Add a touch of festive flair to your holiday table with Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter! This creamy, sweet, and tangy butter is the perfect accompaniment to warm rolls, biscuits, pancakes, or toast. The combination of honey, cranberries, and orange zest brings a burst of holiday flavor to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, with minimal effort.
- Perfect for the holidays: Bright, seasonal flavors that complement any holiday spread.
- Versatile: Delicious with breakfast, brunch, or dinner rolls.
- Make-ahead friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop the dried cranberries using a sharp knife or food processor.
- Grate the orange zest using a microplane or fine grater.
Mix the Butter
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon until light and fluffy. This step ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add the honey, finely chopped cranberries, grated orange zest, and a pinch of salt.
Combine the Flavors
- Mix all the ingredients together until fully incorporated. The butter should be creamy and evenly speckled with cranberries and orange zest.
Shape and Chill
- Scoop the butter onto a sheet of parchment paper.
- Shape the butter into a log by rolling the parchment tightly around it and twisting the ends to seal.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
Serve
- Slice the chilled butter into rounds and serve with warm rolls, biscuits, pancakes, or toast.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or sturdy spoon
- Microplane or fine grater
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Best served chilled or slightly softened for easy spreading. Perfect for holiday meals or breakfast spreads.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container or tightly wrapped parchment.
- Freezing: You can freeze the butter for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1–2 tablespoons of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Spiced Butter: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Berry Swap: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different fruity twist.
- Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
Helpful Notes
- Soften the butter at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. A floral honey works particularly well.
- Grate the orange zest finely to avoid large, overpowering pieces in the butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried cranberries to avoid excess moisture in the butter. Fresh cranberries may cause the butter to separate.
2. How far in advance can I make this butter?
You can make it up to two weeks in advance and store it in the fridge, making it a perfect stress-free addition to your holiday prep.
3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added pinch of salt to keep the flavor balanced.
4. What if I don’t have a microplane for the orange zest?
You can use the smallest holes on a box grater as an alternative. Just be careful to avoid grating the bitter white pith.
5. What dishes pair well with this butter?
This butter is delightful on warm dinner rolls, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, scones, and even roasted sweet potatoes or vegetables.
Bring festive flavor to your holiday table with this Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter—a simple, elegant touch that’s sure to impress your guests!
