Joy-Filled Festive Cranberry Butter Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting the perfect cranberry butter for festive holiday spreads brings pure culinary joy.

This delightful cranberry butter recipe combines tart berries with creamy richness for an unforgettable seasonal treat.

Bright red cranberries add vibrant color and tangy flavor to traditional butter preparations.

Soft, spreadable, and bursting with festive charm, this recipe requires just a few simple ingredients.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of sweet and zesty notes that complement everything from warm toast to holiday rolls.

Home cooks can whip up this stunning condiment in mere minutes.

Prepare to transform your breakfast and appetizer game with this irresistible cranberry butter that will surely impress your guests.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 174 kcal

Servings: 17

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Ingredients

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that create a stunning ruby-red color and deliver a bright, zingy flavor profile for the butter.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the cranberries' natural tartness and helps create a smooth, spreadable compote with beautiful glossy texture.

• Orange Zest: Adds a citrusy brightness that complements the cranberries' intense flavor and brings a subtle aromatic dimension to the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, sweet undertone that softens the cranberries' sharp edge and creates depth in the overall taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, smooth foundation that allows the cranberry mixture to transform into a luxurious, spreadable condiment with silky consistency.

Equipment That Makes This Cranberry Butter

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for cooking cranberries and sugar.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring cranberry mixture while cooking.
• Zester or Grater: Perfect for creating fresh orange zest.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to blend butter and cranberry compote.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for sugar, butter, and extracts.
• Blender or Food Processor: Optional tool for smoother cranberry butter consistency.
• Storage Jar or Serving Dish: Ideal for chilling and presenting the finished butter.

Mix, Whip, and Chill Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

• Burst Cranberries

Toss fresh cranberries into a saucepan with sugar and heat gently. Watch the berries pop and transform into a luscious, vibrant compote while stirring occasionally.

• Whip Creamy Spread

Allow the cranberry mixture to cool slightly, then blend with softened butter. Add a sprinkle of orange zest and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients dance together into a smooth, delectable spread.

• Chill and Savor

Scoop the cranberry butter into a charming jar or serving dish. Pop it in the refrigerator for about an hour, letting the flavors mingle and intensify. Enjoy chilled for a firm texture or at room temperature for a silky, spreadable treat.

Try These Add-Ons for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

• Use room temperature butter for smooth, easy blending that prevents lumps and ensures a silky consistency.
• Prepare cranberry butter up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick entertaining or breakfast spreads.
• Swap traditional butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version that maintains the vibrant cranberry flavor profile.
• Package the cranberry butter in small mason jars with festive ribbons for a homemade, delightful edible gift that impresses friends and family.
• Experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of bourbon to elevate the butter's complexity and create unique taste variations.

Serve Cranberry Butter on Bread or Turkey

• Holiday Toast Topper: Slather this vibrant cranberry butter on warm, freshly toasted bread for a festive breakfast treat that bursts with tangy-sweet flavor.
• Festive Pastry Companion: Spread generously over croissants, scones, or English muffins to elevate your morning routine with a delightful seasonal twist.
• Elegant Appetizer Enhancer: Use as a gourmet condiment alongside crusty bread or crackers at holiday gatherings, creating a stunning and delicious appetizer that will impress guests.
• Baked Goodness Booster: Dollop onto warm muffins, pancakes, or waffles to add a rich, fruity dimension that transforms ordinary baked goods into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Keep This Butter Stored Without Losing Flavor

• Store cranberry butter in an airtight glass container to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Seal tightly after each use.
• Refrigerated cranberry butter stays delicious for 7-10 days when kept at consistent cold temperatures. Always check for any unusual odors or color changes before consuming.
• Prepare this butter up to one week in advance for holiday gatherings or breakfast spreads. Perfect for meal prep and spontaneous entertaining with minimal effort.
• Allow refrigerated cranberry butter to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance spreadability. Gently stir before presenting to guests for a smooth, inviting texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for cranberry butter?

You’ll need fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. These simple ingredients create a delicious, tangy spread.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just thaw them before cooking and follow the same recipe process. They’ll create the same vibrant flavor and texture.

• How long will the cranberry butter last in the refrigerator?

Cranberry butter typically stays fresh for about 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

• Is cranberry butter a sweet or savory spread?

It’s a versatile spread with a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The sugar softens the cranberries’ natural tartness, creating a complex and delightful taste that works well on toast, muffins, or pastries.

Festive Cranberry Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter brings festive flair to holiday tables. Creamy spread blends tart cranberries with rich butter, offering a delightful companion for toast, rolls, or baked treats.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Compote Creation: Simmer cranberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, gently stirring until berries burst and transform into a glossy, thick mixture with a vibrant crimson hue.
2. Cooling Phase: Let the cranberry compote cool to prevent butter from melting, creating an ideal blending temperature for a harmonious spread.
3. Flavor Infusion: Fold softened butter into the cooled compote, introducing orange zest and vanilla extract to elevate the aromatic complexity and create a nuanced flavor profile.
4. Blending Technique: Whip the ingredients vigorously until they seamlessly integrate, producing a smooth, marbled spread with rich golden and deep crimson undertones.
5. Storage and Chilling: Transfer the cranberry butter into a sealed glass container and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Serving Preparation: Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to achieve a luxurious, spreadable consistency perfect for warm breads, toasted bagels, or morning pastries.

Notes

• Prevent Berry Burning: Stir frequently and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching cranberries, ensuring even caramelization and preventing bitter taste.
• Temperature Control Matters: Cool cranberry mixture thoroughly before adding butter to maintain proper texture and prevent separation or greasy consistency.
• Zest Intensification: Grate orange zest finely to distribute citrus oils evenly, enhancing the aromatic complexity without overwhelming the delicate cranberry flavor.
• Softened Butter Technique: Use room temperature butter precisely softened – not melted – for seamless blending and creating a smooth, spreadable texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 174
• Sugar: 11.76 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 12.24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7.88 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.36 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16.59 g
• Fiber: 1.19 g
• Protein: 0.32 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg