Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A tiny pinch of fine sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons toasted pecans, finely crushed for extra crunch
Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to beat the cheese until it is light, airy, and completely smooth. Ensuring the cream cheese is at true room temperature prevents any stubborn lumps and makes the incorporation of other ingredients much easier.
- Add the finely chopped dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together gently until the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. If you are using pecans, fold them in now to maintain their crunchy texture.
- Transfer the mixture to a decorative serving bowl or an airtight container. While you can eat it immediately, chilling the spread in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the cranberries to soften slightly. Serve it alongside toasted plain, cinnamon raisin, or honey wheat bagels for the best flavor experience.
- Cook Time: 10 minutes