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.

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.

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.

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.

Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe

Name: Cranberry Orange Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup grass-fed butter or ghee, at room temperature; 1/3 cup finely chopped dried cranberries; Zest from 1 fresh orange; 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Tiny pinch of sea salt

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

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve: Spread over toasted bread, scones, bagels, or your favorite baked goods. Optionally, sprinkle with additional sea salt flakes for extra flavor.
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