Whipped Cranberry Honey Butter

Whipped Cranberry Honey Butter is a cozy, simple recipe that instantly elevates any meal. Its fluffy texture and bright cranberry pieces add a festive touch to bagels, rolls, and holiday breads. The spread comes together quickly, using only a few basic ingredients. Cooking enthusiasts will appreciate its homemade, bakery-style flavor with almost no effort.

Flavored butters have enriched everyday breads for generations. Early American cooks often blended fruits, herbs, or honey into fresh butter for special occasions. This modern cranberry version continues that tradition with vibrant color and creamy sweetness.

Every spoonful brings warmth, brightness, and a little joy to the table. Whether you’re hosting brunch, creating a holiday board, or treating yourself, this easy spread delivers comforting, memorable flavor.

Recipe Yield: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup fresh cranberries, very finely chopped
3 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/8 tsp fine sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the cranberries:
Very finely chop fresh cranberries until they resemble tiny ruby pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.

2. Whip the base:
In a medium bowl, beat softened butter, honey, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until light, fluffy, and pale.

3. Fold in the cranberries:
Gently fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest, keeping the mixture airy while distributing the color evenly.

4. Chill briefly:
Transfer butter to a small serving bowl. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes so it firms slightly yet remains perfectly spreadable.

5. Serve:
Serve with warm rolls, toast, muffins, biscuits, bagels, pancakes, or holiday breads.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use softened butter for maximum fluffiness:
  Fully softened butter whips with plenty of air, giving your spread that cloud-like texture that melts beautifully on warm breads.
• Dry the cranberries to prevent streaking:
  Cranberries hold moisture, so patting them dry keeps your butter creamy with clean, bright cranberry swirls.
• Chill briefly for the best texture:
  A short chill helps the whipped butter firm up just enough while staying perfectly spreadable and silky.