Festive Buttery Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Crisp winter afternoons call for delectable buttery cranberry orange shortbread cookies that spark pure joy.

Blending zesty citrus notes with sweet-tart cranberries creates a magical cookie experience.

Each delicate bite promises a burst of festive flavor.

Rich, crumbly shortbread melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Tart cranberries provide a vibrant contrast to the buttery base.

These elegant cookies elevate afternoon tea or holiday gatherings with their sophisticated charm.

Fresh orange zest adds a bright, aromatic twist that makes these treats irresistible.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 25

What Goes Into Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a smooth flavor profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Delicate sweetener that creates a silky, tender crumb and helps achieve a light, airy consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, comforting depth that complements the bright citrus notes.
• Orange Zest: Introduces vibrant, aromatic citrus essence that brings a fresh, zingy character to the cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient that provides structure and creates the classic shortbread crumbly texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Burst of tart, jewel-like fruit that adds vibrant color and tangy contrast to the sweet base.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and brings out the nuanced tastes of other ingredients.

Tools to Whip Up Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Zester or grater: Needed to create fresh orange zest for intense citrus flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Baking sheet: Provides surface for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Spatula: Helps scrape down bowl sides and mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.

Bake Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies from Scratch

• Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab your mixing bowl and whip the butter and powdered sugar until they transform into a cloud-like, dreamy mixture. Aim for that perfect fluffy texture that makes your cookies extra special.

• Infuse Flavor

Splash in the vanilla extract and sprinkle orange zest into the creamy base. Stir until everything dances together with vibrant citrusy energy.

• Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, creating a soft, powdery canvas for your cookie. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your buttery mixture, stirring until just combined.

• Add Cranberry Burst

Fold dried cranberries into the dough, distributing them evenly so each cookie gets a tangy, sweet surprise. The deep ruby jewels will peek through your golden shortbread.

• Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into a log, wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, letting the flavors mingle and the dough firm up.

• Slice and Bake

Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into perfect rounds. Arrange on a baking sheet, giving each cookie space to breathe and transform in the oven’s warm embrace.

• Cool and Enjoy

Bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Let the cookies rest and cool completely, then savor the buttery, citrusy, cranberry-studded delight.

Enhance Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Your Way

• Grate orange zest finely using a microplane for maximum citrus flavor without bitter white pith.
• Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure clean-cut edges and prevent spreading during baking.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• For extra crumbly shortbread, use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to prevent developing gluten.
• Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped dried cranberries or diced candied orange peel to enhance the cookie's texture and taste profile.

Presenting Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with Style

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these delightful cookies on a decorative ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant Christmas presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or orange-infused herbal tea to complement the citrusy and sweet flavor profile of the shortbread.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, adding a small tag with the recipe name for a homemade, heartwarming holiday gift that friends and family will adore.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Create a delightful dessert experience by serving these cookies with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of orange-scented whipped cream for added indulgence.

Save and Store Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Right

• Place cookie dough in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before rolling to help maintain crisp edges and prevent spreading during baking.
• Wrap unbaked cookie log tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer up to 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Keep baked cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 5-7 days. Layer between parchment paper sheets to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Store cookies with small orange peel or vanilla bean fragment to boost citrusy and sweet aromatic notes, keeping treats tasting freshly baked for longer duration.

FAQs

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted butter to control the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.

• How do I get the orange zest without a grater?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to zest the orange. Avoid the white pith underneath the orange skin, as it can taste bitter. If you don’t have a grater, carefully use a sharp knife to scrape off the orange’s outer layer.

• What if my butter isn't softened?

Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before baking. Don’t microwave, as this can melt the butter unevenly. Cut it into smaller pieces to help it soften faster.

• How finely should I chop the cranberries?

Chop cranberries into small, roughly uniform pieces about the size of a pea. This ensures even distribution throughout the cookie dough and prevents large chunks that might make the cookies difficult to slice or shape.

Buttery Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange shortbread cookies blend zesty citrus with sweet-tart berries in a buttery, crumbly delight. Holiday baking reaches new heights with this simple yet elegant treat that delights dessert enthusiasts looking for something special.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, for coating the cookies)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare Dough Base: Vigorously cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth, pale foundation for the cookies.
2. Enhance Flavor Profile: Gently fold in vanilla extract and orange zest, infusing the mixture with bright, citrusy aromatics that will elevate the shortbread’s complexity.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift flour and salt together, ensuring a fine, uniform texture that will contribute to the cookies’ delicate crumb.
4. Merge Wet and Dry Components: Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring carefully to create a cohesive dough without overworking the delicate mixture.
5. Integrate Cranberry Elements: Fold chopped cranberries throughout the dough, distributing the tart jewels for bursts of vibrant flavor in every bite.
6. Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a compact log on parchment paper, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and dough to firm.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F, line baking sheets with parchment, and retrieve chilled dough from refrigerator.
8. Slice and Arrange: Cut the dough log into quarter-inch thick rounds, positioning them carefully on prepared baking sheets with modest spacing.
9. Bake to Perfection: Transfer to preheated oven and bake until edges turn a delicate golden brown, approximately 12-15 minutes, indicating the ideal crisp-tender shortbread texture.
10. Cool and Set: Transfer cookies to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and develop their signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Dough: Gently mix ingredients to maintain a tender, light texture. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense cookies that lack the signature shortbread crumble.
• Precise Chilling Technique: Refrigerate dough for exactly one hour to enhance flavor development and ensure clean, even slices. Longer chilling can make the dough too firm.
• Uniform Slicing Matters: Use a sharp knife and steady hand to cut quarter-inch thick cookies. Consistent thickness guarantees even baking and perfect golden-brown edges.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped pistachios or dried cherries to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the classic shortbread base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg