Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

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If you’re dreaming of a creamy, sweet spread with just the right zing of tartness, this Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly transforms a plain slice of toast or warm biscuit into a decadent treat. Made with real butter, tangy cranberries, and golden honey, it’s a perfect blend of holiday charm and everyday comfort.

This butter is a staple for brunch boards and holiday tables, but it’s just as delicious swirled into oatmeal or slathered on pancakes. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving excuses to use it. And the best part? It only takes a few ingredients and less than 10 minutes to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

There’s something magical about the contrast of sweet and tart in this butter. The richness of the butter softens the sharpness of the cranberries while the honey ties it all together with warm, floral sweetness. It’s elegant enough to serve at gatherings but simple enough to enjoy on an ordinary Tuesday morning.

This butter also stores beautifully and makes a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays. With its pretty pink hue and irresistible flavor, it never fails to impress.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries provide the brightest flavor and color, but frozen work just as well when out of season. If you only have dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending to soften them up. Avoid cranberry sauce or canned cranberries, which are too sweet and already processed.

Ingredients for the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

This recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building flavor and texture.

Unsalted butter – Room temperature butter is essential for easy mixing and smooth consistency. Unsalted lets you control the flavor perfectly.

Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries give this butter its signature tartness and vivid color.

Honey – Adds natural sweetness and floral depth that balances the tang of cranberries.

Orange zest (optional) – Brightens the whole mix with a hint of citrusy zing.

Pinch of salt – Just a little brings all the flavors together and keeps the butter from tasting flat.

How To Make the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

Step 1: Cook the Cranberries

In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook the cranberries with a tablespoon of water for 5 to 7 minutes, until they start to burst and soften. Let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend the softened butter, cooled cranberries, honey, and optional orange zest until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Adjust and Taste

Taste the butter and add a pinch of salt if needed, or more honey for sweetness. Blend again briefly.

Step 4: Store or Serve

Transfer the cranberry honey butter to a small jar or bowl. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

How to Serve and Store Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter

This vibrant butter is best enjoyed spread over warm bread, muffins, cornbread, or even bagels. It melts beautifully and adds a gourmet touch to any breakfast or snack. You can also swirl it into hot oatmeal or top pancakes and waffles with a generous dollop.

It keeps well in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions and thaw as needed. This recipe yields enough for about 6 to 8 servings.

What to Serve With Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter?

Warm Biscuits

Flaky buttermilk biscuits are the ultimate match for this butter. It melts into every crevice and tastes like holiday morning.

Toasted Bagels

A crisp bagel slathered with cranberry honey butter is a morning treat you’ll want on repeat.

Cornbread

Whether sweet or savory, cornbread and this butter are a dream team.

Pancakes or Waffles

Skip the syrup and opt for a flavorful swipe of cranberry honey butter instead.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A surprising but delicious combo. The sweet potato’s warmth enhances the honey and cranberry flavors.

Crackers and Cheese

Use it on a charcuterie board as a sweet counterpoint to sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or goat cheese.

Banana Bread

Spread it on a thick slice of banana bread for an extra layer of richness and brightness.

Want More Butter and Spread Ideas?

If you love this Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter, you’ll probably enjoy these other creamy, flavor-packed favorites:

• Homemade Ketchup Recipe to pair with savory brunch dishes.
• Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers for the perfect pairing.
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake to serve alongside a holiday brunch.
• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread to complement your butter with nutty richness.
• Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf as the perfect base to slather this butter on.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it whenever you need a touch of sweet, creamy comfort.

Have you tried it with orange zest or stuck to the classic version? Maybe you’ve even created your own twist with cinnamon or maple? I’d love to know how yours turned out in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated spreads and comfort food on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite indulgence.

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