces distributed throughout.
- Avoid melting: Too-soft butter can cause separation; keep it just pliable.
- Chill before serving: Cooling allows the orange and honey notes to deepen.
- Gift it beautifully: Spoon into small glass jars, tie with ribbon, and label for a festive homemade present.
- Flavor test first: Taste before chilling to tweak honey or zest levels to your liking.
Flavor Variations
- Cranberry Maple Butter: Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like taste.
- Vanilla Bean Butter: Add ½ teaspoon pure vanilla paste for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Cinnamon Spice Butter: Mix in ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Citrus Cranberry Butter: Include a bit of lemon or lime zest for a brighter, tangy flavor.
- Nutty Cranberry Butter: Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast: Spread on pancakes, waffles, or toast for a festive start to your morning.
- Holiday feasts: Pair with roasted turkey, chicken, or glazed ham (or substitute with smoked turkey for a kosher meal).
- Desserts: Dollop on warm scones or banana bread for a sweet finish.
- Gift jars: Divide into mini glass jars, refrigerate, and gift with a small butter knife or tag.
- Charcuterie boards: Serve alongside cheeses, crackers, and fruit for a colorful addition.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks. Let it soften slightly before serving.
- Freezer: Scoop into small portions or silicone molds, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Move to the fridge overnight or leave at room temperature for 30 minutes before use.
Tip: Label your container with the preparation date for easy tracking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Fiber | <1g |
(Values are approximate and based on a 1-tablespoon serving.)
FAQ About Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
Can I make this butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. Make it up to a week before your event and store it in the fridge. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious over time.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries should be minced and blotted dry to prevent excess moisture. The result is tangier and slightly less sweet—ideal if you prefer a more vibrant cranberry flavor.
What type of honey works best?
A mild, light honey (like clover or wildflower) complements the orange and cranberry beautifully. Stronger varieties such as buckwheat honey can overpower the other flavors.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based version and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. The texture and flavor remain rich and festive.
How do I keep the color bright?
Use high-quality dried or freeze-dried cranberries and avoid overmixing. The less you stir after incorporating the fruit, the more vibrant the color will stay.
Print
Fresh & Festive Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 16 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Few spreads capture the taste and spirit of the holidays quite like Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter. Creamy butter, sweet honey, tart cranberries, and zesty orange combine into a luxurious spread that brightens any table or makes a perfect homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup honey (or pure maple syrup)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or splash of vanilla extract
Instructions
- Let butter soften at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until spreadable but not melted.
- Finely chop the dried cranberries into small bits for even blending.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, honey, orange zest, chopped cranberries, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add cinnamon or vanilla if desired.
- Transfer the mixture into a jar or ramekin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve with rolls, pancakes, muffins, or roasted meats. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
For vegan butter, use plant-based butter and replace honey with maple syrup. Chill before serving for best texture. Gift in small jars tied with ribbon for a festive homemade touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Final Thoughts
Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is more than a spread—it’s a holiday tradition in a jar. With its creamy texture, fruity sparkle, and golden sweetness, it’s the kind of recipe that makes even ordinary breakfasts feel special. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch, adding flair to a family dinner, or gifting a homemade treat, this butter captures the warmth, color, and joy of the season in every spoonful.