If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances buttery richness with bright, zesty flavor, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a personal favorite, combining the subtle sweetness of dried cranberries with the invigorating aroma of fresh orange zest baked into tender, crumbly shortbread. Each bite melts in your mouth with just the right amount of texture and a burst of citrus that makes them feel special, whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive holiday gathering. The ease of making these cookies, paired with their stunning flavor profile, makes this recipe one you’ll want to return to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in baking these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that lends creaminess to the flour that gives structure, right down to the vibrant orange zest that brings freshness and a lovely pop of color.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup: Softened butter is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar, ½ cup: Provides a smooth, fine sweetness that blends perfectly in the dough.
- Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to the cookies, enhancing the citrus notes.
- Orange zest, 2 tablespoons: Fresh zest from about 2 oranges, to infuse the cookies with vibrant, aromatic citrus flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base of the cookie dough, creating that classic shortbread crumb.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: A small pinch balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
- Dried cranberries, ¾ cup: Finely chopped for even bursts of tart sweetness in each bite.
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons (optional): For rolling edges before baking, adding a delicate sparkle and crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, ensuring your cookies have that perfect tender yet crumbly texture that true shortbread lovers crave.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract and Orange Zest
Next, mix in the pure vanilla extract and the freshly grated orange zest. This step is the heartbeat of your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe, as the orange zest brightens and enlivens the dough with its citrusy fragrance, while the vanilla adds comforting warmth.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep the dough tender and crumbly rather than tough. This mixture forms the sturdy yet tender base of your cookies.
Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cranberries
Carefully mix in the finely chopped dried cranberries. These add beautiful bursts of chewy sweetness and a lovely contrast to the buttery dough, making these cookies undisputed showstoppers.
Step 5: Shape the Dough and Chill
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm. The chilling step is important to help the dough set and makes slicing easier for neat, uniform cookies.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch rounds and arrange them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. If you like a bit of sparkle, roll the edges of each slice in granulated sugar before baking. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This finishing touch ensures the cookies have the ideal delicate texture and appearance.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are beautiful on their own but can be dressed up with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a festive touch. Lightly dusting with powdered sugar can also add an elegant, snowy appearance perfect for holiday occasions.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine. Their buttery texture and flavorful bursts of fruit complement warm beverages wonderfully, making for an indulgent snack or dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a platter interspersed with fresh orange slices, whole cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary for a festive and inviting presentation. Alternatively, stack them in a decorative tin with layers of parchment paper to gift to friends and family with a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender crumb without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies well in advance, the dough logs freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze, then slice and bake directly from frozen when ready. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, you usually don’t need to reheat these cookies. But if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes or briefly microwave for about 10 seconds to revive their buttery softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried in the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
Fresh cranberries are much juicier than dried and can add excess moisture to the dough, which may affect the texture. If you want to use fresh, consider drying them yourself or sautéing to reduce moisture first, but dried cranberries are recommended for best results.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough firms it up, making it much easier to slice thin, even cookies. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavor.
What type of orange is best for zesting in this recipe?
Use fresh, unwaxed oranges such as navel or Valencia oranges. Their zest is vibrant and aromatic, adding essential citrus notes that brighten the cookies beautifully.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can experiment by substituting the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free baking mix that has xanthan gum to mimic the structure, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to test and adjust accordingly.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for up to a week. After that, they might start to lose some moisture but freezing can help extend their shelf life.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe enough if you love cookies that marry buttery richness with bright citrus and a hint of tart cranberry. They’re straightforward to make, reliably delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for yourself, gifting to friends, or planning a festive spread, these cookies bring joy and warmth to any table. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
Print
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat combining buttery richness with the tartness of dried cranberries and the bright zest of fresh oranges. Perfectly crumbly and lightly sweetened, they make a festive addition to any cookie platter or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (about 2 oranges)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
Optional for Rolling
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest, which infuse the dough with aromatic and bright citrus notes.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries to distribute them evenly throughout the dough without breaking them up.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a logs approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice Dough: Remove the chilled dough logs from the refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds, spacing each about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Optional Sugar Coating: If desired, gently roll the edges of each cookie round in granulated sugar for added sparkle and a touch of extra sweetness.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set to a crisp texture.
Notes
- These cookies freeze exceptionally well; you can store the dough logs in the freezer and slice and bake as needed for fresh cookies anytime.
- For a festive touch, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate.
- Using fresh orange zest is essential to achieve the best, vibrant citrus flavor in these cookies.
