Name: Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 3 tablespoons homemade cranberry sauce; 1 tablespoon honey

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 1 review

I absolutely love how a simple spread can elevate an entire meal, and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe with you. It’s delightfully creamy, sweet, and tangy all at once—and it comes together in just minutes. Whenever I make this, it feels like adding a little bit of magic to toast, muffins, or even roasted veggies. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it as part of your kitchen repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe

From the very first bite, I’m hooked on the beautiful harmony of flavors in this Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe. The richness of the butter, combined with the natural sweetness of honey, perfectly balances the bright, slightly tart notes from the cranberry sauce. It’s such an elegant yet comforting flavor I find myself reaching for it during holidays or even on a quiet weekend morning. What makes this recipe stand out for me is how fresh and light it tastes, despite being buttery and indulgent.

One of the best things about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to whip up. I usually have the ingredients on hand, especially after making cranberry sauce for a meal. The preparation takes literally five minutes and requires no special equipment—just a simple electric mixer and a bowl. It’s perfect for serving at all kinds of occasions, whether I’m hosting a festive dinner, prepping for a brunch, or adding a little something extra to my everyday breakfasts. Honestly, this spread has become a staple that I love sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds two thick, soft blocks of pale yellow butter placed close together in the center. On top of the butter, there is a bright red, textured jam that spreads slightly onto the bowl's surface, contrasting with the smooth butter underneath. The background shows a white marbled texture, adding a clean and elegant feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients list is wonderfully simple, yet every single component plays an essential role in creating that perfect Cranberry Honey Butter flavor and texture. Using fresh, high-quality items really makes all the difference in the taste and appearance of the final product.

Salted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a fluffy texture.
Homemade cranberry sauce: I recommend making your own for the freshest, most vibrant taste and beautiful color.
Honey: Choose a mild, floral honey to add subtle sweetness without overpowering the tartness.

Directions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients—all at room temperature—and place the butter, cranberry sauce, and honey into a mixing bowl. This helps everything blend together smoothly from the start.

Step 2: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it just comes together and becomes smooth. I like to take my time here because I want it nice and creamy.

Step 3: Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure no lumps, then continue beating on medium-high speed until the butter is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes; you’ll see the mixture turn silky and soft.

Step 4: Spoon the cranberry honey butter into a small ramekin or a 4-ounce glass jar for a pretty presentation. It’s now ready to serve or refrigerate until you need it!

Servings and Timing

This Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe yields about 16 small servings, which is perfect for sharing at gatherings or adding generous dollops on multiple dishes. The prep time is super quick, only 5 minutes total. Since there’s no cooking involved, the total time from start to finish is just those 5 minutes. You don’t need to wait or let it rest, but chilling it for 10-15 minutes can help it firm up a bit if you prefer a thicker spread.

How to Serve This Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a thick, creamy mixture that is light pink with small pieces of red throughout. A blue spatula with a beige handle is partially lifted out of the mixture, showing the smooth and fluffy texture of the pink cream. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this cranberry honey butter alongside warm, toasted breads like sourdough or buttery brioche. It also makes a fabulous topping for pumpkin or cornbread during fall dinners. When I want to get creative, I use it melted over roasted sweet potatoes or spread on a freshly baked English muffin for an elevated breakfast treat.

Visually, the vibrant cranberry swirls add an inviting pop of color that looks gorgeous in a small glass jar or a pretty ceramic dish. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few whole cranberries takes the presentation to the next level, especially during the holidays. I find it’s a real conversation starter on the table.

As for beverages, this butter pairs beautifully with a warm chai latte or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc when serving at dinner. For festive brunches, a sparkling cranberry mocktail or even a simple glass of freshly squeezed orange juice complements it perfectly. You can enjoy the butter chilled, straight from the fridge, or at room temperature, depending on your spread preference.

Variations

One of the things I love is how adaptable this Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe is. If you want to switch things up, try using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of sea salt to control the saltiness more precisely. For a vegan version, I replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and honey with maple syrup, which still delivers lovely sweetness and creaminess.

Flavor-wise, I like experimenting by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little orange zest for a seasonal twist. You can also swap out homemade cranberry sauce for store-bought cranberry jelly in a pinch—it won’t be quite the same but still delicious!

If you want to make it more of a spreadable cream cheese blend, incorporating softened cream cheese along with the butter gives it a tangy richness that’s perfect for bagels or crackers. No heat is needed for any variation, which keeps things simple and quick in my kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cranberry honey butter stores beautifully in an airtight container or a small glass jar with a lid. I always keep mine in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to two weeks. Using a glass container helps maintain the flavor and makes it easy to scoop out each time without contaminating the rest.

Freezing

This butter freezes well if you want to prepare ahead or save some for later. I recommend portioning it into small airtight containers or freezer-safe jars, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It keeps well frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

I typically don’t reheat this butter since it’s best served cold or at room temperature, which preserves its creamy texture. If you want to soften it quickly, just let it sit out at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or gently warm it in a bowl placed over a pot of hot water for a few seconds. Avoid microwaving directly, as the butter can separate or melt unevenly, ruining the nice fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love the fresh taste of homemade cranberry sauce, store-bought versions work just fine and can save you time. Just look for varieties that aren’t overly sweetened or gelatinous for the best texture.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Not as originally written because it uses butter and honey, but you can make it vegan by substituting plant-based butter and replacing honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The results are deliciously similar and perfect for vegan guests.

How long does cranberry honey butter last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it typically stays fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before use.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! It’s one of my favorite make-ahead condiments. Just prepare it a day or two in advance, keep it refrigerated, and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best spreadability.

What else can I use cranberry honey butter on besides bread?

Oh, so many things! I enjoy it on roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, pancakes, waffles, or even dolloped onto oatmeal or yogurt for a little sweetness and tang. It’s surprisingly versatile and adds a festive touch wherever you use it.

Conclusion

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe as soon as you can—it’s such a quick, flavorful way to brighten up your meals and treats. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just want to add a little sparkle to your everyday cooking, it never fails to impress me and everyone I share it with. Enjoy making it your own and spreading the love, one buttery bite at a time!