There’s just something magical about spreading a swirl of Cranberry Holiday Butter onto a warm, freshly baked biscuit or slice of bread on a chilly morning. This festive spread bursts with bursts of tangy cranberries, warm whispers of cinnamon, and the subtle sweetness of honey, all tied together by a creamy, decadent base of real butter. Whether you’re dressing up your breakfast table or looking for an easy edible gift, this simple, stunning recipe brings a pop of color and flavor to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create this show-stopping Cranberry Holiday Butter. Each ingredient plays a role, whether in lending natural sweetness, vibrant hues, comforting aromas, or a rich, velvety texture. Together, they transform everyday butter into a recipe that dazzles.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of this holiday spread – soft, creamy, and perfect for melding flavors.
- Dried Cranberries (1/2 cup, finely chopped): They infuse tart sweetness and a gorgeous burst of color.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings gentle natural sweetness that enhances both the butter and cranberries.
- Orange Zest (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a zippy, citrusy brightness that lifts every bite.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a warm, spicy undertone that pairs so well with both cranberry and orange.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to sharpen the flavors and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Butter
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before you dive in, make sure your butter is at proper room temperature – it should give when pressed but not be oily. Take a few minutes to finely chop the dried cranberries, and zest your orange. A finer chop on the berries means a smoother, more spreadable finished butter.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or sturdy rubber spatula, blend until the mixture is creamy and all the bits are deliciously dotted throughout. The cranberry pieces will lightly tint the butter with beautiful pink swirls – it’s a treat for the eyes and the taste buds!
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Now, you can simply scoop the Cranberry Holiday Butter into a pretty ramekin, or for a special touch, spoon the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a log. Twist the ends closed and pop it in the fridge. Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows all those cozy flavors to mingle and gives the butter a firmer, sliceable texture.
Step 4: Serve at Room Temperature
Before serving, let your Cranberry Holiday Butter warm up just enough to be soft and spreadable – about 20 minutes on the counter does the trick. This ensures you get that perfect, creamy swoosh on every roll or muffin.
How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Butter
Garnishes
For a festive flourish, sprinkle the top with a few extra chopped cranberries, a final dusting of orange zest, or a sparkle of flaky sea salt. These touches make your Cranberry Holiday Butter extra inviting on the table!
Side Dishes
This butter is flawless with holiday staples: try it on warm rolls, flaky biscuits, cornbread, pancakes, or waffles. It also makes a dreamy spread for brunch breads, quick breads, or even a slice of toasted sourdough.
Creative Ways to Present
Shape the butter into coins or use small cookie cutters for decorative pats – perfect for buffets or gift giving. Or, scoop it into jars, tie on a ribbon, and you have an instant, heartwarming hostess gift. However you present it, Cranberry Holiday Butter is guaranteed to turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cranberry Holiday Butter keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full, creamy flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your Cranberry Holiday Butter by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then sealing in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Reheating
No need to reheat! Just let the butter sit at room temperature until soft and spreadable. If you’re in a rush, slice a piece and microwave on low in a microwave-safe dish for just 5–8 seconds—just enough to take the chill off, but be careful not to melt it completely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are very tart and juicy, so for best results stick to dried cranberries here. They provide both sweetness and a chewy texture that blends seamlessly into the butter without watering it down.
Can I use salted butter if that’s what I have?
Absolutely! Just skip adding the pinch of salt, and taste before serving. Salted butter can highlight the other flavors in Cranberry Holiday Butter, but might be slightly saltier overall.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes! Swap out dairy butter for your favorite plant-based butter, and use agave syrup instead of honey. The recipe works just as well and stays festive for everyone.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely. This recipe easily scales up or down, whether you’re prepping a single batch for an intimate brunch or want to make several logs for gifting. Adjust ingredient amounts but keep the method exactly the same.
What if my butter is too hard to spread?
Give it a little time at room temperature, or slice off what you need and let it sit, loosely covered, for 20–30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave (as mentioned above) does the trick.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to the delight of Cranberry Holiday Butter this season. It’s so easy, impossibly pretty, and always puts smiles on faces. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a must-have at all your celebrations!
Print
Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of the holiday season with this delightful Cranberry Holiday Butter. Creamy, sweet, and tangy, this compound butter is perfect for spreading on warm breads, pancakes, or waffles.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped dried cranberries, honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Transfer the butter to a serving dish or shape into a log using parchment paper.
Mix well using a hand mixer or rubber spatula until everything is evenly incorporated and smooth.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.
Notes
- This butter pairs beautifully with warm rolls, pancakes, waffles, cornbread, or holiday breads.
- You can make it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- For a smoother texture, pulse the dried cranberries in a food processor before mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
