Okay, so you have to try this. I made this cranberry honey butter last Christmas, and wow—it was magic. It’s sweet, tangy, and just feels like the holidays.

I spread it on warm rolls, toast, even pancakes. Everyone kept asking, “What is this?!” It’s only a few ingredients, but tastes so fancy.

The color is so pretty too—bright and festive. It makes any table feel special. And yeah, it smells amazing while you mix it.

Wanna make your Christmas breakfast extra cozy? I’ll show you how I do it. It’s super easy and so worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: A perfect mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Only takes 5 minutes to whip up!
• Versatile Use: Spread it on bread, muffins, waffles, or roasted vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be stored for weeks in the fridge or even frozen.
• Great Gift Idea: Package it in a cute jar for a homemade Christmas gift.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl – To combine ingredients smoothly.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – To whip the butter to fluffy perfection.
• Spatula – For easy mixing and transferring to jars.
• Zester or grater – To get the freshest orange zest.
• Knife & cutting board – If using dried cranberries, you’ll need to chop them finely.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy, flavorful butter spread:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened) – The creamy base of the butter.
• Honey (¼ cup) – Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.
• Cranberry sauce (2 tbsp) or finely chopped dried cranberries (¼ cup) – Brings festive color and a burst of flavor.
• Orange zest (1 tsp) – A touch of citrus brightness to enhance the flavors.
• Pinch of kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.

🔹 Optional: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice twist!

Variations for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Extra Tangy: Use a splash of fresh orange juice for more citrus flavor.
• Add More Spice: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of ground ginger.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soften the Butter

Let your unsalted butter sit at room temperature until it becomes soft but not melted. This helps create a smooth, spreadable texture when mixed.

2. Whip the Butter

Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the butter for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This makes the butter airy and easy to spread.

3. Add the Honey and Cranberries

Pour in the honey and mix until well incorporated. Then, gently fold in the cranberry sauce (or finely chopped dried cranberries) using a spatula. This ensures even distribution of flavors.

4. Stir in the Orange Zest and Salt

Add fresh orange zest and a pinch of salt, then mix everything together. If you like a smoother butter, continue whipping for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.

5. Store and Serve

Transfer the butter to a small jar or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!

Tip: If you prefer a more whipped texture, beat the butter for an extra 1-2 minutes before chilling.

How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

This butter is incredibly versatile and can elevate many holiday dishes! Try spreading it on:

• Warm dinner rolls or biscuits
• Toast, bagels, or croissants
• Waffles, pancakes, or French toast
• Muffins, scones, or cornbread
• Roasted sweet potatoes or carrots

Feeling fancy? Pipe it into a serving dish for an elegant holiday spread!

Storing Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Refrigeration

• Store the butter in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator.
• It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when properly sealed.

Freezing for Later

• This butter freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, place it in a ziplock bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Pro Tip: To make single-serving portions, freeze the butter in ice cube trays and pop out a cube whenever needed!

Gift Idea: How to Package Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

This festive butter makes a fantastic homemade holiday gift! Here’s how to present it beautifully:

1. Use Mason Jars

• Small 4 oz or 8 oz glass jars work best for gifting.
• Fill each jar, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.

2. Add a Festive Touch

• Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar.
• Add a cute gift tag with a handwritten label (e.g., “Merry & Bright Cranberry Honey Butter”).
• Decorate with mini pinecones, cinnamon sticks, or dried orange slices for an extra holiday touch.

3. Include a Serving Suggestion

• Attach a recipe card with serving ideas, or pair the butter with homemade bread, biscuits, or scones for a thoughtful holiday treat!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Tablespoon)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	80
Carbohydrates	5g
Sugars	4g
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4.5g
Sodium	20mg

💡 Note: The exact nutritional values depend on the type and quantity of ingredients used.

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but if using salted butter, skip the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.

Can I make this butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Since it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, you can make it well before the holidays.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried or cranberry sauce?

Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down first. Simmer ½ cup of fresh cranberries with 2 tablespoons of honey over low heat until they soften, then cool and mix into the butter.

What can I substitute for honey?

• Maple syrup – For a warm, deep sweetness.
• Agave nectar – A vegan alternative.
• Powdered sugar – If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.

Expert Tips for the Best Cranberry Honey Butter

✔️ Use high-quality butter – The creamier, the better! Grass-fed or European-style butter adds a richer flavor.

✔️ Whip it well – The longer you whip, the fluffier and more spreadable the butter will be.

✔️ Adjust sweetness to taste – If you prefer a sweeter butter, add more honey or a touch of powdered sugar.

✔️ For a smoother butter, strain the cranberries – If you don’t want bits of cranberry, blend and strain before mixing.

✔️ Let it sit before serving – Allow the butter to rest in the fridge for at least an hour to help the flavors blend beautifully.

More Holiday Flavored Butters to Try

If you love Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter, here are more festive butters you can whip up:

• Cinnamon Maple Butter – A warm, cozy spread perfect for pancakes!
• Pumpkin Spice Butter – Ideal for fall flavors and Thanksgiving breakfasts.
• Brown Sugar Pecan Butter – Adds a nutty, caramel-like sweetness to any baked good.
• Chocolate Espresso Butter – A bold, rich spread for toast or croissants.

Now, here’s the full recipe card for easy reference!

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Yield: About 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Conclusion

This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is the perfect holiday spread to elevate your breakfasts, brunches, and baked goods with its creamy, sweet, tangy, and citrusy flavors. Whether you spread it on warm toast, flaky biscuits, or festive pancakes, this butter adds a special touch to every bite.

Not only is it quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes, but it’s also a versatile holiday essential—perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or even gifting in a beautifully packaged jar. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored for weeks, making holiday planning easier.

So, whether you’re enjoying it cozy by the fireplace or sharing it with loved ones, this cranberry-infused butter is sure to bring warmth and holiday cheer to your table.