Who knew butter could have a nationality? From American butter to French and Moroccan butters, there are different methods to produce these special butters. Let’s dive a little deeper into European butter. Does it speak another language? Does it taste differently? What we’re really talking about here is the style in which butter is produced throughout Europe.

Essentially, European butter refers to a cultured butter that has been churned longer to achieve at least 82% butterfat. Traditionally speaking, the butter is allowed to ferment to achieve a light sour taste, but you’re more likely to find butter made with added cultures. Either way, you still end up with a tangy butter. Yum!

European butters are favored for their rich taste overall which leads to the higher butterfat content. More butterfat also means a softer texture, faster melt, and often, a saturated yellow hue. With less water, European butters are often the preferred butter for baking — especially when the flavor of butter is just as important as its function. Now is your preference American or European butter? It truly truly depends on what you’re cooking!

Making a call on when to use what butter depends on your scenario. Making flaky pie dough? Go French  if you can and #MakeItMagnifique; the higher fat content will mean more flakiness. In recipes where butter isn’t the lead (think: brownies, quick bread, greasing baking pans, etc.) unsalted or sweet cream butter still delivers, with economy and function.

As acclaimed American chef Julia Child once exclaimed, “With enough butter, anything is good!” Can’t argue with her there. Who else agrees?

Can it get any better than that? Apparently it can. According to renowned French Chef and Ferrandi School Professor Eric Trochon, “Butter ennobles the simplest products and provides the little ‘French twist’ which is essential to all other preparations.”

European butter goes beyond what it is from the surface. Believe it or not, butter has some major health benefits as well. It is also the only fatty substance that helps fight infections and protects the skin from external aggressions and can help improve vision and growth due to the fact that it consists of vitamin A. It also contains vitamin D which is an essential component for binding calcium to the bones and improving the immune system. You *butter* believe it.

The Butter of Europe Marketing Campaign, orchestrated by CNIEL (The French Dairy Inter-Branch Organization) and co-funded by the European Union, was designed to create awareness for the variety of European butters available in the US market and to suggest ways that American consumers can incorporate butter into their diets, recipes and lifestyles. The campaign’s goal is to increase the appeal of European butter and strengthen their competitive position within the growing specialty butter category. For more information, check out Butter of Europe’s social media pages: @ButterofEurope on Instagram and Facebook. 

Let’s explore a delicious recipe that is prime for European butter and better yet, Use leftover cranberry sauce to impress your house guests with these easy sweet rolls:

DOUGH

4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted Butter of Europe

3/4 cup milk

3/4 cup water

1 large egg

FILLING

1 cup cranberry sauce

GLAZE

3/4 cup powdered sugar

3 tablespoons Butter of Europe, melted

1 to 2 tablespoons Half & Half

How to make

1. STEP 1
   Combine 2 1/2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt in bowl.
2. STEP 2
   Place 3/4 cup butter, milk and water in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until very warm (120ºF-130ºF).
3. STEP 3
   Add milk mixture and egg to flour mixture. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
4. STEP 4
   Turn dough lightly onto floured surface; knead about 5 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place into greased bowl; turn, greased-side up. Cover; let rise in warm place 60-90 minutes or until double in size and indentation remains when dough is touched.
5. STEP 5
   Punch down dough. Roll dough into 18×14-inch rectangle on lightly floured surface. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over dough to within 1/2 inch of edge. Roll up, beginning with 18-inch side; seal seam well.
6. STEP 6
   Cut into 12 (1-1/2 inch) rolls with serrated knife. Place rolls into greased 13×9-inch baking pan. Cover; let rise about 30 minutes or until double in size.
7. STEP 7
   Heat oven to 375ºF. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
8. STEP 8
   Combine all glaze ingredients in bowl; drizzle over rolls.

ENJOY! Whether you have a sweet tooth or enjoy savory scrumptiousness, Butter of Europe can be a crucial component of your delicious holiday recipes to share with friends and family. Buttery croissants, flaky pies, creamy herbed butters for crackers, the options are limitless when it comes to Butter of Europe. ‘Tis the season to elevate your dishes and desserts with European butter. Cheers!