If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances zesty citrus with sweet-tart cranberries, this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies combine a rich orange essence with bursts of dried cranberries, making every bite a heavenly experience that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy snack, these cookies bring warmth and joy to your kitchen in the most delicious way.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that come together to make something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal that will impress anyone lucky enough to try one.

  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for a creamy texture and rich flavor base.
  • Powdered sugar: 3/4 cup to give the cookies their delicate sweetness and tender crumb.
  • Orange zest: 1 tablespoon, adding a fresh, aromatic brightness that complements the cranberries.
  • Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons to deepen the overall flavor and add warmth.
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups, providing structure and that classic shortbread crumb.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to balance and enhance the sweetness and citrus notes.
  • Dried cranberries: 1 cup, chopped to deliver tart bursts of flavor and delightful texture.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick or burn on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of shortbread.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Mix in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. The orange zest instantly lifts the flavor, making your kitchen smell heavenly, while the vanilla adds a mellow richness.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed and prevents any lumps that could affect the cookie’s texture.

Step 5: Bring Dough Together

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here could result in tough cookies, so keep it gentle to maintain that classic crumbly shortbread texture.

Step 6: Add Cranberries

Fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough carefully. These little bursts of tartness provide a fantastic contrast to the buttery, sweet base.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 8: Slice and Arrange

Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for gentle spreading.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden hue. Keep an eye on them because overbaking can dry them out, and you want that tender, buttery melt with just a hint of crispness on the edges.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time helps them set perfectly and makes them easier to handle—and trust me, the aroma while cooling will be irresistible.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a festive, snowy look or zest some fresh orange over the cooled cookies to enhance their citrus aroma and add a bright visual appeal. Another lovely touch is a light drizzle of white chocolate to complement their delicate sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect afternoon treat. For a more indulgent option, serve alongside a rich eggnog or a glass of sparkling wine during holiday festivities to balance out the buttery richness with bubbly acidity.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe on a festive cookie platter with fresh cranberries and orange slices as garnishes to create a stunning centerpiece. Gift them in decorative tins layered with parchment paper for a homemade present that will wow friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh without losing any of their buttery texture or zesty flavor, perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with visitors.

Freezing

If you want to keep your batch longer, freeze the cookie dough log wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as usual. Alternatively, fully baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers.

Reheating

To refresh the cookies after storage or freezing, warm them slightly in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. This brings back their fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances their delicious aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the dough’s texture and baking time. For best results, stick with dried cranberries or chop them finely if you want to add some fresh flavor.

What can I substitute for orange zest?

If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can use lemon zest for a different citrus twist or a few drops of orange extract—but fresh zest truly gives the best fragrance and flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

As written, this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking; just be aware that texture might vary slightly.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can make vegan adjustments by using a plant-based butter substitute and ensuring the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The texture and flavor will be similar, though slightly different from the classic version.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough well before slicing helps maintain their shape in the oven. Make sure your butter is properly softened—not melting—and avoid overmixing to keep the dough firm.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe that makes them an instant favorite, whether you’re baking for a holiday, a cozy afternoon, or a special gathering. The wonderful combination of buttery richness, bright citrus, and sweet-tart cranberries is guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts. Give them a try—you’ll soon see why I keep coming back to this recipe again and again!

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 31 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 36 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness, zesty orange, and tangy dried cranberries. These cookies are crisp, lightly sweetened, and ideal for holiday treats or everyday snacking.


Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
  3. Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, which adds aromatic citrus and sweet vanilla notes to the dough.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to evenly distribute the salt and prepare the dry mixture.
  5. Mix Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keep the cookies tender.
  6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough, distributing them evenly without crushing.
  7. Shape Dough: Roll the cookie dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain shape and prevent drying out.
  8. Chill Dough: Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm, which helps in slicing neat rounds and improves texture during baking.
  9. Slice and Arrange: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the cookie edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked through.
  11. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up and develop the ideal texture.

Notes

  • For more intense orange flavor, increase the orange zest to 1.5 tablespoons.
  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming with sugar.
  • Do not overmix once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies freeze well; slice the dough and freeze before baking for fresh cookies anytime.

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