Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter: A Cozy Holiday Treat
As the days grow shorter and the scent of pine fills the air, there’s something inherently cozy about gathering with loved ones for the holidays. My fondest memories are wrapped around the kitchen table, where laughter mingles with the aroma of freshly baked treats. This Christmas, one of the simplest yet most delightful ways to celebrate is with a slather of creamy, dreamy Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter on warm, toasted bread. Its silky texture and hint of tartness from cranberries make it feel like a warm hug, perfect for spreading on holiday treats or gifting in a jar.
This easy holiday recipe fits seamlessly into any gathering and is sure to become a cherished addition to your festive traditions. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 15 minutes! Perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- No-Bake Deliciousness: No need to turn on the oven. Just a little bit of stove time for the cranberries and you’re set!
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack it in pretty jars for thoughtful holiday gifts that friends and family will adore.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The sweet and tart notes blend beautifully, creating a flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Use: Use it on warm breads, pancakes, or even as a unique ingredient in desserts to add a festive twist.
What You’ll Need for Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 113 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 ml honey
- 100 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 pinch salt
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
Let’s Make It Together:
- In a small saucepan, add cranberries with a splash of water and bring to medium heat. Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until they burst and soften. Mash them lightly with the back of a spoon, releasing their juicy goodness.
- In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the softened butter, honey, orange zest, and salt. This combination creates a wonderfully creamy mixture!
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the butter mix. This ensures a perfect blend without melting your butter.
- Blend or whip until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and a lovely pink hue. It should remind you of delicate holiday decor!
- Transfer your delicious Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter to a jar or a ramekin and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nutty Crunch: Stir in a handful of finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture and rich flavor contrast.
- Herbal Twist: Add a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme to the mix for an aromatic savoriness that enhances the butter’s sweetness.
- Citrus Spark: Experiment with lemon or grapefruit zest instead of orange for a zesty bright flavor that’s refreshing and vibrant.
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to invoke warm, nostalgic holiday flavors that pair wonderfully with cranberries.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: This cranberry honey butter keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make it ahead of time and save it for impromptu gatherings or holiday dinners!
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for a creamy texture. This will make the blending much easier and smoother.
- Include Leftovers in Baking: Use any leftover cranberry butter in baking! It’s a delightful addition to oatmeal cookies or muffins.
- Gifting Made Easy: For presents, tie a festive ribbon around the jar and add a handwritten note with serving suggestions. It makes for a delightful holiday gift!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugars: 9g
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This butter keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it perfect for holiday prepping.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or try different citrus zests for a varied flavor.How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply let it come to room temperature before spreading.How long does it last?
When stored properly, it can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Just check for any changes in texture or smell before use.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is more than just a delightful spread; it’s a celebration of flavors, laughter, and warmth that brings everyone together around the table. Enjoy it during your holiday breakfast, slather it on fresh pastries, or give it as a heartfelt gift. Save this Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter to your holiday recipes board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! May your kitchen be warm, your hearts full, and your holidays sweet.
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Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and dreamy cranberry honey butter perfect for spreading on warm bread during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 113 g unsalted butter, softened
- 120 ml honey
- 100 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add cranberries with a splash of water and bring to medium heat. Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until they burst and soften. Mash them lightly with the back of a spoon.
- In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the softened butter, honey, orange zest, and salt.
- Allow the cranberry mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the butter mix.
- Blend or whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a jar or ramekin and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This cranberry honey butter keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use softened butter for a smoother blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas, holiday, butter, cranberry, easy recipe