Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

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Rich, festive, and ridiculously easy to make, this Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a holiday must-have. It takes just minutes to whip up and turns any ordinary bread or biscuit into a sweet, tart, creamy bite of seasonal bliss. Imagine spreading this dreamy butter on warm scones or fresh-from-the-oven dinner rolls—a perfect blend of velvety whipped butter, golden honey, and bright pops of dried cranberries.

Whether you’re prepping for a cozy Christmas breakfast, putting together a thoughtful edible gift, or planning a holiday brunch table that steals the show, this flavored butter is your golden ticket. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s fuss-free but delivers major wow factor. Keep a jar in the fridge all season long for instant holiday cheer.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter?

For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, always opt for unsalted, high-fat European-style butter. It whips better, tastes more luxurious, and lets you control the saltiness. If you’re using salted butter, just skip adding any extra salt to the mix.

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Ingredients for the Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Unsalted Butter: The base of the recipe, it brings creaminess and richness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it whips easily.

Honey: Adds floral sweetness that perfectly balances the tart cranberries. Go for raw or local honey if possible for deeper flavor.

Dried Cranberries: These provide chewy texture and a tangy burst in every bite. Chop them roughly so they distribute evenly.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash warms everything up with cozy flavor.

Sea Salt (optional): A pinch enhances the sweetness and cuts through the richness. Skip if you’re using salted butter.

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How To Make the Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

Step 1: Soften the Butter

Start by letting the unsalted butter come to room temperature. This is key to getting that ultra-fluffy whipped texture, so don’t rush it with the microwave—just let it naturally soften.

Step 2: Whip It Good

Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat it using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it’s light, airy, and noticeably paler in color.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Drizzle in the honey and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated. The butter should now have a glossy, slightly silky look.

Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries. Mixing by hand helps maintain the whipped texture while distributing those tart gems evenly.

Step 5: Taste and Season

If desired, add a pinch of sea salt and mix gently. Taste and adjust for sweetness or saltiness depending on your butter and honey.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer the whipped cranberry honey butter to a jar or ramekin. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle. You can serve it soft and spreadable or let it firm up for a more traditional butter consistency.

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How to Serve and Store Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter

This butter is the ultimate holiday multitasker. Serve it with warm croissants, flaky biscuits, pancakes, cornbread, waffles, scones, or even as a spread on a holiday turkey sandwich. Hosting a brunch? A bowl of this festive butter on your breadboard is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For storage, keep your Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 2 weeks. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the perfect creamy consistency. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are best for this recipe because they add chew and don’t release moisture that could affect the butter’s texture. Fresh ones may make the butter watery and less spreadable.

What kind of honey should I use?

Raw or local honey gives the deepest, most complex flavor. If that’s not available, any good-quality honey will still do the job beautifully.

Can I make this butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s a perfect make-ahead recipe. In fact, the flavors meld even more beautifully after a day or two in the fridge.

Is it freezer friendly?

Yes! Spoon it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based butter substitute. Look for one that whips well and has a neutral flavor.

Can I use it in baking?

It’s best as a finishing butter, but you can absolutely use it in baked goods for a festive twist—try adding a swirl to muffin batter or biscuit dough.

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Want More Spreadable Holiday Ideas?

If you’re loving this Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter, you’ll definitely want to explore these other festive spreads and seasonal delights:

• Winter Brittle — A crunchy, nutty treat perfect for gifting.
• Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread — A rich, moist loaf that pairs beautifully with this butter.
• Salted Caramel Kentucky Butter Cake — Sweet and sticky with a golden crust.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies — Light and melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups — Bright, tangy, and festive.

These cozy favorites add that special something to your holiday table, just like today’s recipe.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s handy all season long: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And when you make your batch of cranberry honey butter, drop a comment below! What did you spread it on first? Did you try it with cinnamon or orange zest?

Hearing your twists on these recipes is the best part. Don’t hesitate to share photos and feedback—let’s make the season even sweeter, together.

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