Sarah Mitchell
There’s something magical about the combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange in buttery shortbread cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and rich flavors, making them a delightful treat for the holidays—or anytime you’re craving something special. They’re simple to make, but they taste like they took hours. Let’s dive into how you can recreate these irresistible cookies at home!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened)
Butter is the base of all shortbread cookies, giving them their signature rich and tender crumb. Softening it beforehand makes it easier to cream with sugar. - Powdered Sugar (½ cup)
This keeps the cookies soft and delicate. Using powdered sugar instead of granulated ensures a smoother texture. - All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
The structure of the cookie! Be sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid dry or crumbly dough. A quick tip: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. - Dried Cranberries (½ cup, chopped)
These add a lovely pop of tartness and chewy texture. Chopping them finely helps them distribute evenly in every bite. - Orange Zest (1 tablespoon)
The zest brings a bright, citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with the cranberries. Be sure to zest only the outer orange layer—this is where all the flavor lives! - Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
A little vanilla enhances the overall flavor and sweetness of the cookies. - Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor of the shortbread. - Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling)
Adding sugar on top gives the cookies a slight crunch and a sparkle that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Follow these steps to bake your way to cookie perfection:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step ensures the cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. This infuses the dough with a burst of citrusy goodness while balancing the sweetness.
Step 3: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the chopped cranberries using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar for extra crunch. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, dig in!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
- Zester or grater
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries aren’t recommended because they add too much moisture to the dough. Stick with dried cranberries for the best results.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months!
Can I substitute the orange zest?
If you’re out of oranges, lemon zest makes a great substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but still complement the cranberries beautifully.
Why does the dough need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to slice. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a similar texture.
Why is granulated sugar sprinkled on top?
This adds a nice crunch and an extra layer of sweetness, as well as a beautiful sparkly finish.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and follow the same steps. Make sure you have enough fridge space to chill the larger batch of dough.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make these buttery and zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies! They’re a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of tea. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it on Facebook using the buttons below or save it to Pinterest for later. Happy baking! 😊
