Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly embodies the spirit of the season. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are enriched with the bright flavors of orange zest and sweet, chewy dried cranberries, offering a delightful contrast of tastes and textures. Imagine biting into a cookie that has a crisp edge while being soft and crumbly in the center, releasing a burst of citrusy flavor, followed by the sweet-tart notes of cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack, these cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. This recipe is simple to follow, and the step-by-step instructions ensure a hassle-free baking experience. You’ll find it’s worth making these sweet treats any time of the year!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe comes with multiple benefits that make it a go-to for any baker. First and foremost, it requires minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up without a trip to the grocery store. The preparation is quick, taking just about 30 minutes of hands-on work, plus baking time, which means you won’t spend your whole day in the kitchen. It’s a family-friendly recipe that even kids can help with, making it a perfect activity for a cozy day at home. Moreover, these cookies can be stored for days, allowing you to prepare a batch and enjoy them throughout the week. Whether it’s an ordinary day or a special occasion, you’ll love the joy these cookies bring!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
To create these delectable Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to a creamy perfection
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar that adds that irresistible sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, offering warmth and depth
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for the perfect cookie base
- 1/4 tsp salt, enhancing all the flavors
- Zest of 2 medium oranges (about 2 tbsp) for that refreshing citrus note
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped to give a chewy surprise
- 1 tbsp orange juice (optional) for a hint of moisture
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting), adding a lovely finish
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice (for glaze) to tie all the flavors together
- Extra orange zest for garnish, creating a lovely presentation
Step-by-Step Directions for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies start baking at the right temperature for a perfectly golden color.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing until everything is well combined, ensuring the zesty flavor distributed evenly.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt until combined. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the butter-sugar blend on low speed. This keeps air bubbles intact, preserving the lightness of your cookies.
Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries until just combined. If the dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls or logs and space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving room for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Once your cookies have cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some chef’s secrets to elevate your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies:
- If you want a more intense orange flavor, consider adding an additional tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest.
- For an extra touch, dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with additional orange zest before the chocolate sets.
- Keeping the dough chilled not only makes it easier to handle, but it also contributes to a more tender cookie.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies star on their own but can be surprisingly versatile! They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon gathering. For a festive touch, present them on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh orange slices or cranberries to brighten the table. You can even stack them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
While indulging in these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, it’s good to be aware of their nutritional content. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with a delightful amount of carbohydrates and a touch of healthy fats from the butter. They do have sugars due to the added sweeteners, but every bite is worth it for the festive flavor they bring! Enjoy these cookies as a weekday treat or a special occasion sweet!
Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
To keep your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked dough, wrapping it tightly in parchment paper and then in plastic wrap for up to three months. When ready to bake, just slice and bake from frozen! You can also make healthy swaps by using whole wheat flour or coconut oil instead of butter for a different twist. Add in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor!
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
There’s no time like the present to whip up a batch of these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Their irresistible flavor profile, coupled with their easy preparation, makes them a go-to recipe that will impress family and friends alike. Imagine the laughter and joy that you’ll evoke by sharing these delightful cookies fresh from the oven. So gather your ingredients and get baking today—you won’t regret it!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are much more tart and will add moisture that may affect the dough’s texture. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe.
2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
3. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
4. Can I flavor the cookies differently?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a refreshing twist on flavors.
5. What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If you don’t have powdered sugar at hand, you can blend granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s a fine powder, and use that in place of powdered sugar.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Delightful buttery cookies with orange zest and chewy dried cranberries, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 2 medium oranges (about 2 tbsp)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp orange juice (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice (for glaze)
- Extra orange zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually fold into the butter mixture.
- Fold in chopped cranberries. Refrigerate dough for 15-20 minutes if sticky.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a more intense orange flavor, add an extra tablespoon of orange zest. For a festive touch, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with zest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
