Homemade Holiday Compound Butters: DIY Gifts from the Garden

What is Compound Butter?

Compound butter is simply butter that has been mixed with flavorful ingredients—like herbs, spices, or even fruits and flowers. The result? A versatile spread that can be used on everything from fresh bread to grilled meats and roasted veggies. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the flavors of your garden and share them with loved ones.

Simple, yet so delicious.

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Garden-Fresh Ingredients for Holiday Compound Butters

Don’t have a garden? No problem! You can still enjoy the freshness of these compound butters by picking up herbs from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and other herbs are usually easy to find and will bring just as much flavor to your homemade creations.

Herbs and ingredients that work well:

• Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, perfect for savory dishes.
• Thyme: Delicate and slightly minty, great with meats and vegetables.
• Sage: Warm and earthy, ideal for holiday roasts.
• Dill: Fresh and bright, pairs wonderfully with fish and seafood.
• Basil: Sweet and peppery, a classic for Italian-inspired dishes.
• Lavender: Lightly floral, great in sweet or savory combinations.
• Chives: Mild onion flavor, delicious in everything from potatoes to eggs.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp deep rich flavour to your butters.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Citrus zest: Lemon, orange, or lime zest adds brightness.
• Honey: Adds sweetness, perfect for breakfast butters.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors of the herbs.

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Ingredients You Should Avoid Adding to Your Holiday Compound Butter

Raw Garlic: While garlic is delicious in compound butter, using it raw can lead to quick spoilage if stored at room temperature or even in the fridge for extended periods. Always use cooked garlic or store garlic compound butter in the freezer to prevent bacterial growth.

Fresh Herbs That Spoil Quickly: Ingredients like fresh basil or cilantro can spoil more quickly than other herbs. If using these, freeze the butter rather than storing it in the fridge for long periods.

Alcohol: Although alcohol-based flavors can be tempting, it’s tricky to incorporate certain types safely, especially higher-proof spirits. They may not mix well and could impact the butter’s texture or encourage separation.

Citrus Juice: While zest is great, adding too much fresh citrus juice can destabilize the butter, leading to quicker spoilage. Opt for zest instead for a stable, long-lasting flavor.

Perishable Dairy Additions (like cream cheese): Adding soft, fresh cheeses to butter introduces more moisture and potential for spoilage, as these ingredients spoil faster than butter alone. Keep such combinations frozen or avoid them in compound butter intended for extended storage.

How to Make Compound Butter

Basic Recipe:

1. Start with Room-Temperature Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. Each batch should start with 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter.
2. Add Your Flavorings: Finely chop your herbs, flowers, or add-ins, and mix them into the butter until evenly combined.
3. Shape & Wrap: Place the butter onto a sheet of parchment paper. Roll it into a log, twisting the ends of the paper to seal it like a Christmas cracker.
4. Add a Rustic Touch: Wrap the parchment-covered log in a piece of patterned cotton fabric. Tie the ends with twine or ribbon.
5. Chill & Store: Keep the butter logs in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

No need for any appliances, you can easily blend these butters so long as your ingredients are at room temperature.

Tip: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the butter. Make sure everything is well combined before rolling it into a log. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

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Festive Compound Butter Recipes

For each recipe, blend ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth, shape into a log, wrap in parchment, and chill until firm.

1. Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 roasted garlic cloves **
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

**While roasted garlic is recommended for a smooth, rich flavor, you can use raw garlic if you plan to consume the butter quickly. Raw garlic can spoil faster, so for longer storage, stick with roasted garlic or freeze your compound butter to keep it fresh and safe.

Try this butter on:

• Steak Finishing Butter: Add a pat to grilled or pan-seared steak right before serving. The rosemary and garlic bring out a rich, savory flavor that complements the meat beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Spread on a sliced baguette and bake until golden for an elevated garlic bread.
• Mashed Cauliflower: Stir into mashed cauliflower for a low-carb, flavorful side that pairs well with roasted meats.

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2. Lemon, Thyme & Lavender Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tsp culinary lavender
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Pinch of salt

Try this butter on:

• White Fish or Cod: Melt over broiled or baked white fish like cod for a delicate, herbaceous flavor with a hint of floral citrus.
• Shortbread Cookies: Add to your shortbread dough for a unique twist on this classic cookie—perfect for the holidays.
• Roasted Baby Carrots: Toss baby carrots in this butter before roasting to add a sweet and savory aroma that elevates the dish.

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3. Sage & Orange Zest Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt

Try this butter on:

• Roast Duck: Rub on the skin of a duck before roasting to add a bright, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the meat.
• Cornbread Spread: Use as a spread on warm cornbread muffins for a fragrant, slightly sweet accent.
• Glazed Roasted Parsnips: Toss roasted parsnips with this butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy, sweet-savory side dish.

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4. Rosemary & Cranberry Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• Pinch of sea salt

• Thanksgiving Turkey: Rub under the skin of a turkey before roasting to give it a beautiful, festive flavor with a hint of tart cranberry.
• Pumpkin Ravioli Finishing Butter: Melt over pumpkin or butternut squash ravioli for an unforgettable sweet-savory combination.
• Brie Crostini: Spread on crostini and top with brie for a simple appetizer that brings out both savory and sweet notes.

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Labels & packaging Ideas To Make Your Handmade Gift Pop!

Packaging your homemade butters beautifully can elevate them from delicious treats to cherished, thoughtful gifts. The packaging is important; you spent that time and effort to make beautiful homemade compound butter, and your treats deserve pretty packaging. Here’s how to do it on a dime!

1. Roll the Butter in Parchment Paper: After forming the butter into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, using fabric ribbon to tie the ends. It should resemble a candy or Christmas cracker.
2. Add a Cotton Wrap: Cut a piece of patterned cotton fabric slightly shorter than the butter log. Wrap it around the butter, covering the parchment, and twist the ends.
3. Tie It Up: Tie each end with rustic twine, raffia, or a matching ribbon. This will give it a charming, old-fashioned look that is perfect for the holidays.
4. Label It: Attach a small, handwritten tag with the name of the butter and suggestions for how to use it. Something simple, like “Rosemary & Garlic Butter—Perfect for roast meats or warm bread.”

Tip: Choose festive or winter-themed fabrics (plaid, florals, gingham) to add to the seasonal feel. The presentation is almost as delightful as the butter itself!

*** Grab the free label download here (PDF version)***

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Why Compound Butters Make the Perfect DIY Gift

• Versatile & Delicious: Compound butter can be used in a variety of ways—on bread, with meats, in cooking, or even on desserts. Practical and indulgent!
• Handmade with Love: There’s something special about receiving a gift that someone made just for you. Each butter blend can be tailored to suit the recipient’s tastes.
• Elegant Yet Simple: Easy to make, but they look and taste gourmet. Perfect last-minute gifts that feel thoughtful and luxurious.

How to Store and Prepare Compound Butter for the Holidays

Proper storage ensures your compound butters stay fresh and flavorful through the holiday season, whether you’re making them for gifts or to add a special touch to your own meals. Here’s everything you need to know about storing, timing, and freezing your homemade compound butters.

Storing Compound Butter in the Fridge

Once you’ve mixed and shaped your compound butter, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Stored this way, compound butters will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. For best flavor, keep them chilled until ready to use or gift.

When to Make Compound Butter for Holiday Gifting

To ensure peak freshness, plan to make your compound butters 1-2 days before gifting if you’re storing them in the fridge. This timing ensures that flavors stay vibrant and the butter reaches your recipients at its very best. If you’re making them in advance, freezing is an ideal option to maintain flavor and texture.

Freezing Compound Butter for Long-Term Storage

Freezing compound butter is a great way to prep holiday gifts ahead of time without compromising quality. Here’s how to do it:

1. Shape and Wrap: Form the butter into a log and wrap it tightly in parchment paper, then cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag.
2. Slice for Easy Use: For convenience, slice the butter log into individual pats and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pats to an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can grab a pat or two without thawing the entire log.
3. Storage Time: Compound butter can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing flavor. Just remember to label each butter with the date and type for easy identification.

Thawing and Using Frozen Compound Butter

When you’re ready to use or gift your frozen compound butter, simply move it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. For a quicker option, slice off what you need and let it soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving or using in cooking.

With these storage tips, you can easily make your compound butters ahead of time and enjoy the convenience of having them on hand for holiday cooking, hosting, or last-minute gifts. Happy butter-making!

More Edible Gift-Giving Ideas

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Final Thoughts

Compound butters are a wonderful way to share the flavors of your garden with loved ones, packaged in a cozy, rustic style perfect for the holidays. With just a little time, you’ll have a gift that delights anyone who receives it. Slather it on toast Christmas morning, add it to a holiday feast, melt it over baked potatoes, pancakes, or freshly steamed veggies. These versatile butters add a festive touch to almost any dish, making them the star of your edible gift collection.

So grab some herbs, butter, and a little festive spirit. Start creating your own holiday compound butters—they’re handmade gifts everyone will savor and enjoy

Pin It for Later: Save this post for holiday gifting inspiration and share the magic of homemade treats from your garden!