Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Holidays

These cranberry orange shortbread cookies burst with zesty brightness that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Crisp butter-rich edges mingle with tangy fruit notes in each delightful bite.

Sweet crumbly textures create a perfect winter afternoon companion.

Warm kitchen aromas promise comfort and joy from simple ingredients.

Delicate orange zest adds unexpected complexity to classic shortbread.

Festive crimson specks promise visual appeal alongside remarkable flavor profiles.

Baking these treats means spreading happiness through delicious, elegant cookies that everyone will adore.

Why Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Taste So Bright

• Craft Festive Holiday Treats: These cranberry orange shortbread cookies transform your kitchen into a cozy holiday workshop, bringing warmth and cheer with their vibrant citrus and tart berry flavors perfect for seasonal gatherings.
• Master Quick Slice-and-Bake Technique: Prepare dough logs in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies whenever unexpected guests arrive or sudden cookie cravings strike.
• Elevate Everyday Baking: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from novice cookie makers to experienced pastry enthusiasts seeking a delightful twist on classic shortbread.
• Customize with Elegant Touches: Optional sugar-rolled edges or orange glaze drizzle let you personalize these cookies, creating a sophisticated dessert that looks professionally prepared with minimal extra effort.

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that provides rich flavor and tender texture. European-style or high-fat butter works best.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives sweetness and helps create a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet background flavor. Pure vanilla extract recommended over artificial.

• Orange Zest: Bright citrus aroma that complements cranberry. Fresh orange zest provides most intense flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds tart bursts and festive color. Unsweetened or lightly sweetened varieties work well.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and classic shortbread texture. Unbleached flour preferred.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile. Fine sea salt recommended.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional): For rolling cookie edges for extra sweetness and sparkle. Coarse sugar creates nice crunch.

Steps To Bake Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

• Vanilla extract
• Fresh orange zest

Continue mixing until everything combines smoothly.

Step 2: Create Dough Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Add chopped dried cranberries and mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form Cookie Logs

Split the dough into two equal portions. Roll each section into a cylindrical log approximately 2 inches thick. Tightly wrap each log in plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours until firm.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Heat oven to 350°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 5: Slice and Arrange Cookies

Remove dough logs from refrigerator. Cut into thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place cookie slices on prepared baking sheets, leaving small gaps between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheets into preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookie edges turn light golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Embellish

• Roll cookie edges in granulated sugar before baking
• Drizzle with orange-flavored glaze after cooling

Enjoy your delightful homemade cranberry orange shortbread cookies!

Tips For Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to capture only the bright orange outer layer of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and creates a more compact, tender shortbread texture with clean-cut edges.
• Customize Your Crunch: Swap dried cranberries with other mix-ins like chopped pistachios, white chocolate chips, or toasted almonds for variety.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Storage Savvy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze the dough logs for up to 3 months for instant baking later.

How To Keep Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Fresh

• Keep these delightful cranberry orange shortbread cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Refrigerate the cookies if you want them to last longer, extending their shelf life to about 10 days.
• Want to enjoy them weeks later? Freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, ensuring they're completely cooled before freezing to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Best Pairings For Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Pair with Citrusy Beverages: Complement the orange zest in these shortbread cookies with a bright, refreshing orange-infused tea or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, which echoes the citrus notes and cuts through the buttery richness.
• Serve with Creamy Counterpoints: Balance the cookies' crumbly texture with a smooth, velvety hot chocolate or a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast in mouthfeel and temperature.
• Match with Warming Spice Companions: Enhance the cookies' subtle cranberry tang by serving alongside a chai latte or a mulled cider, which will bring out the warm, cozy undertones of the shortbread.
• Indulge with Complementary Dessert Pairings: Create a festive dessert platter featuring these cookies with a light orange mousse or a cranberry compote, amplifying the natural flavors and adding visual appeal to your sweet spread.

Tasty Variations Of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Cranberry Crunch: Replace dried cranberries with dark chocolate chips and add chopped pecans for extra texture and rich flavor complexity.
• Almond Citrus Shortbread: Swap orange zest with lemon zest and incorporate almond extract, then sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spiced Winter Shortbread: Mix ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough, use dried cherries instead of cranberries, and roll cookie edges in a blend of white sugar and warm spices for a cozy seasonal feel.
• Coconut Orange Burst: Add shredded unsweetened coconut to the dough, use coconut extract alongside orange zest, and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired cookie experience.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Questions

• What makes these shortbread cookies special?

These cranberry orange shortbread cookies combine the buttery richness of traditional shortbread with bright, tangy flavors from fresh orange zest and tart dried cranberries. The combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy notes that make these cookies truly unique.

• Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

No, fresh cranberries are too wet and will make the dough too soft. Dried cranberries work best because they add concentrated flavor and won’t disrupt the cookie’s texture. They blend seamlessly into the shortbread and provide little bursts of fruity goodness.

• How do I know when the shortbread cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies should be firm but not dark brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them. A pale, delicate golden color is exactly what you want for perfect shortbread.

• Is refrigerating the dough really necessary?

Yes, chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape, prevents spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to develop. Cold dough also creates a more tender, crumbly shortbread texture that melts in your mouth.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry orange shortbread cookies blend European baking tradition with zesty citrus charm. Sweet-tart crumbles melt on palates, offering holiday warmth and delightful crunch that beckons eager cookie enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (optional, for coating)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational mixture by vigorously whipping softened butter with powdered sugar until the texture becomes ethereal and voluminous. Incorporate orange zest and vanilla extract, blending until harmoniously integrated.
2. Gently introduce flour and salt into the creamy base, stirring with minimal manipulation to maintain a delicate consistency. Tenderly fold dried cranberries throughout the dough, distributing them evenly.
3. Partition the dough into two symmetrical portions, carefully molding each into a cylindrical form approximately 2 inches in diameter. Encase each log securely in plastic wrap, then nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavor development and structural firmness.
4. Activate the oven to 350F, creating a welcoming thermal environment. Arrange parchment paper across baking sheets to prevent potential adhesion.
5. Extract the chilled dough logs and slice into precise quarter-inch medallions. Position cookie rounds with calculated spacing on prepared surfaces, ensuring adequate breathing room between each slice.
6. Transition cookies into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 12-15 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden hue. Permit initial cooling directly on the baking sheet for a brief interval before transferring to a wire rack.
7. For an optional elegant flourish, consider embellishing with a light dusting of granulated sugar or delicate orange glaze after complete cooling, elevating the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure crisp, clean-edged cookies that hold their shape perfectly during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother creaming, which creates a more uniform texture and helps incorporate air into the dough.
• Experiment with alternative mix-ins like toasted nuts or white chocolate chips to customize the shortbread’s flavor profile and add delightful crunch.
• Swap dried cranberries with other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries for seasonal variations that keep the recipe exciting and adaptable.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 152
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg