Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

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Rich, creamy, and bursting with tart-sweet flavor, Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is a delightful spread that brings a festive touch to any meal. Whether slathered on warm biscuits, toast, or freshly baked rolls, this butter transforms simple carbs into something truly special. The blend of sweet honey and tangy dried cranberries, folded into silky-smooth butter, creates a balance that dances across your taste buds with every bite.

This vibrant pink spread isn’t just eye-catching—it’s versatile and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for holiday brunches, Sunday breakfasts, or gifting in a cute little jar, Cranberry Honey Butter is one of those simple pleasures that feels luxurious. Plus, it takes just minutes to whip up, with minimal ingredients and tools.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Honey Butter

• It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 10 minutes.
• Just four simple ingredients, no cooking required.
• Deliciously festive for holidays, brunches, or as a gift.
• A creamy, flavorful upgrade to plain butter.
• Stores well and is easy to make in big batches.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Cranberry Honey Butter, a few tools are all you need:

• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Crucial for whipping the butter to a light, fluffy texture.
• Spatula – Ideal for scraping down the sides of your bowl to ensure even mixing.
• Mixing Bowl – Use a medium-sized one, preferably glass or stainless steel.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scissors – For chopping the dried cranberries into smaller, evenly sized bits.

Each tool plays a key role in making sure your butter is creamy, well blended, and speckled beautifully with cranberries.

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Preparation Tips

Start with room temperature butter—this makes blending much easier and helps achieve that whipped texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter for the cleanest, creamiest base. Finely chop your dried cranberries so they distribute evenly without clumping. When adding honey, drizzle slowly and mix thoroughly to avoid separation. For a more uniform consistency, pulse the dried cranberries briefly in a food processor before mixing. Finally, chill the finished butter for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.

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Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but adds warmth and depth)
• Pinch of salt (optional, enhances the overall flavor)

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Step 1: Soften the Butter

Take the butter out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Softened butter is crucial to achieve the light and fluffy texture you want in your final spread. You should be able to press into it easily without it melting.

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Step 2: Chop the Cranberries

Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to finely chop the dried cranberries. Smaller pieces help the cranberries distribute more evenly throughout the butter, giving you a more balanced flavor and appealing speckled look in every spread.

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Step 3: Whip the Butter

Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip the butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth, fluffy, and lighter in color.

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Step 4: Add Honey and Optional Ingredients

Pour in the honey slowly while mixing. This allows the butter to absorb it without separating. Add the optional cinnamon and pinch of salt at this stage if you’re using them. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and creamy.

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Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold the chopped cranberries into the butter using a spatula or continue mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cranberries to stay intact and visible throughout the butter.

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Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the butter and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired. You can also tweak the cinnamon or salt levels at this point. If the texture is too soft, chill briefly before continuing.

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Step 7: Store and Serve

Transfer the finished butter to a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on preference. Ideal for spreading on biscuits, muffins, pancakes, waffles, or toast.

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Notes

Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is best when made with high-quality ingredients. Use real butter (not margarine), raw or organic honey if available, and fresh dried cranberries for the most vibrant flavor and color. The butter can be enjoyed immediately after making, but chilling it for a bit enhances the flavor fusion and makes it easier to shape or store. You can even mold it into a log, wrap in parchment paper, and slice for elegant presentation.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold butter: This will make whipping difficult and result in a dense, uneven texture.
• Overmixing after adding cranberries: It can break down the fruit and cause a less attractive appearance and uneven flavor.
• Adding honey too quickly: Doing so may cause the butter to separate or become runny.
• Using salted butter without adjusting salt level: Always taste and adjust, especially if your butter already has salt.

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Storage Instructions

Store Cranberry Honey Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you want to freeze it, shape it into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Always use a clean knife when serving to extend shelf life and prevent contamination.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 1mg (more if salted butter is used)
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Not recommended. Fresh cranberries contain too much moisture and will affect the butter’s texture and shelf life.

Can I make this butter vegan?

Yes! Use a high-quality plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.

How long does this butter last?

It lasts about 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use a food processor instead of a mixer?

You can, but the texture might be denser. A mixer gives a fluffier consistency.

Is this butter safe to leave out at room temperature?

Only for short periods (e.g., during a meal). Always store in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

What type of honey works best?

Mild, floral honeys like clover or wildflower work great without overpowering the cranberry flavor.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Orange zest, nutmeg, or even a hint of vanilla can elevate the flavor.

What should I serve this with?

This butter is perfect on scones, pancakes, waffles, toast, bagels, muffins, or even roasted sweet potatoes.

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Conclusion

Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your everyday meals or special occasion spreads. With minimal effort and a few quality ingredients, you can create a creamy, sweet, and tangy butter that impresses every time. It’s perfect for the holidays, gift-giving, or anytime you want to add a touch of indulgence to your table. Whether you’re spreading it on a warm biscuit or giving it as a hostess gift, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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