There’s something genuinely magical about a flavored butter that instantly transforms any slice of bread, muffin, or scone into a gourmet treat. This Cranberry Orange Butter is the perfect example: it’s sweet, a little tart, creamy, and full of zesty brightness. Best of all, it takes just about five minutes to whip up. If you’re looking for a quick way to elevate your breakfasts, snacks, or brunches, this recipe is a lifesaver—especially when your days are jam-packed but you still want something homemade and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ridiculously Easy: We’re talking about five minutes from start to finish, and absolutely zero fancy techniques.
  • Bright, Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberry and orange is timeless—think tart meets citrus sunshine, all wrapped up in creamy goodness.
  • Versatile: Amazing on toast, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or even as a topping for baked sweet potatoes. It takes everyday eats to a whole new level.
  • Make Ahead Magic: Perfect for make-ahead breakfasts and brunch spreads. It keeps beautifully in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Grass-Fed Butter or Ghee: Softened to room temperature so it mixes easily. Grass-fed butter brings a subtly richer flavor and lovely golden color, but ghee is a great option if you want a dairy alternative or a nuttier finish.
  • Dried Cranberries: Finely chopped for pops of tart-sweet flavor in every bite. If your cranberries feel a bit tough, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.
  • Fresh Orange Zest: Do not skip this; orange zest adds that unmistakable citrusy fragrance and a burst of freshness.
  • Raw Honey or Pure Maple Syrup: For natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and zesty orange. Choose your favorite—honey brings a floral note, while maple syrup lends depth and warmth.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its subtle, comforting aroma. Use real vanilla for the best taste.
  • Sea Salt: Just a tiny pinch highlights the sweet and tart notes and balances everything out.
  • Optional Garnish: Sea salt flakes for serving, adding crunch and a fancy finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to play around with this butter? Absolutely! Here are some simple ideas:

  • Berry swap: Try dried cherries, blueberries, or even chopped dried apricots.
  • Citrus twist: Swap the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a new kind of zing.
  • Spiced up: A pinch of cinnamon or ginger adds lovely cozy warmth.
  • Nutty version: Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped roasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Vegan: Use a high-quality vegan butter base and pure maple syrup.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Butter

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Let the butter (or ghee) sit out until it’s soft enough to blend easily—this is key for a smooth, fluffy butter. Finely chop your dried cranberries so they’ll distribute evenly throughout.

Step 2: Mix

In a medium bowl, add the softened butter (or ghee), chopped cranberries, fresh orange zest, your sweetener of choice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.

Step 3: Blend Until Creamy

Using an electric mixer is the fastest (and most effective) way. Beat everything on medium until fully combined, creamy, and ever-so-slightly whipped. The dried cranberries should be flecked throughout like jewels.

Step 4: Store

Transfer your finished butter to a jar, ramekin, or any airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon, smear, and slather over toast, warm muffins, scones, pancakes—the possibilities are endless. For extra sparkle, sprinkle on sea salt flakes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Rush the Softening: If your butter or ghee isn’t soft enough, the butter will end up lumpy instead of creamy.
  • Zest Only the Orange Skin: Avoid grating into the bitter white pith—just use the bright orange outer layer.
  • Finely Chop the Cranberries: Big chunks are harder to spread and don’t look as pretty.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste and add a little more honey or maple syrup if you want a sweeter spread.
  • For Ghee: If using ghee, it will stay softer in the fridge, making the butter easier to spread straight out of the jar.

How to Serve

This Cranberry Orange Butter truly transforms anything it touches!

  • With Toast: Spread thickly over sturdy bread (Ezekiel or sourdough is fantastic), and finish with a pinch of sea salt flakes.
  • Breakfast Pastries: Smear generously onto warm English muffins, scones, biscuits, or croissants.
  • Stacked on Pancakes or Waffles: Let it melt into every nook—pure bliss.
  • Holiday Boards: Dollop into a small bowl with a cheese or brunch board for instant festive flair.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Try a spoonful over baked sweet potatoes for a surprising sweet-savory twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cranberry orange butter in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing

If you want to make a larger batch, this butter freezes very well! Form it into a log with parchment paper, wrap tightly, and keep in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating

There’s really no need to reheat, but if your butter is cold and you prefer it softer, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

    For this recipe, dried cranberries work best, since they don’t add excess moisture and can be finely chopped without watering down the butter. Fresh cranberries would be too tart and watery. If you only have fresh, try roasting them first and draining well.

  2. My butter is too hard straight from the fridge. What should I do?

    Just let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Grass-fed butter (and especially ghee) softens quickly, making it perfectly spreadable again.

  3. I don’t have an electric mixer. Can I mix by hand?

    Absolutely! Use a sturdy spoon or spatula, and a little patience. Make sure your butter is extra-soft to help everything blend together easily.

  4. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

    Yes! Use your favorite plant-based butter, and stick with pure maple syrup for sweetener. The results will be just as delicious and spreadable.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Butter is truly one of those simple recipes that delivers big on flavor yet takes hardly any time at all. It’s a little taste of luxury on a busy morning, and makes every meal feel special, whether you’re rushing out the door or hosting brunch with friends. Try it once—chances are, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your fridge. Enjoy every spoonful!

Print
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Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe

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  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings (about 1 tablespoon each) 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry Orange Butter combines creamy grass-fed butter or ghee with finely chopped dried cranberries, fresh orange zest, raw honey or pure maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla, resulting in a versatile, sweet-tart spread. It’s perfect for slathering over warm toast, scones, bagels, or as a festive addition to your breakfast or appetizer table.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Butter Base

  • 1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee, at room temperature

Fruits and Flavoring

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
  • Zest from 1 fresh orange

Sweeteners & Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Tiny pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixing Bowl: Place your softened butter or ghee in a medium-sized mixing bowl, ensuring it is at room temperature for easier blending and a smoother texture.
  2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the finely chopped dried cranberries, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of sea salt to the bowl with the butter or ghee.
  3. Blend Until Smooth: Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the spread is fluffy, with cranberries and zest evenly distributed.
  4. Store the Butter: Transfer the flavored butter into a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness and allow flavors to meld together.
  5. Serve: Spread over toasted bread, scones, bagels, or your favorite baked goods. Optionally, sprinkle with additional sea salt flakes for extra flavor.
  6. Enjoy: Serve as a delicious breakfast treat or a festive appetizer.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, use a high-quality vegan butter alternative in place of butter or ghee.
  • If using salted butter, reduce or omit the added sea salt.
  • For best flavor, allow the butter to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Try substituting dried cherries or blueberries for cranberries for a different twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (approx. 18g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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