In the Fall 2025 issue of Magnolia Journal, I found some luscious recipes for "compound" butters. I've used compound butters and have given them as gifts for years, so this article was of special interest to me. But as I was reading, I wondered how many of our readers know about and use them. Thus, my topic here: "compound" butter--what it is, reasons for making and using it, and some ideas for making it.

WHAT IT IS: It originated in France and was called "beurre composé." Compound butter is simply softened butter mixed with other ingredients (minced garlic, fresh herbs, spices, or even miso paste, honey, or vanilla) to add sweet or savory flavor. It's then reformed and chilled.

WHY BOTHER--REASONS FOR MAKING AND USING IT: Compound butter adds incredible flavor to a wide variety of dishes by simply spreading it on. It's a versatile ingredient you can also be stir into pasta or rice, use to baste or finish roasted meats like turkey or chicken, or incorporate into sauces for added richness and complexity.

IDEAS FOR MAKING IT: Typically, there are 5 easy steps to compound butter-making.

1.      Soften the butter until it is pliable but not melted.

2.      Finely chop or mince your chosen additions.

Savory ideas include Garlic-herb butter--a classic combination of garlic, parsley, and butter; Lemon-dill butter--lemon zest and juice mixed with fresh dill and butter; Chipotle-lime butter--a spicy and tangy blend of chipotle peppers, lime juice, and butter, great for steak or chicken; Miso-ginger butter--a savory and umami-rich option.

Sweet ideas include Honey butter--a simple sweet version using honey and cinnamon; Pumpkin spice butter--made with butter, pumpkin pie spice, brown sugar, and a touch of maple syrup; Cardamom brown sugar butter--using softened butter, brown sugar, ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt; Vanilla bean butter--created with the seeds from a vanilla bean (or a little vanilla paste), softened butter and honey.  

(Pumpkin Pie Spice Compound Butter)

3.      Whip the softened butter and mix in the additional ingredients until thoroughly combined.

4.      Shape the butter (often into a log), by rolling it in parchment paper or plastic wrap.

5.      Chill the butter for about an hour, or until firm.

Intrigued? Me too! And so will anyone to whom you give this delicacy. Compound butters make such easy and delicious gifts--they're a big deal. And here's the bigness of the deal: As the Swedes are known to say, "Food tastes better made with butter and love!" Give this special butter and you're giving your love right along with it!

Here's a recipe to get you started. Let me know what you think.

Cranberry Thyme Compound Butter

Ingredients:

1/2 cup solidified brown butter at room temperature (regular butter that has been cooked until its milk solids toast and turn a golden brown, giving it a nutty, rich, and caramelized flavor)
3 tablespoons VERY finely snipped dried cranberries
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves minced well
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; stir well.

2. Chill 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once to allow butter to firm up and be easily shaped.

3. Spoon butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap plastic around the butter.

4. Roll butter to form a log; twist ends tightly closed; secure.

5. You can also use a silicone mold for shaping.

6. Chill 1hour or until log is firm.

Recipe formatted with the Cook'n Recipe Software from DVO Enterprises.