Description

This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a festive and flavorful spread perfect for the holiday season. Made with softened unsalted butter, sweet honey, tangy dried cranberries, and bright orange zest, it offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Enhanced optionally with cinnamon or vanilla, this easy-to-make butter is perfect for spreading on warm biscuits, waffles, toast, or serving alongside roasted meats and cheese boards. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Butter Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Fruit & Sweeteners

1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a twist)

Flavorings

Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon or splash of vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prep: Allow the unsalted butter to soften at room temperature to ensure easy mixing. Finely chop the dried cranberries so they incorporate evenly throughout the butter.
Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with honey, orange zest, finely chopped cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are smoothly blended. If desired, add cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Chill: Transfer the buttery mixture into a jar or ramekin and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors to meld and firms up the butter for spreading.
Serve: Use the chilled cranberry honey butter by spreading it on warm biscuits, waffles, or toast. It can also be dolloped atop roasted turkey or ham, adding festive flavor accents.
Cheese Board Addition: Include the cranberry honey butter on cheese boards, paired with crackers for an elegant appetizer.
Gift: Spoon the butter into small jars to create charming edible gifts perfect for holiday giving.

Notes

Softening butter at room temperature is crucial for easy and even blending.
Finely chopping the cranberries prevents large pieces and ensures an even texture.
Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a different but complementary sweetness.
Optional cinnamon or vanilla extract can be adjusted based on personal preference.
Refrigerate the butter well before serving to firm it up and meld flavors.
This butter can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.