There’s something truly magical about the holidays that calls for special touches, and this Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe is one of those delightful treats that instantly uplifts any meal. It’s a luscious, tangy, and subtly sweet compound butter that combines the festive flavors of dried cranberries, honey, and orange zest with a hint of warming cinnamon. Perfect for spreading on warm rolls, pancakes, or holiday breads, this cranberry butter is both simple to make and incredibly charming, capturing the spirit of the season in just a few minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is as easy as it is essential—each item plays a key role in delivering the full holiday experience, from texture and flavor to color that brightens your plate.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): The creamy base that blends all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped): Adds sweet-tart bursts and festive color to your butter.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Brings natural sweetness and a touch of holiday warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest: Provides fresh citrus notes that brighten every bite.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a gentle spice that makes this butter irresistibly cozy.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall balance and brings out the butter’s richness.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by placing your softened butter into a medium bowl. Add the finely chopped dried cranberries, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Using either a spatula or a hand mixer, blend everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, evenly combined mixture studded with flecks of cranberry and zest. This is where the magic starts to come alive as these classic holiday flavors meld together.
Step 2: Chill to Set
Once well mixed, transfer the cranberry butter to a serving dish, or for a polished presentation, roll it into a log shape using parchment paper. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting period helps the butter firm up and lets the flavors marry even more, making every spread burst with holiday cheer.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe is ready when chilled and can be served cold or softened slightly at room temperature, depending on your preference. Spread it generously on warm bakery favorites and watch faces light up with delight.
How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top gives your butter a beautiful visual pop that shines on any table. A few chopped toasted pecans or a light drizzle of honey can also add delightful texture and sweetness that complements this spread perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cranberry butter pairs wonderfully with a variety of baked goods like warm homemade biscuits, buttery dinner rolls, or soft pancakes. It also adds a festive twist when slathered on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning breads, making every bite a celebration on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming holiday centerpiece, roll the butter log in chopped nuts or finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary for contrast. Present it on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits like sliced apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds, turning your cranberry butter into an irresistible holiday appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cranberry butter, no worries! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just keep it chilled and covered to maintain freshness and flavor without absorbing other odors.
Freezing
You can also freeze this butter for longer storage. Roll it tightly in parchment paper, then wrap in foil or plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it will be just as luscious as the day you made it.
Reheating
To soften your cranberry butter for serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes or microwave on low power for short bursts of 10 seconds until spreadable. Just be careful not to melt it completely, as the texture is best when creamy but firm.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a much higher moisture content and a sharper tartness, which can affect the texture and balance of the butter. Dried, finely chopped cranberries are preferred to maintain the smooth consistency and concentrated flavor that makes this cranberry holiday butter recipe so special.
Is there a vegan or dairy-free alternative?
Absolutely! You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based vegan butter spread. Just ensure it’s softened to mix well. The other ingredients remain the same, giving you a delicious holiday spread friendly to vegan diets.
Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely. The honey or maple syrup is very flexible depending on your preference. Feel free to add a bit more if you like it sweeter or slightly less if you prefer the tartness of the cranberries to shine through more prominently.
What’s the best way to chop the cranberries?
Use a sharp knife to finely chop the dried cranberries into small, uniform pieces. This helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the butter and keeps the texture smooth and pleasant on the palate.
Can I add other spices?
Yes! While cinnamon is the star spice here, you can experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added depth. Just be careful not to overpower the lovely cranberry and citrus flavors that define this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe is truly one of my favorite little festive treats that bring a simple yet stunning burst of flavor to your holiday table. It’s effortless to make, wonderfully versatile, and guaranteed to become a crowd-pleaser whenever you share it. Give it a try this season and watch how it turns everyday breads and biscuits into unforgettable moments of holiday joy.
Print
Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Cranberry Holiday Butter is a festive and flavorful compound butter perfect for spreading on warm rolls, biscuits, pancakes, or holiday breads. Made with softened unsalted butter, finely chopped dried cranberries, a touch of honey or maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, this butter brings a deliciously sweet and tangy twist to your holiday spreads. It’s easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be made ahead to add a burst of seasonal flavor to your meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, finely chopped dried cranberries, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the cranberry butter to a small serving dish or place it on a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape. Wrap tightly to keep its form. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Remove the cranberry butter from the refrigerator and serve chilled or let soften at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with warm rolls, biscuits, pancakes, or any holiday breads for a festive treat.
Notes
- This cranberry butter can be prepared up to 1 week ahead and stored refrigerated in an airtight container.
- For an extra festive touch, add a splash of fresh orange juice or mix in a few chopped pecans to the butter before chilling.
