Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where simple spreads elevate everyday meals with seasonal flair. If you’re tired of plain butter or store-bought spreads lacking vibrancy, this Cranberry Honey Butter delivers tart cranberries, golden honey, and rich butter perfect for Thanksgiving rolls, pancakes, toast, or holiday cheese boards.
Naturally festive with bright pink swirls and ready in 10 minutes, it’s the ultimate no-cook condiment that keeps for weeks. With years of compound butter expertise, I’ve crafted this easy recipe for maximum flavor infusion. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, simple steps, variations, and tips.
Why This Recipe Works
- Fresh or frozen cranberries provide tart pop balancing honey sweetness
- Room temperature butter creams smoothly for spreadable texture
- Honey adds floral notes and natural preservation without refined sugar
- No-cook, 10-minute prep with 2-week fridge life
- Naturally gluten-free, naturally sweetened option
- Versatile for sweet or savory applications
Ingredients & Prep
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup honey (local preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange (optional for brightness)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for smoother texture
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Pulse cranberries in food processor until finely chopped but not pureed (chunky texture preferred).
- In medium bowl, beat softened butter with electric mixer 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add honey, vanilla, orange zest, salt, and powdered sugar (if using); beat until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in chopped cranberries by hand until evenly distributed with pink streaks.
- Spoon into small ramekins, roll into log using parchment paper, or pipe into mini jars. Refrigerate 1 hour to firm up.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove for holiday warmth.
- Citrus Burst: Use lemon zest and rosemary instead of orange.
- Bourbon: Stir in 1 tsp bourbon for sophisticated depth.
| Variation | Key Ingredient | Dietary Tag | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiced Holiday | Cinnamon, nutmeg | Warm | Cozy, aromatic |
| Citrus Herb | Lemon, rosemary | Fresh | Bright, piney |
| Bourbon | Bourbon extract | Boozy | Rich, complex |
Storage Tips
Store airtight in fridge up to 2 weeks or freeze 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge. Soften 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
- Dried cranberries? Rehydrate in warm water first, drain well.
- Vegan option? Use plant-based butter and maple syrup.
- Smoother texture? Puree cranberries completely before mixing.
Conclusion
Brighten holiday tables with Cranberry Honey Butter tart, sweet spread perfection for every bite. Festive essential. For more seasonal recipes, visit dishfoody.com and try ourCranberry Orange Breakfast Cak.
PrintCranberry Honey Butter Recipe
Festive Cranberry Honey Butter with tart cranberries, rich honey, and warm spices blended into creamy butter. Perfect holiday spread for rolls, pancakes, waffles, or gift jars.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 47 mins (incl. chilling)
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Condiment, Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook cranberries with 2 tablespoons water until they burst and soften, about 5-7 minutes. Mash lightly and let cool.
- 2. In a medium bowl, beat softened butter with electric mixer until creamy.
- 3. Add cooled cranberries, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest. Beat until well combined and fluffy.
- 4. Transfer to small serving bowl or jar. Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up.
- 5. Serve at room temperature with breads, pancakes, or as holiday gifts.
Notes
- Use softened butter for smooth texture.
- Make ahead and store refrigerated up to 2 weeks.
- Perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas gift in mini mason jars.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry honey butter, holiday butter, thanksgiving butter, flavored butter

