Description
This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter recipe combines creamy unsalted butter with sweet honey and tangy cranberry sauce, enhanced by warm vanilla and cinnamon, creating a festive spread perfect for toast, pancakes, or holiday bread. Easy to prepare with no cooking required, this butter offers a delightful balance of flavors to brighten your holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soften the Butter: Begin by ensuring the unsalted butter is softened, making it easier to mix. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes if needed.
- Beat the Butter: In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it until creamy and smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add Honey: Gradually add the honey to the creamed butter, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Incorporate Cranberry Sauce: Carefully fold in the cranberry sauce using a spatula, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture without over-mixing.
- Add Spices and Salt: Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix gently until all ingredients are incorporated and the mixture has a uniform texture and color.
- Transfer for Serving: Once combined, transfer the cranberry honey butter into a serving dish or decorative jar for easy spreading. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon for presentation.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the butter for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld and the butter firm up slightly.
- Serve: Enjoy the Christmas cranberry honey butter with fresh bread, toast, or use it as a delightful topping for pancakes or waffles.
Notes
- Softening the butter properly is key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Use fresh or canned cranberry sauce depending on your preference; homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher note.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on desired sweetness.
- Refrigeration helps meld flavors and firm up the butter for easy spreading.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
