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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Activate the oven to 350F, creating a welcoming thermal environment. Arrange parchment paper across baking sheets to prevent potential adhesion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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