This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is like holiday magic in a jar. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and infused with warm festive cheer. Just a swipe of this vibrant pink spread on toast or biscuits and you’ll be humming Christmas songs without even trying. It brings together the tart brightness of cranberries with the smooth comfort of honey and butter, making it the ultimate seasonal treat.
Perfect as a homemade gift or a stunning addition to your holiday breakfast table, this butter is as easy as it is beautiful. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to whip up something that looks like it came from a gourmet store. Your guests will think you’ve gone full Martha Stewart when in reality, you just blended a few ingredients together with love.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
This festive butter has all the flavor notes of the holidays in one luscious spoonful. It’s a versatile spread that works on toast, scones, pancakes, dinner rolls, or even swirled into oatmeal. The cranberry adds a zing that balances the richness of the butter, while honey softens the tartness with a natural sweetness.
You’ll love how easy it is to make ahead and store. Plus, it makes for a gorgeous, thoughtful edible gift. A small jar tied with ribbon and a tag? Instant holiday joy.
What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. Frozen cranberries work just as well and are a great option if fresh ones are hard to find. Make sure they’re unsweetened, since we’re already adding honey. You’ll simmer them briefly to soften and burst, releasing that gorgeous ruby color and tangy flavor.
Ingredients for the Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
This festive spread comes together with just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something important to the mix, so don’t skip any if you want the full experience.
- Unsalted Butter
- Honey
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- Orange Zest
- Salt
Unsalted Butter is the creamy base of the recipe, providing richness and a smooth texture.
Honey adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries and adds floral depth.
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries provide the bold, tangy kick and beautiful pink hue.
Orange Zest gives a pop of citrus brightness that enhances the festive flavor.
Salt is essential to balance and round out the sweetness, making the flavors sing.

How To Make the Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
Step 1: Simmer the Cranberries
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add your cranberries with a splash of water. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they start to burst and break down. Mash them gently with the back of a spoon to help the process.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
In a mixing bowl or food processor, add the softened butter, honey, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Then add the cooked cranberries once slightly cooled. Blend or whip until everything is fully combined and the mixture is creamy and fluffy.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Scoop the butter into a jar or ramekin and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. It will firm up and be ready to serve on your favorite holiday carbs.
How to Store and Serve This Holiday Butter
This butter keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container and bring it to room temperature before serving so it’s perfectly spreadable.
You can also freeze it! Wrap in plastic wrap or store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
This recipe yields about 1 cup of butter, which serves 8 to 10 people generously. It’s ideal for a holiday brunch spread or Christmas morning breakfast.
What to Serve With Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter?
Toasted Brioche Slices
The buttery softness of brioche paired with this cranberry butter is just divine.
Flaky Croissants
Split them open and smear this festive butter for a breakfast treat that tastes like a bakery indulgence.
Buttermilk Biscuits
A Southern-style classic gets a holiday twist with this fruity spread.
Warm Pancakes or Waffles
Use it instead of syrup for a flavorful, buttery upgrade.
Cornbread
The sweet-savory combo of cornbread and cranberry butter is unexpectedly perfect.
Scones
Turn a plain scone into something holiday-worthy in one swipe.
Oatmeal
Stir a dollop into hot oatmeal for a creamy swirl of festive flavor.
Want More Spread & Brunch Ideas?
If you’re into this holiday butter vibe, try these other delightful additions to your brunch table:
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you want something that practically melts in your mouth.
- Classic French Butter Cookies for a crisp bite with buttery elegance.
- Lemon Truffles Recipe when you crave sweet with a zesty punch.
- Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for a fun, crispy snack to add to your board.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it whenever you need an easy edible gift or festive brunch idea.
And don’t forget to leave a comment when you try it! Did you add cinnamon? Try maple instead of honey? I love hearing how you make it your own.
Explore more of my favorite seasonal creations and health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest — it’s packed with inspiration for every mood and craving.
Conclusion
Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is everything we love about the holidays: cozy, colorful, and bursting with joy. It takes only minutes to make but brings unforgettable flavor to every bite. Whether you’re spreading it on warm bread or gifting it in jars, it’s the kind of simple pleasure that adds sparkle to the season.

Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (8 to 10 servings)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Cranberry Honey Butter is a festive holiday spread made with butter, honey, cranberries, and orange zest. Perfect for Christmas breakfast, brunch boards, edible gifts, or slathered on warm biscuits, this easy cranberry butter recipe adds holiday cheer to every bite.
Ingredients
113 g unsalted butter, softened
120 ml honey
100 g fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tsp orange zest
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. 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 lightly with the back of a spoon.
2. In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the softened butter, honey, orange zest, and salt.
3. Let the cranberry mixture cool slightly, then add it to the butter mix.
4. Blend or whip until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and pink.
5. Transfer to a jar or ramekin and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
To freeze, wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Always bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Spreads & Butters
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
