Cranberry Holiday Butter

Introduction

When I first tried making this Cranberry Holiday Butter, I was instantly hooked. It’s a vibrant, flavorful spread that combines the tartness of cranberries, the richness of butter, and the warmth of cinnamon—perfect for spreading on warm rolls, muffins, or even pancakes. It quickly became a family favorite, and each time I made it, the compliments were endless. It’s the ideal addition to any holiday spread and can elevate simple bread or pastries into something special. It’s sweet, yet a little tangy, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and a burst of citrus from the orange juice. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want to add a little extra flair to your breakfast table, this cranberry butter is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 3 sticks butter, softened
• 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
• Juice of 1/2 medium orange
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3–4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. It’s important to ensure the butter is softened so that the mixture will whip up smoothly.
2. Whip the Mixture:
   Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the ingredients on high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You should see a smooth, creamy texture with the cranberry sauce evenly incorporated.
3. Transfer to Serving Dish:
   Once the butter has been whipped to your liking, transfer it into a decorative bowl or butter dome for serving. The festive appearance of the butter will make it a beautiful addition to your holiday table.
4. Store and Serve:
   Store the cranberry butter in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will last for up to a week in the fridge. Before serving, take it out a few minutes to soften, making it easier to spread.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 12 (based on 1 tablespoon per serving)
• Calories per Serving: 140
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

How to Serve

• On Toast or Rolls:
  Cranberry Holiday Butter is perfect when spread on freshly baked rolls, croissants, or toast. Its rich, sweet, and tart flavor will complement any bread beautifully.
• With Muffins and Scones:
  Add this festive butter to muffins or scones for a delightful treat during breakfast or tea time. The cranberry adds a lovely contrast to the soft, flaky texture of the baked goods.
• On Pancakes or Waffles:
  Make your pancakes or waffles extra special by topping them with a generous dollop of cranberry butter. The sweetness of the butter adds a delicious twist to your breakfast.
• For Holiday Dinners:
  Serve it alongside your holiday meal, especially with roasted meats or vegetables, to add a unique burst of flavor to the savory dishes.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Cranberries:
   For an extra burst of freshness, consider using homemade cranberry sauce instead of store-bought. The natural tang and flavor will shine through in the butter.
2. Adjust the Sweetness:
   If you prefer a sweeter butter, feel free to add more honey or confectioner’s sugar to taste. You can also increase the cinnamon if you enjoy a stronger spice flavor.
3. Try Different Citrus:
   While orange juice gives a lovely brightness, you can experiment with lemon or even lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile. These citrus fruits will add an additional zesty note to the butter.
4. Add More Spice:
   If you love the flavor of cinnamon, feel free to add more than the suggested amount. Nutmeg and clove are also excellent additions to this recipe if you want to spice it up further.
5. Make it Vegan:
   For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Recipe Variations

• Apple Cinnamon Cranberry Butter:
  Add a bit of unsweetened applesauce or finely chopped apples to the butter mixture for a unique, fruity twist. This variation will bring a slight tartness and extra depth of flavor.
• Maple Cranberry Butter:
  Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness. This variation is perfect for those who love the combination of maple and cranberry.
• Citrus Spice Cranberry Butter:
  Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a pinch of ground ginger for a more vibrant and spicy version. The combination of citrus and ginger will bring a refreshing kick to the butter.
• Nutty Cranberry Butter:
  Fold in finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. The nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the cranberry and butter.

Serving Suggestions

• For Holiday Gatherings:
  Cranberry Holiday Butter is a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Serve it alongside your main courses, and guests will love the festive, flavorful touch it adds to the meal.
• Gift Idea:
  This butter makes a thoughtful homemade gift for the holidays. Simply place it in a small jar, decorate with a festive ribbon, and give it to friends, family, or coworkers as a special treat.
• With Roasted Meats:
  Pair this butter with roasted meats such as turkey, ham, or chicken. The cranberry and orange flavors enhance the savory dishes, providing a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
• For a Simple Dessert:
  Spread the cranberry butter over shortbread cookies or gingerbread for an easy yet festive dessert. It pairs wonderfully with buttery baked goods and adds a seasonal flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing in the Refrigerator:
  Keep the cranberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you plan to use it for a long time, make sure to store it in a sealed jar or container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing:
  Cranberry Holiday Butter freezes well. Spoon the butter into an airtight container or silicone mold and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
   Yes, store-bought cranberry sauce works perfectly well in this recipe. However, homemade cranberry sauce will give it an extra burst of flavor.
2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine is an option, the texture and taste might be slightly different. For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using real butter.
3. How do I know if the butter is softened enough?
   The butter should be soft to the touch but not melted. If it’s too hard, it will be difficult to mix, and if it’s too soft, it might make the butter too greasy.
4. Can I add other fruits to the butter?
   Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural tartness.
5. How much honey should I add?
   The amount of honey depends on your preference for sweetness. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste the butter. You can always add more if you want it sweeter.
6. Can I skip the powdered sugar?
   Yes, you can omit the powdered sugar if you prefer a less sweet butter. The honey already provides sweetness, so it’s optional.
7. How long will the cranberry butter last in the fridge?
   It can last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
8. Can I use this butter on savory dishes?
   While this butter is sweet, you can experiment by pairing it with roasted meats or using it in a savory sandwich to balance the flavors.
9. Can I double this recipe?
   Absolutely! You can double the recipe and store the extra butter for later use.
10. What should I do if the butter isn’t mixing smoothly?
    If the butter isn’t mixing smoothly, make sure the butter is fully softened. You can also mix the ingredients at a slower speed and gradually increase to allow them to incorporate more easily.

Conclusion

Cranberry Holiday Butter is a festive and flavorful spread that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its creamy texture, sweet cranberry flavor, and a hint of cinnamon and orange, it adds a beautiful touch to any meal or dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner, giving it as a gift, or simply enjoying it on your morning toast, this cranberry butter is sure to impress. Easy to make and full of festive flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of fruit, butter, and spice.

Print