If you’re looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet tartness with buttery richness, you are in for a real joy with this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest and the chewy punch of dried cranberries, nestled inside tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive addition to your holiday cookie platter, these cookies are irresistibly simple to make yet impressively flavorful—a true crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating that exquisite texture and vibrant flavor. From the creamy unsalted butter that forms the base to the aromatic orange zest that gives a fresh citrus kick, every component is essential for a perfectly balanced cookie.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture essential for shortbread.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and ensures a smooth, delicate crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor complexity with a warm, sweet note.
- Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dough with fresh citrus aroma and brightness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure of the cookies, giving just the right firmness without toughness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- Dried cranberries (¾ cup, finely chopped): Adds chewy tart pops of flavor throughout the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons, optional, for rolling): Gives an extra sparkling finish and a slight crunch on the edges.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies will have that coveted tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add vanilla and orange zest
Next, stir in the vanilla extract and freshly grated orange zest. The vanilla lends a cozy sweetness while the orange zest brings in a refreshing citrus burst that brightens every bite.
Step 3: Combine dry ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough—this helps keep your shortbread nice and delicate.
Step 4: Fold in chopped cranberries
Fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries evenly throughout the dough. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough and makes every cookie a delightful surprise.
Step 5: Form dough logs and chill
Divide the dough in two equal parts 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 an hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice thin rounds and helps the flavors meld.
Step 6: Slice and prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. For a lovely sugar sparkle, roll the edges in granulated sugar if you’d like an extra festive touch.
Step 7: Bake until just golden
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure the edges turn a light golden hue without overbaking. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This promotes the perfect crisp texture.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are wonderful on their own, you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elegant, festive shine. Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top just before serving enhances their lively citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, where the citrus notes complement the cookie perfectly. For a cozy treat, serve alongside a mug of rich hot chocolate or freshly brewed coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these charming shortbread cookies on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange slices for a vibrant presentation. You can also package them in a pretty tin or cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon to give as delightful homemade gifts that will surely impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week, perfect for enjoying warm memories any time.
Freezing
This Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrap the shaped dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready for freshly baked cookies, simply slice and bake directly from frozen—no need to thaw!
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This short reheating refreshes their buttery softness without making them soggy or overdone. Avoid microwaving to keep texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries have a high water content, which can affect the dough’s texture, making it less firm and more prone to spreading. Dried cranberries provide the perfect chewiness and concentrated tart flavor for this recipe.
Is it okay to substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key in achieving the rich taste and crumbly texture typical of shortbread. Margarine or oil substitutions will change the flavor and texture, resulting in a less authentic cookie experience.
How important is chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough is essential as it solidifies the butter, making it easier to slice the dough and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it’s one formulated for baking. The texture might vary slightly, so some experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect balance.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. They also freeze well if you want to keep them longer.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe that makes it a must-try for any cookie lover. Its perfect harmony of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest woven into rich, buttery shortbread is unforgettable and comforting all at once. I hope you enjoy baking these charming cookies as much as I do sharing them with friends and family—happy baking!
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
Delightful cranberry orange shortbread cookies that blend the zesty brightness of fresh orange zest with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries. These buttery, tender cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and make a delightful treat year-round.
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
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
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, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add flavorings: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and fresh orange zest until evenly incorporated, infusing the dough with bright, aromatic notes.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough just comes together without overworking.
- Fold in cranberries: Carefully fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries to evenly distribute their tart sweetness throughout the dough.
- Shape and chill dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the dough to firm up for easier slicing.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Slice and optionally sugar coat: Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds. If desired, roll the edges of each cookie in granulated sugar for an extra sparkly finish before baking. Arrange cookies spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn a light golden color, indicating doneness without overbaking.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring proper texture and flavor set.
Notes
- These cookies freeze well — store the shaped dough logs in the freezer and slice and bake as needed for fresh cookies anytime.
- For a festive touch, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate.
- Using fresh orange zest is key to achieving the best bright, citrus flavor throughout the cookies.
