🍯 Cranberry Honey Butter
A creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy spread that’s perfect for the holiday table—or any time you want to make breakfast extra special. Buttery smoothness meets the fruity tartness of cranberries, balanced with warm honey and zesty orange. Slather it on warm bread, pancakes, scones, or muffins for pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep the cranberries – If your dried cranberries feel a bit tough, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry before chopping finely.
- Mix the butter base – In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer (or whisk vigorously) until light and fluffy.
- Add flavorings – Stir in the chopped cranberries, honey, orange zest, and kosher salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Shape and chill – Transfer the butter mixture to a small bowl or shape into a log using parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve – Spread generously on toast, bagels, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or even roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the cranberries in a food processor before adding.
- This butter can also be frozen for up to 3 months—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips
- For a festive presentation, roll the butter log in extra chopped cranberries or orange zest before chilling.
- You can swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Use organic orange zest to avoid bitterness from wax coatings.
Servings
Makes about 1 1/4 cups of flavored butter, serving approximately 10–12 people (about 1 tablespoon each).
Nutritional Info (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 115
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits
- Healthy fats from butter in moderation can support satiety.
- Cranberries provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Honey offers natural sweetness with trace minerals.
- Orange zest adds vitamin C and bright, refreshing flavor without added calories.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this with fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to chop them very finely and sauté briefly in a little butter or sugar to reduce their tartness before mixing in.
Q: How long will Cranberry Honey Butter last in the fridge?
A: Up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Q: Is it better served soft or chilled?
A: Softened is best for spreading, but chilling helps keep the shape for presentation.
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: Yes—just omit or reduce the added salt.