Delightful Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are like little bites of sunshine, bringing together the tartness of cranberries and the zestiness of oranges in a buttery treat. Imagine taking a bite, the crumbly texture giving way to bursts of flavor that dance on your taste buds, leaving you wanting more with each heavenly nibble.

Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a cookie wonderland, filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking. These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies have become a family favorite, making their grand debut at our festive gatherings and stealing the spotlight every time. The vibrant colors and cheerful flavors make them perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea on chilly afternoons.

I vividly remember the first time I served these cookies; my friends devoured them in minutes and begged for the recipe. Their delighted faces were enough to make me feel like a baking superstar.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Granulated Sugar: The sweetness balances the tart cranberries perfectly; don’t skimp on it!

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it before measuring for best results.

• Cranberries: You can use either fresh or dried cranberries; both offer unique flavors.

• Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest adds brightness; avoid using dried zest for better flavor.

• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for depth of flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully; don’t forget it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes will do.

Add Flavorful Ingredients: Mix in freshly grated orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined; your kitchen will start smelling heavenly at this point.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture; stir until just combined to avoid overmixing that toughens the cookies.

Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in chopped cranberries using a spatula—this keeps those lovely bursts intact when baked.

Scoop and Bake!: Use a tablespoon to scoop dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft.

Enjoy these delightful Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies warm from the oven or cool completely before storing them in an airtight container—they won’t last long!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add flour and zest. Chill the dough before shaping it into logs. This ensures cleaner slices and a perfect texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add a hint of almond extract for a unique twist. A sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the flavors wonderfully.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag, then thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Baking these cookies always reminds me of holiday gatherings where my family would fight over the last piece. Their bright flavors bring everyone together and spark joy.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart; stick with dried ones for sweetness.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Look for a light golden edge while keeping the center slightly soft; they will firm up as they cool.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the right texture remains intact.

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with zesty orange in a buttery, crumbly cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are bursting with flavor and color, making them an ideal gift or a cozy indulgence with your favorite beverage. Easy to make and utterly irresistible, they will quickly become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
3. Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Traditional

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg