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This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday table. Its creamy texture paired with a perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy cranberry, and warm spices makes it a versatile spread that elevates anything it touches.
I first created this recipe for a Christmas potluck, and it quickly became a family favorite. Now, we make it every year as a special holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: softened at room temperature essential for the creamy and smooth texture
- Honey: adds natural sweetness and balances the tartness of the cranberries
- Cranberry sauce: homemade or store-bought for that festive and tangy flavor
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle warm aroma
- Ground cinnamon: introduces warmth and depth to complement the cranberries
- Salt: helps to accentuate the flavors and balance the sweetness
How To Make Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
- Soften the Butter:
- Let the unsalted butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it becomes soft and easy to mix. This ensures a smooth consistency.
- Cream the Butter:
- Place the softened butter in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat for 2-3 minutes until the butter becomes creamy and smooth, forming the base for your spread.
- Incorporate the Honey:
- Gradually add the honey to the creamed butter while continuously beating. This creates a light and fluffy mixture with an even sweetness.
- Fold in Cranberry Sauce:
- With a spatula, gently fold in the cranberry sauce, being careful not to over-mix. This allows the cranberry to be evenly distributed while maintaining a festive appearance.
- Add the Extract and Spices:
- Mix in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until everything is fully combined, resulting in a uniform color and texture. These ingredients enhance the complexity and warmth of the spread.
- Transfer and Presentation:
- Spoon the finished cranberry honey butter into a decorative dish or jar. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the top for a polished presentation.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the butter for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve it with bread, toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for waffles for a delightful holiday treat.
I adore how the tangy cranberries and warm cinnamon blend perfectly in this butter. It reminds me of cozy Christmas mornings spent with family, spreading it onto freshly baked bread straight out of the oven.
Storage Tips
Store the cranberry honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, divide it into smaller portions, freeze it, and thaw as needed in the refrigerator overnight.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have cranberry sauce, try using raspberry preserves or a similar fruit spread. Maple syrup can replace the honey if needed, and a pinch of allspice or nutmeg can be added for more festive warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This butter pairs perfectly with crusty artisan breads, fluffy pancakes, warm waffles, or even dolloped over roasted sweet potatoes. Serve it during breakfast for a seasonal start to the day or as a luxurious spread for your holiday dinner rolls.
This recipe is a winner for any festive occasion, providing an easy yet elegant addition to your holiday table while leaving your guests impressed with its vibrant color and complex flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of cranberry sauce is best for this spread?
Homemade cranberry sauce provides a fresher taste, but store-bought works well for convenience.
- → Can salted butter be used instead of unsalted?
It's best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level, but decrease the added salt if using salted butter.
- → How should I store the cranberry honey butter?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let it soften at room temperature before using.
- → Can I freeze this butter for later use?
Yes, divide it into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- → What can I serve with this spread?
It pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, toast, pancakes, waffles, scones, or muffins.