Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are a delightful fusion of buttery richness and zesty fruit. They make the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon with friends, or a simple reward for yourself after a long day. My first encounter with this recipe was during a family brunch, and I can still recall the smiles they brought to every face. Their buttery texture combined with the tartness of cranberries and the freshness of orange zest makes these cookies truly special.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are several reasons to love cranberry orange shortbread cookies. First, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal time. Perfect for when you’re busy, yet still want to whip up something that feels thoughtful! Second, these cookies strike a delicate balance between sweet and tangy, making them a hit among both kids and adults. Lastly, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, but they shine particularly well during the holiday season when cranberries are in abundance.

“These cookies are a game-changer! The perfect blend of tart and sweet, they make my holiday gatherings even more special.” — Jessica T.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making cranberry orange shortbread cookies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. You can expect the entire journey to take about 45 minutes from start to finish, with a little patience for the chilling time. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

1. Cream the butter and sugar.
2. Add the vanilla and zest.
3. Incorporate flour and salt.
4. Fold in cranberries.
5. Chill the dough.
6. Shape and slice the cookies.
7. Bake until golden.

Now, let’s get into the specifics of what you’ll need.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

You can substitute unsalted butter with margarine if necessary, and for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest for that burst of flavor.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until well blended.
5. Fold in the chopped cranberries; they add a lovely texture and taste.
6. Shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
7. Slice the log into rounds or cut shapes from the disk, according to your preference.
8. Place the cookies on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Once baked, allow them to cool before serving.

Best Way to Serve

When serving cranberry orange shortbread cookies, you can enhance the experience with a few simple ideas. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a warming afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to dessert platters during holiday gatherings. Consider dusting them with a little extra powdered sugar for presentation or drizzling a light glaze made from orange juice and confectioners’ sugar on top for an elegant touch.

Keeping Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Fresh Longer

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to prolong their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies. Simply layer them between parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Always make sure to properly thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Expert Advice

To elevate your cranberry orange shortbread cookies, consider these pro tips:

• Use high-quality butter: It greatly enhances flavor.
• Fresh orange zest is key: For the best taste, always use fresh oranges rather than bottled zest.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: This helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? You can play with this recipe’s flavors! Try adding white chocolate chips for a sweet twist or swapping cranberries with dried cherries for a different flavor profile. For a seasonal touch, incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough.

Common questions

How long does it take to prepare and bake these cookies?

You can expect around 45 minutes in total, including chilling time.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are recommended for sweetness, but you can use fresh ones. Just note they might require some adjustment in sugar levels since they are more tart.

How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer-term storage.

With their delightful flavor balance and satisfying crunch, cranberry orange shortbread cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Bake up a batch and share the joy!

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful fusion of buttery richness and zesty fruit, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract and fresh orange zest.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until well blended.
5. Fold in the chopped cranberries.
6. Shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7. Slice the log into rounds or cut shapes from the disk.
8. Place cookies on baking sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Use high-quality butter and fresh orange zest for best results.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: cookies, dessert, shortbread, cranberry, orange, holiday, baking