Creamy Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Imagine the sweet, tangy aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with zesty orange zest as you whip up a batch of homemade creamy cranberry orange butter. This vibrant, festive spread is like capturing the holidays in a jar. The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how something so simple could transform plain toast into a luxurious treat. I still remember my family hovering around the kitchen, sneaking tastes directly from the spoon. It’s the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic yet fresh, perfect for gifting or brightening up your holiday brunch table. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a fantastic last-minute addition to your holiday spread.
• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy grocery trips—everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Whether it’s Thanksgiving breakfast or Christmas brunch, this butter is a showstopper.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The unique flavor combo impresses adults and kids alike. It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-creamy.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange with creamy butter makes every bite pure joy.

This recipe stands out because it’s not just a butter—it’s a flavor-packed spread that feels both indulgent and festive. Plus, the vibrant color makes it look as stunning as it tastes. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly earns a spot in your holiday traditions.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a buttery spread that’s bursting with flavor. No need to overcomplicate things—these staples work together beautifully.

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen works too; just thaw them first)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one large orange)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you need substitutions: swap powdered sugar for honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sugar alternative. For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter like coconut or vegan margarine. Feel free to experiment with the fruit as well—raspberries or cherries make a delicious twist!

Equipment Needed

• Food processor: Essential for blending the cranberries and orange zest into a smooth consistency.
• Microplane or zester: Perfect for getting fine orange zest without the bitter pith.
• Mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients into the creamy butter.
• Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the processor and for mixing.
• Storage container: A glass jar or airtight container to store your butter in the fridge.

If you don’t have a food processor, a blender can work in a pinch, though you may need to scrape down the sides frequently. For zesting, a box grater will do the job but might not yield as fine a result.

Preparation Method

1. Start by washing the cranberries thoroughly and letting them dry. If you’re using frozen cranberries, ensure they’re fully thawed.
2. Zest one large orange, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of zest. Then juice the orange to get 1/4 cup of juice.
3. In a food processor, combine the cranberries and orange zest. Pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped but not liquid. It’s okay to leave a few larger pieces for texture.
4. Add the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the processor. Blend until everything is well combined.
5. Transfer the cranberry mixture to a mixing bowl and add the softened butter. Use a spatula to mix it together until the butter turns a beautiful pink hue and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
6. Give it a taste test—adjust sweetness with more powdered sugar if needed or add a tiny pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
7. Spoon the finished butter into a glass jar or airtight container. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Pro tip: If you’re planning this for a party or gifting, make it a day ahead. The flavors deepen overnight and taste even better!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use fresh cranberries: While frozen can work, fresh cranberries deliver a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Don’t skip the zest: The orange zest is key to getting that punchy citrus flavor. A microplane works best to avoid the bitter white pith.
• Soften the butter properly: Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Too cold, and it won’t mix well; too melted, and the texture won’t be right.
• Troubleshooting consistency: If your butter feels too thin, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before blending again.
• Make it fancy: Pipe the finished butter into decorative molds for a picture-perfect holiday presentation.

Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference in how your cranberry orange butter turns out. You’ll be amazed how professional this spread can look and taste!

Variations & Adaptations

• Seasonal swaps: Replace cranberries with raspberries or strawberries for a spring-inspired version.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
• Herb-infused twist: Add a pinch of rosemary or thyme for a savory-sweet combination that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
• Spicy version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday spice twist.
• Nutty addition: Fold in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

My personal favorite? Adding a touch of cinnamon—it gives the butter a cozy, spiced flavor that screams holidays!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This cranberry orange butter is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

• Serving temperature: Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for easy spreading.
• Presentation: Spoon it into a pretty dish or jar and pair it with warm biscuits, scones, or even pancakes.
• Complementary dishes: Pair with soft rolls, bagels, or as a topping for waffles. It’s also fantastic as a glaze for roasted turkey or ham.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions for up to three months.
• Reheating tips: To soften frozen butter, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave on low power in 10-second increments.

Pro tip: This butter makes an amazing edible gift. Package it in a jar with a festive ribbon, and you’re good to go!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This cranberry orange butter is not just delicious—it’s packed with flavor and a few nutritional perks too.

• Calories: Approximately 90 calories per tablespoon.
• Healthy fats: Butter contains beneficial fats that provide energy and satiety.
• Vitamin C: The orange juice and zest boost your daily intake of this immune-supporting vitamin.
• Low-sugar option: Adjust sweetness to suit your dietary needs.
• Allergen note: Contains dairy and potential citrus allergens. Ensure substitutions for dietary restrictions.

While it’s a treat, you can feel good knowing it contains fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Conclusion

Creamy cranberry orange butter is everything you want in a holiday recipe—easy, delicious, and undeniably festive. Whether you’re spreading it on fresh-baked rolls or gifting it to friends, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. I love how adaptable it is, and honestly, it’s become a staple in my holiday kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your twists on the recipe in the comments below. Let’s make this season sweeter, one spoonful at a time!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just fine! Make sure to thaw them completely before using.

How long does this butter last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts up to two weeks. You can freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or coconut oil.

What can I serve this with?

It’s delicious on biscuits, toast, pancakes, waffles, or as a glaze for meats like ham or turkey.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep or gifting! The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the fridge.

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