Sweet, creamy, and just the right touch of tangy, this Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is the ultimate upgrade for your morning toast or holiday dinner rolls. It blends the natural tartness of cranberries with the floral richness of honey and the velvety smoothness of whipped butter, creating a spread that tastes like pure comfort.
Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, dressing up your charcuterie board, or just looking for a way to make a weekday breakfast more special, this butter does the trick. It keeps beautifully in the fridge and makes a charming edible gift during the holiday season.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter
This butter is a simple indulgence that feels luxurious. It has just enough sweetness to elevate plain bread or biscuits, but it’s not overly sugary. The cranberries add a beautiful pink hue and a whisper of tartness that balances the creamy base. With only a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get a flavor-packed spread that instantly upgrades anything it touches.
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, you can use either. Fresh cranberries work wonderfully if they’re in season, but frozen cranberries are available year-round and yield the same great flavor. Just make sure to simmer them until soft before blending into the butter.
Ingredients for the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter
This luscious spread comes together with just a handful of ingredients, each one contributing a key element of flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature, it provides the creamy base that carries all the other flavors.
- Cranberries: These give the butter its bright color and a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: For a natural, floral sweetness that blends seamlessly into the butter.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the butter from tasting flat.

How To Make the Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter
Step 1: Soften the Butter
Take your unsalted butter out of the fridge and let it soften to room temperature. This makes it easier to whip and blend with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberries
In a small saucepan, add your cranberries and a splash of water. Simmer over medium heat until they burst and become soft. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Blend It All Together
In a mixing bowl or food processor, whip the softened butter with the honey, salt, and cooled cranberries until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or salt as needed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Transfer the finished cranberry honey butter to a jar or ramekin. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to help it firm up. Serve with warm rolls, toast, pancakes, or scones.
How to Serve and Store Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter
This recipe makes about 1 cup of butter, which is perfect for serving 8 to 10 people as part of a meal. Keep it chilled in an airtight container and it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, just bring to room temperature before serving.
If you’re entertaining, scoop it into a small bowl and top with a swirl of extra honey or a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a pretty touch. It also makes a thoughtful host gift when packed in a glass jar with a ribbon.
What to Serve With Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter?
Toasted Baguette Slices
The crisp texture and neutral flavor make it a perfect canvas for the creamy, fruity spread.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are elevated to new heights with a smear of cranberry honey butter.
Warm Cornbread
The sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with the tangy cranberries.
Pancakes or Waffles
Instead of syrup, try melting a pat of this butter over a stack of fluffy pancakes.
Sweet Potatoes
Spread a little over a baked sweet potato for a savory-sweet twist.
Holiday Turkey Sandwiches
Use it as a spread on sandwiches with leftover turkey and stuffing.
Cheese Boards
Add a dollop next to sharp cheddar or brie to bring a sweet note to your board.
Want More Spread Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Cranberry Honey Butter, you might also love these cozy spreads and sides:
- Easy Cajun Cream Sauce for a bold, spicy kick.
- Classic French Butter Cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce when you want a protein-packed alternative to cream.
- Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you’re in the mood for dessert that’s all about rich indulgence.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime!
I’d love to hear how your cranberry honey butter turned out. Did you make it sweeter or go light on the honey? Any creative uses you discovered?
Explore beautifully curated spreads, butters, and wholesome breakfast inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest — your next flavor obsession awaits!
Conclusion
Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter is one of those recipes that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just want your morning toast to feel a little more special, this is a spread worth making again and again.

Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Cranberry Honey Butter recipe blends sweet honey, tart cranberries, and creamy butter into a luxurious spread. Perfect for holiday meals, breakfasts, or edible gifts. Enjoy this festive butter with toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even cheese boards.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup cranberries
3 tablespoons honey
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Take your unsalted butter out of the fridge and let it soften to room temperature. This makes it easier to whip and blend with the other ingredients.
2. In a small saucepan, add your cranberries and a splash of water. Simmer over medium heat until they burst and become soft. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl or food processor, whip the softened butter with the honey, salt, and cooled cranberries until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness or salt as needed.
4. Transfer the finished cranberry honey butter to a jar or ramekin. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to help it firm up. Serve with warm rolls, toast, pancakes, or scones.
Notes
Use fresh or frozen cranberries—both work beautifully.
Taste before chilling to adjust sweetness or salt.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
