The holiday season is my favorite time to experiment with flavors that bring warmth and joy to every bite. One of my absolute must-make recipes is Cranberry Holiday Butter—a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet spread that elevates everything from toast to warm dinner rolls. It’s the perfect blend of tangy cranberry, citrusy orange, and aromatic cinnamon, all whipped into silky-smooth butter.
This delightful flavored butter isn’t just for breakfast. I love spreading it on pancakes, muffins, and even cornbread to add a touch of festive sweetness. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and keeps well in the fridge, making it a great addition to holiday meal prep.
A Buttery Holiday Favorite
There’s something special about homemade flavored butter—it transforms simple dishes into something extraordinary. This Cranberry Holiday Butter takes just minutes to whip up and delivers a burst of flavor in every spread. The tartness of whole cranberry sauce is balanced by the natural sweetness of honey and orange juice, while cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that feels just right for the season.
Ingredients for Cranberry Holiday Butter
Creating Cranberry Holiday Butter requires just a handful of simple ingredients, each contributing to its rich, festive flavor. Using high-quality butter and fresh ingredients ensures a smooth, delicious spread that pairs well with bread, pastries, and even roasted vegetables.
What You’ll Need:
- Butter (3 sticks, softened) – Use unsalted butter for better control over the flavor. It should be soft but not melted for easy whipping.
- Whole Cranberry Sauce (1 cup) – Adds a slightly tart, fruity contrast to the creamy butter. Be sure to use whole berry sauce, not cranberry jelly, for texture.
- Juice of ½ Medium Orange – Fresh orange juice brightens up the butter, adding a subtle citrusy tang that complements the cranberries.
- Honey (2 tablespoons) – A natural sweetener that enhances the flavors without overpowering them. It also adds a smooth, glossy texture to the butter.
- Ground Cinnamon (3–4 teaspoons) – The warm, spiced aroma of cinnamon gives the butter its signature holiday feel. Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder spice.
- Confectioner’s Sugar (¼ cup) – Also known as powdered sugar, it blends easily into the butter, adding a hint of extra sweetness and creaminess.
How to Make Cranberry Holiday Butter
This recipe is incredibly simple, yet the result is a gourmet butter that feels luxurious and indulgent. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful spread ready to elevate your holiday table.
Step 1: Whip the Butter
In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened butter. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whip the butter until it becomes light, airy, and smooth. This ensures a fluffy texture that spreads easily.
Step 2: Add the Flavors
To the whipped butter, add the whole cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, ground cinnamon, and confectioner’s sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until all the ingredients are fully combined and the butter is evenly colored with swirls of cranberry. The consistency should be smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer and Serve
Once the butter is well mixed, transfer it to a decorative butter dish or an airtight container. For a beautiful presentation, use a piping bag to swirl the butter into a serving dish. If serving immediately, leave it at room temperature for easy spreading.
Step 4: Store for Freshness
To keep the butter fresh, store it in the refrigerator. It will firm up slightly when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften
How Long to Store Cranberry Holiday Butter
One of the best things about this Cranberry Holiday Butter is how well it stores, making it a perfect make-ahead recipe for the busy holiday season. Whether you want to keep it fresh in the fridge for everyday use or store it longer for future gatherings, here’s how to ensure it maintains its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How Long Does Cranberry Butter Last?
- Refrigerator: This butter stays fresh for up to 10–14 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep it chilled and covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Freezer: If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or shape it into a log using plastic wrap for easy slicing later.
How to Soften Cranberry Butter for Serving
Since butter hardens when refrigerated, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in 5-second intervals, but be careful not to melt it.
Best Ways to Use Cranberry Holiday Butter
This butter is incredibly versatile, and I love using it in different ways to bring out its festive flavors. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- On Warm Breads & Pastries – Spread over toast, biscuits, English muffins, croissants, or bagels for a sweet, buttery treat.
- With Pancakes & Waffles – A dollop of this butter melts beautifully over hot pancakes or waffles, adding a burst of flavor.
- On Sweet Potatoes – Spread onto baked or mashed sweet potatoes for a rich, flavorful twist.
- With Cornbread or Dinner Rolls – A perfect companion to cornbread or warm dinner rolls during holiday meals.
- In Holiday Desserts – Use it as a filling for crepes or swirl it into muffins and quick breads for extra flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards – Serve alongside crackers, cheeses, and nuts for a unique holiday appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Holiday Butter
To make sure your flavored butter turns out smooth, creamy, and full of flavor, follow these tips:
- Use Softened Butter – The butter should be soft but not melted for easy whipping and a fluffy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste – If you prefer a less sweet butter, reduce the powdered sugar slightly or swap honey for maple syrup.
- Use Fresh Orange Juice – Fresh juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the butter. Avoid bottled juice for the best taste.
- Experiment with Spices – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth, or try vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness.
- Make It Dairy-Free – Substitute regular butter with plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
Cranberry Holiday Butter – A Festive Spread for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Holiday Butter is a rich, flavorful spread perfect for the holiday season. Whipped to perfection, it combines creamy butter with the tartness of cranberry sauce, a hint of citrus, warm cinnamon, and natural sweetness from honey. Spread it on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even cornbread for a delicious seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 3 sticks butter, softened
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
- Juice of ½ medium orange
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3–4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and confectioner’s sugar.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture on high speed until smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
- Transfer the whipped butter to a decorative bowl or an airtight container for storage.
- Store in the refrigerator for freshness. Allow it to soften at room temperature before serving for easy spreading.
Notes
- For a chunkier texture, use homemade cranberry sauce with whole berries instead of a smooth version.
- For a lighter consistency, mix in a small amount of heavy cream while whipping the butter.
- For additional warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- Best served with warm bread, muffins, pancakes, or sweet potatoes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Holiday Butter
1. Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Cranberry Sauce?
Yes! If you prefer to use fresh cranberries, you’ll need to cook them down first. Simply simmer 1 cup of fresh cranberries with ¼ cup of honey or sugar and 2 tablespoons of water until they soften and burst. Let the mixture cool before adding it to the butter. This gives a slightly chunkier texture with a brighter cranberry flavor.
2. What Type of Butter Works Best for This Recipe?
For the best texture and flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter. This allows you to control the sweetness and salt levels. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it—just be mindful that it may slightly alter the taste.
3. How Do I Make This Butter More Spreadable?
If you prefer a softer butter consistency, try these methods:
- Whip in a little heavy cream or milk to create a light, airy texture.
- Use room-temperature butter instead of chilled butter when serving.
- Mix in a small amount of vegetable oil (such as olive oil or coconut oil) to keep it soft even when refrigerated.
4. Can I Make This Butter Ahead of Time for Holiday Gatherings?
Absolutely! This butter can be made up to 2 weeks in advance if stored properly in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container or shape it into a butter log wrapped in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to use it, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften