Name: Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon orange zest; ½ teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice; ½ teaspoon honey; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; pinch of salt; optional: a few drops of orange blossom water or edible dried flowers for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a silky, fragrant spread that instantly elevates breakfast or brunch, let me introduce you to my Citrus Blossom Butter. This delightful compound butter is a sunshine-infused blend of creamy butter, bright orange and lemon zests, honey, and a whisper of orange blossom water. The result is a luxurious yet simple treat that sings with citrusy notes and floral sweetness—perfect for slathering over warm scones, pancakes, or even grilled bread when you want a touch of magic at the table.

Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Citrus Blossom Butter is wonderfully straightforward, and each one has a starring role in the final flavor. From the smoothness of butter to the sparkling hit of zest, these components come together to create something truly special and fresh.

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The creamy, rich canvas for our Citrus Blossom Butter that lets each flavor shine through.
Orange Zest (1 teaspoon): Grated from a fresh orange, it brings vibrant color and a lively, fragrant punch.
Lemon Zest (½ teaspoon): Offers a tangy, zingy counterpoint to the sweeter orange notes for perfect balance.
Fresh Orange Juice (1 teaspoon): Gives the butter a gentle citrus sharpness and extra moisture for spreadability.
Honey (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness, rounding out the bright and bold citrus elements.
Vanilla Extract (¼ teaspoon): Just a drop enhances the butter’s floral and creamy undertones.
Pinch of Salt: Essential for highlighting all the other flavors—never skip the salt!
Orange Blossom Water or Edible Dried Flowers (optional): The secret to an ethereal aroma and a truly special garnish for Citrus Blossom Butter.

How to Make Citrus Blossom Butter

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Start by setting out all your ingredients, especially making sure your butter is softened. Zest your orange and lemon using a microplane, and juice your orange. Lay everything beside your mixing bowl—this sets you up for a smooth process and ensures your Citrus Blossom Butter comes together seamlessly.

Step 2: Blend the Flavors Together

Add the softened butter, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a small mixing bowl. Using a fork or silicone spatula, mash and mix until you’ve got a creamy, uniform blend. At this point, you can add a drop or two of orange blossom water—use a light hand, as its floral character goes a long way and makes your Citrus Blossom Butter incredibly fragrant.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Once completely blended, transfer your Citrus Blossom Butter to a small serving ramekin for immediate use or form it into a log shape using parchment paper. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the texture to firm up beautifully for spreading.

Step 4: Garnish for a Finishing Touch

When ready to serve, unwrap your butter and, if you like, sprinkle edible dried flowers over the top. This simple touch elevates the look and infuses a sweet, subtle aroma that makes the experience of enjoying Citrus Blossom Butter truly memorable.

How to Serve Citrus Blossom Butter

Garnishes

A delicate shower of edible dried flowers, a pinch of extra citrus zest, or a tiny drip of honey can take your Citrus Blossom Butter presentation from homemade to utterly enchanting. These small flourishes add extra color and make your table feel special.

Side Dishes

Citrus Blossom Butter is a dream alongside warm scones, but it also brightens pancakes, waffles, fresh muffins, or crisp grilled toast. For a more gourmet touch, try it with poppyseed bread or even baguette slices at a brunch spread—your guests will be wowed.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Pipe Citrus Blossom Butter into little rosettes, spread it in a charming butter crock, or shape a log and roll it in chopped pistachios or more zest before slicing into coins. Each presentation brings out a different side of this indulgent treat and adds festivity to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Citrus Blossom Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to one week, preserving the lively flavors and dreamy texture for whenever you need a splash of citrus sunshine.

Freezing

If you end up with more than you can use right away, simply wrap your Citrus Blossom Butter in parchment or plastic wrap, place it in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to three months. Whenever you want a hit of citrusy flavor, slice off what you need and let it come to room temperature.

Reheating

Butter doesn’t need much help to return to its perfect self. Remove Citrus Blossom Butter from the refrigerator or freezer and let it stand at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before using. There’s no need to microwave; patience yields a perfect creamy spread.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but skip or reduce the extra pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting your Citrus Blossom Butter.

Is orange blossom water necessary?

Orange blossom water is optional—it adds a lovely floral aroma, but the butter is still absolutely delicious without it. Just remember, if you do use it, a drop or two goes far!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a high-quality plant-based butter for the dairy butter, and make sure your honey alternative is vegan if you’re avoiding animal products. All the citrusy charm will still come through.

What kind of honey works best?

Mild (like clover or orange blossom honey) works beautifully, letting the citrus and floral notes remain the stars. Avoid strong varieties that might overpower the gentle flavors of your Citrus Blossom Butter.

How can I use this butter beyond breakfast?

Citrus Blossom Butter works magic on roasted vegetables, fish, or even sweet potatoes. Dollop it onto cakes, cornbread, or warm biscuits for a dazzling finishing touch any time of day.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Citrus Blossom Butter enough—this simple homemade spread brings a little burst of joy to every table. It’s fast, flexible, and gorgeously fragrant, whether you’re making brunch for friends or just treating yourself. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with its zesty-sweet magic!

Citrus Blossom Butter Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the refreshing flavors of orange and lemon with a hint of floral sweetness in this Citrus Blossom Butter. This compound butter is perfect for spreading on warm scones, pancakes, or muffins for a tasty breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt
optional: a few drops of orange blossom water or edible dried flowers for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, honey, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Enhance Aroma: For enhanced aroma, add a drop or two of orange blossom water, but use sparingly as it is very concentrated.
Chill and Serve: Transfer the butter to a small serving dish or shape into a log using parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Decorate: Sprinkle with edible dried flowers for a decorative touch, if desired.