There is something undeniably magical about the Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe that lifts any festive table to new heights. This luscious, velvety butter combines the tart brightness of whole cranberry sauce with warm cinnamon, zesty orange, and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of luxurious spread that turns ordinary bread, muffins, or scones into celebration-worthy bites, making each mouthful feel like a cozy hug during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply treating yourself, this Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors that feels both indulgent and refreshingly vibrant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients is all it takes to make the magic happen. Each component contributes something special, whether it’s the creamy richness, fruity tang, or fragrant spice that defines this butter’s unforgettable character.
- Butter (3 sticks, softened): The creamy base that provides richness and a smooth texture, essential for the spread’s luscious feel.
- Whole cranberry sauce (1 cup): Adds vibrant color, a tart bite, and natural sweetness that perfectly complements the butter.
- Orange juice (juice of 1/2 medium orange): Brings fresh citrus brightness, adding layers of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A natural sweetener that gently rounds out the tart cranberries and warms the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (3–4 teaspoons): Infuses cozy, warming spice that evokes holiday spirit and depth.
- Confectioner’s sugar (1/4 cup): Helps with the texture and adds just a hint of extra sweetness without graininess.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and soften your butter
Start by letting your butter come to room temperature so that it’s soft and easy to work with. This step is crucial because it ensures a smooth, creamy blend that incorporates all the other flavors evenly without lumps.
Step 2: Mix in cranberry sauce and orange juice
Add the whole cranberry sauce and fresh orange juice to the softened butter. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine the vivid fruitiness and citrus zing with the butter’s richness, creating a lively yet balanced base.
Step 3: Sweeten with honey and confectioner’s sugar
Drizzle in the honey and sift in the confectioner’s sugar. These two ingredients are key for perfecting the butter’s texture and overall flavor harmony—making sure it’s sweet but not overpowering, with a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 4: Add warming cinnamon
Finally, sprinkle in the ground cinnamon. This spice provides that unmistakable festive warmth that makes this Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe a true seasonal delight. Blend everything together until silky and evenly mixed.
How to Serve Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation adds charm! Consider topping your cranberry butter spread with a few fresh cranberries or a small sprig of rosemary for a pop of color and a fragrant hint that makes the butter even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This butter pairs beautifully with warm, crusty breads, toasted bagels, scones, or even cinnamon-spiced pancakes. It also makes a fantastic topping for roasted turkey or a dollop on morning oatmeal to brighten your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching holiday buffet, serve your Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe in a small bowl surrounded by crisp apple slices and crackers. You could also roll it into a log and chill it, slicing rounds to adorn holiday cheese plates or festive charcuterie boards.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cranberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy little bursts of holiday cheer anytime.
Freezing
This butter freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to three months without sacrificing flavor or texture, great for preparing ahead of big holiday gatherings.
Reheating
When ready to use frozen cranberry butter, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature before serving so it regains that perfect spreadable consistency and unleashes all its wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce?
Fresh cranberries have a much tarter and less sweet profile, so using them alone may change the flavor and texture. However, if you cook them down with sugar to create your own sauce, that works beautifully in this recipe.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for this butter?
You can substitute the butter with a quality plant-based spread. Just make sure it’s softened to match the texture requirements. The rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep that rich, festive flavor.
How spicy will the cinnamon make the butter?
The cinnamon adds a gentle warmth without being overpowering. You can adjust the amount according to your taste to either keep it mild or give it a more pronounced holiday spice kick.
Can I prepare the Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld delicately, making every bite even more flavorful and festive when served.
What is the best way to serve this butter at holiday parties?
Serve it alongside an assortment of breads, crackers, or even vegetable crudités for a unique and festive dip option. Its vibrant color and creamy texture will surely catch everyone’s eye and palate.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe is truly one of those delightful finds that make holiday gatherings feel even more special. It’s simple to prepare yet stunningly delicious, adding a spark of festive flavor and color to your table. I hope you enjoy spreading this special butter as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra joy to your holiday celebrations.
Print
Cranberry Holiday Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cranberry Holiday Butter is a festive and flavorful spread perfect for adding a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday breads, rolls, or crackers. Made with creamy butter, tart cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, aromatic cinnamon, and a touch of confectioner’s sugar, this easy no-cook recipe brings a vibrant burst of holiday cheer to your table.
Ingredients
Butter Base
- 3 sticks butter, softened
Flavorings
- 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
- Soften the Butter: Allow the butter to come to room temperature so it becomes soft and easy to mix. This step ensures a smooth texture in the final cranberry butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, whole cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, ground cinnamon, and confectioner’s sugar.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined with no large lumps of butter remaining.
- Refrigerate to Set: Transfer the cranberry butter mixture into a serving dish or airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
- Serve and Enjoy: Bring the cranberry holiday butter out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. Spread on warm breads, muffins, or crackers to enhance your holiday meals with a burst of seasonal flavor.
Notes
- This recipe does not require cooking, making it quick and easy for the holidays.
- Adjust cinnamon quantity to taste for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Consider adding a pinch of salt if you prefer a balanced sweet-savory flavor.
