Rustic Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe

Introduction

This Rustic Cranberry Honey Butter is a simple yet elegant spread that combines creamy butter with sweet honey and tart cranberries. It adds a delightful touch to toast, biscuits, or holiday rolls, bringing warmth and color to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a twist)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
• Zest of ½ an orange (optional, for a citrus touch)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Let the butter soften until easily spreadable. Finely chop the dried cranberries to help them mix evenly into the butter.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, chopped cranberries, orange zest, and salt (if using). Stir well with a spatula or hand mixer until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Lay a sheet of parchment paper flat on your work surface. Spoon the butter mixture into a line down the center of the paper.
4. Step 4: Use the parchment paper to roll the butter into a log, twisting the ends tightly like candy to secure it.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the butter log for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to slice. For quicker firming, freeze it for 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge.
6. Step 6: Slice into rounds and serve on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or holiday rolls. Keep wrapped and chilled until ready to use.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute maple syrup for honey to add a rich, autumnal flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.
• Use fresh orange zest to brighten the flavor and enhance the citrus aroma.
• For a smoother texture, pulse the cranberries briefly in a food processor before mixing.

Storage

Store the cranberry honey butter wrapped tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week. To serve, slice as needed and let soften slightly at room temperature for easier spreading. You can also freeze the log for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, omit the additional sea salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty butter.

How can I make this butter last longer?

Freezing the butter log is the best way to extend its shelf life. Wrapped well, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Rustic Cranberry Honey Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 145 reviews

Rustic Cranberry Honey Butter is a delightful spread combining softened unsalted butter with tart dried cranberries, sweet honey, and a hint of orange zest. This easy-to-make butter log, chilled to firm perfection, adds a luscious and festive touch to toast, biscuits, pancakes, or holiday rolls.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: About 1 cup of cranberry honey butter, approximately 8-10 servings 1x
• Category: Spread
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Butter Base

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

Mix-ins

• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a twist)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (optional, if using unsalted butter)
• Zest of ½ an orange (optional, for a citrus touch)

Instructions

1. Soften & Prep: Allow the unsalted butter to soften at room temperature until it is easily spreadable. Meanwhile, finely chop the dried cranberries to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the butter.
2. Mix it Up: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, finely chopped cranberries, and orange zest if using. Add the sea salt if desired. Stir thoroughly using a spatula or a hand mixer until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is soft and golden.
3. Shape the Log: Place a sheet of parchment paper flat on your work surface. Spoon the butter mixture down the center of the parchment in a line. Using the parchment, roll the butter into a tight log shape, twisting the ends like a candy wrapper to secure it.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the butter log for at least 2 hours or until it firms up enough to slice. For quicker chilling, freeze the log for 30 minutes and then transfer it to the refrigerator.
5. Serve or Gift: Once firm, slice the butter into rounds. Spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or holiday rolls for a flavorful touch. Keep wrapped and refrigerated; the butter will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Notes

• Using maple syrup instead of honey provides a unique flavor variation.
• The orange zest is optional but adds a fresh citrus aroma that complements the cranberries.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for easy mixing.
• The butter can be frozen for longer storage but is best consumed within one week refrigerated.
• Adjust the salt quantity based on whether your butter is salted or unsalted.

Keywords: cranberry butter, honey butter, holiday spread, scented butter, festive butter, cranberry honey butter recipe