Pioneer Woman’s Homemade Cranberry Butter Recipe for Sweet Treats

Autumn breezes carry whispers of a delightful cranberry butter that will enchant your senses.

Homemade spreads never tasted this magical before this pioneer woman creation.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate with each silky smooth bite.

Seasonal ingredients transform into something extraordinary through simple kitchen alchemy.

Cranberries burst with vibrant crimson color, promising rich flavor in every spoonful.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks can master this delectable recipe with ease.

Let your taste buds embark on a delicious adventure that celebrates rustic, comforting goodness.

Breads and Scones That Match Well

• Slather this vibrant cranberry butter on warm, crusty artisan sourdough or thick-cut rustic whole grain bread for a delightful breakfast or snack experience.
• Serve alongside rich, aromatic coffee with a hint of cinnamon or a smooth chai tea to balance the tangy cranberry flavor and enhance the butter's creamy texture.
• Spread over freshly roasted turkey, baked ham, or warm roasted chicken to add a bright, festive burst of fruity sweetness that elevates traditional holiday main dishes.
• Dollop generously on warm buttermilk biscuits, fluffy pancakes, or golden waffles to transform ordinary breakfast items into a gourmet morning treat.

Creative Mix-Ins for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

• Vegan Cranberry Spread: Replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free alternative that maintains a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, perfect for diabetic-friendly diets while preserving the tangy cranberry essence.
• Spiced Autumn Blend: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to create a warm, seasonal variation that enhances the cranberry's natural complexity.
• Citrus Infusion: Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime instead of orange to introduce a bright, unexpected flavor profile to the butter.

Pioneer Woman’s Cranberry Butter Copy You’ll Crave

• This cranberry butter brings festive magic to your table with minimal effort.
• Requiring just 15 minutes of active cooking time, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet spread that looks professionally prepared.
• Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet-tangy combination that elevates basic toast, muffins, or holiday breads with vibrant cranberry goodness.
• Ideal for gifting during Christmas or Thanksgiving, this homemade butter adds a personal touch to breakfast spreads and can be prepared days ahead, reducing last-minute cooking stress.

Ingredient List for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berry that provides the main flavor profile for the butter, best when fresh and plump.
• Sugar: Essential for balancing the cranberries' tartness and creating a smooth compote.

• Orange Zest: Bright citrus notes that complement the cranberries' deep flavor, adds a fresh and zesty dimension.
• Vanilla Extract: Smooth, sweet undertone that rounds out the overall taste of the butter.

• Butter: Creamy, rich base that serves as the primary vehicle for the cranberry mixture, best when softened at room temperature.

Simple Instructions for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

Step 1: Create Cranberry Compote

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar

Combine cranberries and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as cranberries burst and mixture transforms into a thick, glossy compote. The sauce will become slightly jammy and rich in color.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Butter Mixture

• Softened butter
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• Cranberry compote

Allow cranberry compote to cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the cooled cranberry compote. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated, creating a vibrant spread with swirls of ruby-red cranberry throughout.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare

Transfer the cranberry butter into a decorative jar or serving dish. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to harmonize and develop a perfect consistency. The butter will firm up slightly, making it easy to spread.

Serving Suggestions:

Spread on warm toast, bagels, or holiday rolls. Perfect for breakfast or as a festive accompaniment to bread. Keeps well in refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips to Get Consistency Just Right

• Select Fresh Cranberries: Choose plump, bright red cranberries without any soft spots or bruising for the most vibrant and flavorful butter.
• Soften Butter Perfectly: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, easy blending with cranberry compote.
• Adjust Sweetness Carefully: Taste the cranberry mixture while cooking and add more sugar gradually if needed, preventing overwhelming sweetness.
• Zest Matters: Use fresh orange zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the tartness of cranberries, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Store Smartly: Keep cranberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.

Store in Jars for Holiday Spreads

• Store cranberry butter in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the refrigerator, keeping it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap the butter tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer frozen cranberry butter to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, even thawing, maintaining its smooth texture and preventing separation.
• Let the chilled butter sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its spreadability.

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry butter brings festive holiday cheer straight from pioneer kitchen traditions. Rich crimson spread promises delightful warmth and seasonal comfort for your breakfast table and special gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

Liquids and Dairy:

• ½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions

1. Place fresh cranberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring intermittently until berries rupture and transform into a glossy, thick compote.
2. Allow the cranberry mixture to cool slightly, reducing its temperature to prevent butter from melting during blending.
3. Introduce softened butter into the cooled cranberry compote, incorporating orange zest and vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic complexity.
4. Whip the mixture vigorously until ingredients seamlessly integrate, creating a smooth, vibrant spread with marbled crimson and golden tones.
5. Carefully transfer the cranberry butter into a decorative serving vessel or sealed glass container.
6. Refrigerate for minimum one hour, permitting flavors to harmonize and develop deeper taste profile.
7. Remove from refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before serving to achieve optimal spreadable consistency.
8. Serve alongside warm breads, toasted bagels, or as a delightful accompaniment to morning pastries.

Notes

• Customize the sweetness by adjusting sugar levels to match your taste preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced cranberry butter.
• Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness, allowing the cranberry and orange flavors to shine through.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime to create unique flavor variations that complement the tart cranberries.
• Freeze the cranberry butter in small portions for up to 3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead option for quick breakfast spreads or holiday gifts.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg