Rustic Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Recipe

Cozy Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Recipe: A Sweet Homemade Treat

Cranberry butter bursts with festive magic, turning ordinary spreads into a spectacular seasonal sensation.

Crimson berries dance through creamy landscapes, weaving intense flavor and vibrant color into every silky swirl.

Tangy fruit transforms standard condiments into gourmet experiences that electrify breakfast routines.

Homemade spreads like this spark joy with their unexpected complexity and rich sensory depth.

Bold yet delicate, this ruby-hued mixture whispers of cozy mornings and culinary creativity.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through sweet-tart wilderness that elevates simple toast into a gourmet adventure.

You’ll fall in love with this effortless recipe that brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

For Flavor Boosters:
  • Dried Cranberries: Choose plump, vibrant berries without any discoloration or hard spots.
  • Orange Juice: Opt for fresh, pure juice without added sugars for the most authentic taste.
For Creamy Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality, fresh butter at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Confectioners' Sugar: Look for finely ground sugar with no lumps for silky texture.
For Preparation Support:
  • Heavy Plastic Wrap: Ensure a clean, food-grade wrap for shaping the butter log.
  • Sieve: Use a fine-mesh strainer to effectively drain cranberry liquid.

Essential Equipment for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

  • Small saucepan: Perfect for gently warming cranberries and orange juice.
  • Sieve: Essential for straining and pressing excess liquid from cranberries.
  • Wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly and naturally.
  • Electric mixer (optional): Helps create a creamy, consistent texture quickly.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining cranberries, butter, and sugar.
  • Ramekins: Ideal for storing and serving the cranberry butter.
  • Heavy plastic wrap: Perfect for shaping the butter into a neat log.
  • Knife: Useful for finely chopping softened cranberries.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping cranberries.

Steps to Prepare Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

Steps to Prepare Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

Craft Cranberry Butter Bliss

  • Plump and Prep Cranberries

Soak dried cranberries in warm orange juice for half an hour, letting them absorb the liquid and become wonderfully soft and juicy. The quick bath will transform these little gems into flavor-packed nuggets ready for spreading magic.

  • Blend Creamy Goodness

Gently strain cranberries and chop into tiny pieces. Grab softened butter and confectioners’ sugar, then mix everything together until smooth and dreamy. Whip the mixture with enthusiasm, creating a silky spread that whispers hints of tangy fruit and sweet comfort.

  • Shape and Chill Your Creation

Roll the vibrant butter into a beautiful log wrapped in plastic or nestle into charming ramekins. Tuck into the refrigerator and let it rest for a couple hours until perfectly firm. Before serving, let your cranberry butter breathe at room temperature for a few minutes, allowing its rich flavors to bloom and become irresistibly spreadable.

Flavor Changes and Notes for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

  • Elevate Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit instead of orange to add unique zesty notes to your cranberry butter.
  • Herb-Infused Twist: Fold in finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during mixing to create a sophisticated, aromatic spread that complements savory dishes perfectly.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep your cranberry butter sealed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer preservation, freeze the butter log wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
  • Serving Suggestions: Transform this spread from a simple condiment to a gourmet experience by pairing it with warm brioche, crusty sourdough, or as a delightful topping for pancakes and waffles.

Serving Tips for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

  • Spread Holiday Cheer: Serve this cranberry butter on warm, toasted artisan bread or freshly baked scones for a festive breakfast treat that'll make your morning sparkle.
  • Jazz Up Your Baked Goods: Dollop this creamy spread on pancakes, waffles, or muffins to add a burst of tangy-sweet flavor that transforms ordinary baked goods into something spectacular.
  • Elegant Appetizer Accent: Use as a delightful accompaniment to a cheese board, pairing perfectly with soft brie or sharp cheddar for an impressive party appetizer that'll wow your guests.
  • Gift-Worthy Gourmet Touch: Package the cranberry butter in small mason jars with a festive ribbon, creating a homemade holiday gift that feels personal and deliciously thoughtful.

Storage Advice for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter

  • Preserve Flavor Freshness: Store the cranberry butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, ensuring maximum taste and quality.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the spread up to 3 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap the butter log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Serving Smart: Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, creating a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for toast, muffins, or pastries.
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Rustic Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Recipe

Rustic Pioneer Woman Cranberry Butter Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Rich pioneer woman cranberry butter blends tart cranberries with creamy butter for a delightful spread. Home cooks can easily prepare this festive condiment with minimal ingredients and simple techniques.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) orange juice
  • 5 tbsps (37.5 g / 1.3 oz) confectioners’ sugar
  • ½ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Cranberry Hydration: Simmer dried cranberries in orange juice until liquid shimmers, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to plump and absorb liquid.
  2. Cranberry Preparation: Drain cranberries in a fine-mesh strainer, gently pressing to remove excess moisture, then finely chop into uniform pieces.
  3. Butter Blending: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cranberries, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar at room temperature, mixing thoroughly with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until smooth and fully incorporated.
  4. Shaping and Storing: Shape the cranberry butter into a cylindrical log wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to ceramic ramekins, ensuring a compact and even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate for 2 hours to set and meld flavors, then remove 15 minutes before serving to allow slight softening and optimal spreadability.

Notes

  • Boost Cranberry Flavor: Hydrate dried cranberries in orange juice to intensify their natural sweetness and plumpness before incorporating into butter.
  • Temperature Matters: Ensure butter, cranberries, and sugar are at room temperature for seamless blending and consistent texture.
  • Prep Like a Pro: Finely mince rehydrated cranberries to distribute flavor evenly and create a smooth, uniform spread.
  • Serving Strategy: Remove butter from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to achieve perfect spreadability and release maximum flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 2 mg
  • Fat: 66 g
  • Saturated Fat: 42 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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