If you’re looking for a way to dazzle your holiday bread basket or transform a simple breakfast into a festive delight, this Cranberry Holiday Butter is here to steal the show. Velvety smooth, flecked with sparkling cranberries and kissed with orange zest and honey, this sweet compound butter captures the magic of the season in every swipe. Whether you’re spreading it on warm rolls or gifting a festive log to friends, it turns every bite into a cozy, memorable moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cranberry Holiday Butter is that it calls for just a handful of staple ingredients. Each one plays its own special part, from lending creamy decadence to adding pops of color and twinkle of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the rich, creamy base that lets every other flavor shine. Room temperature butter makes mixing a dream!
- Dried cranberries (½ cup, finely chopped): Jewel-like and sweetly tart, they add festive color and chewy bites to every slice.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tablespoons): For gentle sweetness and a little extra shine; either is delicious, so use your favorite.
- Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Vibrant citrus lifts the flavor and gives the butter a wonderfully fresh aroma.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Warm spice that whispers “holiday” in every bite, tying all the flavors together.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance and brighten the sweetness, enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Butter
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Before you begin, be sure your butter is nice and soft—leaving it at room temperature for about an hour does the trick. Chop the dried cranberries finely; small pieces blend into the butter more easily and look pretty in each slice.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
In a medium bowl, combine your softened butter, chopped cranberries, honey (or maple syrup), orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. With a sturdy spoon or (my favorite!) a hand mixer, blend everything together until the mixture is fluffy and evenly speckled with fruit. You want the ingredients to be well incorporated and the butter to look light and inviting.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Spoon the mixed Cranberry Holiday Butter into a serving bowl, or for a classic presentation, scoop it onto a piece of parchment paper and shape into a log. Roll it up, twist the ends, and pop it in the fridge. Chill for at least 30 minutes so it firms up and is easy to slice or serve. The chilling step helps the flavors develop and come together beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Butter
Garnishes
If you want Cranberry Holiday Butter to look as festive as it tastes, top it with a sprinkle of extra chopped cranberries, a dusting of orange zest, or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. A little rosemary sprig nestled alongside adds extra seasonal flair if you’re serving it on a cheese board.
Side Dishes
This butter begs to be slathered on warm dinner rolls, fluffy pancakes, crispy waffles, or golden scones. It elevates roasted sweet potatoes, baked squash, and cornbread, making each one a holiday treat. Even a plain toasted bagel becomes a celebration when topped with Cranberry Holiday Butter.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, roll the chilled butter log in parchment and tie the ends with holiday ribbon; pop it into a pretty jar or wrap for an instant hostess gift! You can also swirl spoonfuls over a breakfast platter, or pipe rosettes onto a serving dish for a bakery-worthy flourish. If you’re serving a larger crowd, assemble a butter board layered with sliced rounds and dried fruit for a showstopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftover Cranberry Holiday Butter and tuck it into the fridge; it’ll keep beautifully for up to a week. I like to store mine in a ceramic ramekin with a tight lid so I can sneak a spoonful whenever the mood strikes. The flavor even deepens a little after a day or two!
Freezing
For longer storage, shape the butter into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Frozen slices can go straight from freezer to warm pancakes in a pinch, too!
Reheating
If your Cranberry Holiday Butter is too firm straight from the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to soften. Don’t microwave, as that can melt and separate the ingredients. The slow, gentle softening brings back that luscious, spreadable texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best for this recipe, as fresh ones are too tart and moist, which could make the butter runny or overpoweringly tangy. Stick with dried and finely chopped for the ideal flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make Cranberry Holiday Butter dairy free?
Absolutely! Swap the unsalted butter for your favorite dairy-free or plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it has a pleasant flavor and spreads easily, as some vegan butters can be saltier or firmer when cold.
How can I make this Cranberry Holiday Butter more savory?
If you prefer a less sweet, more savory version, reduce the honey or maple syrup to one tablespoon (or skip it entirely), add a bit more salt, and try stirring in a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for herby flair.
Can I double (or halve) this recipe?
Of course! This recipe is easy to scale up or down. Just keep the same proportions, and adjust your mixing and chilling time accordingly. Perfect whether you’re prepping a dinner party or making a sweet treat just for yourself.
What’s the best way to chop dried cranberries?
Chop the cranberries with a sharp knife, gliding through them in small batches. If they’re sticky, toss them with a bit of flour or cornstarch first; this keeps them from clumping and gives you perfect little bits throughout your butter.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a festive brunch or looking for the perfect way to wow a holiday crowd, Cranberry Holiday Butter deserves a spot on your table. It’s easy, endlessly customizable, and always gets rave reviews. I can’t wait for you to try it and bring a little extra sparkle to your own holiday traditions!
Print
Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this delightful Cranberry Holiday Butter. Creamy, sweet, and bursting with cranberry goodness, this compound butter is perfect for spreading on all your favorite holiday treats.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped dried cranberries, honey or maple syrup, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the cranberry butter to a serving bowl or shape into a log using parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- This butter is a great accompaniment to various dishes like warm rolls, pancakes, waffles, scones, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
