Name: Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Introduction

This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a festive and flavorful spread that brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy to your holiday table. It’s creamy, easy to make, and beautifully complements breads, pancakes, and waffles. A simple yet elegant addition that adds a seasonal twist to your breakfasts and snacks.

A close-up of a slice of light brown bread as the base layer, topped with a thick, creamy white spread that looks soft and smooth, covering the entire bread surface. On top of the cream layer, there is a generous amount of shiny, dark red berry jam with visible chunks of berries. A small green rosemary sprig sits in the center on the jam for decoration. The dish is served on a white plate with a classic dark floral pattern along the edge, all placed on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1/4 cup honey

1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Ensure the unsalted butter is softened by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if needed, making it easier to mix.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Gradually add the honey to the creamed butter while continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.

Step 4: Carefully fold in the cranberry sauce using a spatula, distributing it evenly without over-mixing to keep texture.
Step 5: Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt, then mix gently until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the color is uniform.
Step 6: Transfer the cranberry honey butter into a serving dish or jar, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon for a neat presentation.

Step 7: Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up slightly before serving.
Step 8: Serve with fresh bread, toast, pancakes, or waffles as a delicious festive spread.

Tips & Variations

For a brighter cranberry flavor, use homemade cranberry sauce with whole or slightly crushed cranberries.

Try substituting cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a different warm spice note.
Add a splash of orange zest for a fresh citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
If you prefer a less sweet spread, reduce the honey slightly to taste.

Storage

Store the cranberry honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften for easier spreading. Re-chilling firmed butter is perfectly fine and preserves the flavor.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a slice of bread topped with a thick layer of creamy white spread, covered by a generous amount of glossy, chunky red fruit jam with visible berry pieces; a small green rosemary sprig is placed on top as a garnish. The slice sits on a white plate with a decorative green leafy pattern along the edges, on a white marbled surface softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberry sauce, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the butter too watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter alternative. Just ensure it is softened and suitable for whipping.