Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for a deeper sweetness
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pecans for added texture
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to introduce warm spice notes
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container for storage
- Spatula for blending
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Cranberry Honey Butter is easy to make! Use these steps to obtain a creamy, flavorful spread ideal for the holiday season.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 16 tablespoons
Instructions:
1. Soften the butter:
Step one is to remove your butter and allow it to come up to room temperature. You can do this by just letting it sit on the counter for an hour before you begin, or in your microwave at 5-10 second intervals (don’t melt it).
2. Chop the dried cherries:
To avoid bites where they’re overrepresented, chop the dried cranberries finely so that they get fully incorporated into the butter. A sharp knife can also be used; otherwise, a food processor ensures that the texture is more refined.
3. Grate the Orange Zest:
Zest two teaspoons of fresh orange with a microplane or fine grater. Fresh zest adds a brightness that you simply won’t find in dried or prepackaged options.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a mixing vessel, place the soft butter, minced dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, and kosher salt.
5. Mix until blended:
Using an electric whisk or a hand whisk, mix to incorporate the ingredients and for the butter to become smooth. It takes 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer to do so.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Sample your cranberry honey butter and season appropriately. Feel free to stir in a little more honey for sweetness or even a touch more orange zest for additional citrus flavor.
7. Transfer to Container:
Transfer the blended butter to an airtight container or jar. Another festive option is to use small glass jars or reusable decorative containers.
8. Chill and Store:
Chill the butter for an hour to let the flavors marry. Holds in the fridge for up to two weeks and up to three months frozen.
9. Serve:
Pair your cranberry honey butter with hot biscuits, toasted bread, and scones, or use it on roasted veggies and meats.
