Cranberry Honey Butter with Orange Zest

This Cranberry Honey Butter blends creamy, softened butter with floral honey, bright orange zest, and chewy flecks of dried cranberries for a spread that’s sweet, tangy, and beautifully speckled. It comes together in minutes and is equally at home on warm breads and quick breads as it is alongside breakfast and brunch favorites. Gentle mixing preserves a light, whipped texture, while finely chopped cranberries ensure even distribution and a clean slice or swipe.

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

Instructions

1. Ready the base: Place the softened butter in a mixing bowl. It should press easily with a fingertip and hold a slight indentation—soft and pliable,
2. not oily or melting. Beat until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed so no firm bits remain.
3. Flavor and balance: Add the honey, orange zest, and kosher salt. Mix until fully combined and the butter looks slightly lighter in color and glossy.
4. You’re looking for a uniform mixture with the honey fully incorporated—no streaks.
5. Fold in cranberries: Add the finely chopped dried cranberries and fold gently with a spatula just until evenly dispersed.
6. Avoid overmixing so the cranberries keep their texture and color without bleeding.
7. Shape and hold: Transfer to a small serving dish, or spoon onto a sheet of parchment and roll into a neat log, twisting the ends to seal.
8. Use right away or chill briefly until the butter is cool and easily spreadable.
9. Serve: Present at cool room temperature for the creamiest texture, then spread over warm biscuits, toast, pancakes, waffles, muffins, or quick breads.

Serving Ideas