Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

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Looking for a way to elevate your breakfast spread or holiday table with minimal effort? This Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is a creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy delight that takes just minutes to whip up but tastes like a gourmet treat. Imagine rich, silky butter infused with floral honey and bursts of tart cranberries – it’s irresistible on warm biscuits, scones, toast, or even roasted vegetables.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, assembling a holiday charcuterie board, or just want to make your morning bagel a bit more special, this compound butter is the perfect make-ahead condiment. It adds a pop of color and festive flavor, and the best part? You probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this creamy Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter, you only need a handful of kitchen tools, each serving a key role in achieving the perfect consistency and flavor blend.

• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: The most essential tool for whipping the butter into a light, spreadable consistency and evenly incorporating the honey and cranberries. A whisk can work in a pinch, but it won’t produce the same fluffiness.
• Mixing Bowl: Preferably medium to large and non-reactive (glass or stainless steel), this will hold your ingredients and give you room to mix without splattering.
• Rubber Spatula: Helps with scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all the goodness is combined and transferred into your serving dish or storage container.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors: If you’re using dried cranberries, you’ll need to chop them finely so they distribute evenly through the butter.
• Storage Jar or Airtight Container: For storing your cranberry honey butter in the fridge and keeping it fresh for up to two weeks. Choose one that also looks great for serving!

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Ingredients for the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a deliciously vital role in creating a smooth and flavorful spread.

• Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base that binds everything together. Unsalted allows you to control the saltiness and lets the other flavors shine.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a floral note that pairs beautifully with tart cranberries. Choose a high-quality honey for the best flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Their chewy texture and tart flavor provide contrast and brightness. They also add a pop of festive color.
• Salt (optional): Just a pinch can enhance the overall flavor, especially if you prefer a sweet-salty balance in your spreads.

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How To Make the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Leave your butter at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes until it becomes soft and easy to mix. Soft butter ensures everything blends smoothly without lumps.

Step 2: Chop the Cranberries

Finely chop the dried cranberries using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors. This ensures even distribution throughout the butter.

Step 3: Whip the Butter

In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy – about 2–3 minutes. This creates a creamy base that’s easy to spread.

Step 4: Add Honey and Cranberries

Pour in the honey and sprinkle in the chopped cranberries. Whip again until everything is fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl with a spatula to make sure nothing is left behind.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give it a taste! Add a pinch of salt if desired, or more honey if you like it sweeter.

Step 6: Store or Serve

Transfer the finished butter into a jar or container. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate to let the flavors meld even more.

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How to Serve and Store This Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

This cranberry honey butter is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it at room temperature for maximum spreadability. It’s a beautiful finishing touch on warm biscuits, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, or toasted brioche. It also makes a flavorful topping for roasted sweet potatoes or a festive addition to a charcuterie board with crackers and cheeses.

To store, transfer the butter to an airtight container or small glass jar with a lid. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months – just bring it to room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries contain too much moisture and can make the butter watery. Stick to dried cranberries for the best texture and balance.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together even better. Just store it in the fridge and let it soften before serving.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

Yes, but skip the optional salt if you do. Salted butter adds a different depth of flavor but can easily overpower the honey and cranberries if not balanced.

How do I make it vegan?

Use a plant-based butter alternative and swap in maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! This butter makes a great edible gift, especially during the holidays. Just scale up the ingredients and divide into individual jars.

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Want More Flavored Butter Ideas?

If you loved this Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter, there are more flavor-packed spreads to explore.

Try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a savory twist that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Or lean into seasonal flair with the Moist Apple Crumble Coffee Cake, which goes perfectly with a slather of fruit-forward butter like this one.

For simple and cozy comfort, consider the Easy Honey Butter Skillet Corn, a sweet-savory option you can make alongside this cranberry version. And don’t miss the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake, another indulgent option that makes a great pairing when served with a fruity compound butter on graham crackers or vanilla wafers.

For more sweet and savory inspirations like these, visit my daily kitchen creations on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your breakfast or holiday boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you mix in orange zest? Add some cinnamon? Leave a comment below. I’m always inspired by your twists and takes on my favorites.

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