Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday cookie that’s sweet, buttery, and full of zesty citrus goodness, Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are the answer! These cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat: melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a burst of fresh orange flavor and a pop of tart cranberry. They’re simple, elegant, and the perfect way to add a little extra cheer to any occasion. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you’ll be reaching for these cookies year-round, not just for the holidays.

Picture it: soft, buttery cookies that practically crumble as you bite into them, with a hint of orange and sweet-tart cranberry bits scattered throughout. It’s a combination that feels as comforting as it is festive. Trust me, you’re going to love how this bright and flavorful twist elevates a classic shortbread!

Why You’ll Love Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of orange and cranberry, and these shortbread cookies bring it all together perfectly. Here’s why they’re going to be your new favorite:

Quick and Easy:

These cookies come together in no time and don’t require any fancy techniques or ingredients. You can have them baked and ready to go in under an hour!

Festive and Flavorful:

With the sweet, tart cranberry and refreshing citrus notes from the orange, these cookies are perfect for the holidays—or whenever you need a little burst of flavor.

Perfect Texture:

Shortbread cookies are known for their buttery richness and tender crumb. These cookies are no exception! They have just the right amount of crispness around the edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center.

Great for Gifting:

Pack these up in a cute tin or jar, and you have the perfect homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers. They look as delightful as they taste!

Customizable:

If you’re a fan of certain flavors, feel free to add some extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits, like cherries or blueberries, for a fun variation.

Ingredients in Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the shortbread, giving these cookies that perfect crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: The star ingredient for that melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: For that light, sweet, and delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the tart cranberries.
• Dried Cranberries: These add a tart burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange zest and sweet cookie base.
• Orange Zest: The zest of an orange gives the cookies that fresh, citrusy zing that makes them so special.
• Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla complements the citrus and adds depth to the flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Optional: Egg Yolk: This will help the cookies hold together a little better and add to the richness of the dough.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to get baking! These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are simple to make and so rewarding.

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt, and mix until well combined.

2. Add the Flour:

Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is incorporated. The dough should be slightly crumbly but will come together when pressed.

3. Mix in the Cranberries:

Gently fold in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Chill the Dough:

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll out.

5. Roll and Cut the Dough:

Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (round or any shape you like) to cut the dough into cookies.

6. Bake the Cookies:

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them, as they should stay soft in the center.

7. Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’ve cooled, serve and enjoy these irresistible treats!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are great on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of other treats and drinks:

With a Hot Drink:

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a comforting afternoon snack. The citrus notes in the cookies complement the warmth of the beverage perfectly.

As a Holiday Treat:

They’re perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just cozy family gatherings. Place them on a festive platter and watch them disappear!

Gifting:

These cookies make a lovely homemade gift, whether you’re wrapping them up in a tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtful, delicious treat!

Additional Tips

Add a Glaze:

For a little extra flair, you can drizzle these cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice. It adds sweetness and a shiny finish.

Freeze the Dough:

If you want to prep these cookies in advance, freeze the dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Use Fresh Cranberries:

You can use fresh cranberries if you like! Just chop them up finely and toss them in a little sugar before mixing them into the dough. Fresh cranberries are tart, so be sure to add a little extra sweetener.

Make Them Larger:

For thicker, more indulgent cookies, roll the dough out a little thicker and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

Keep Them Fresh:

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to a month.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

A1: Yes, you can use fresh cranberries! However, fresh cranberries are more tart, so be sure to chop them up and toss them with some sugar before adding them to the dough.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Q3: How do I store leftover cookies?

A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month.

Q4: Can I add other citrus flavors?

A4: Yes! You can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime zest for a different twist on the flavor. Just make sure to balance the amount of zest you use so it doesn’t overpower the cookie.

Q5: Can I freeze the dough?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q6: How thick should I roll out the dough?

A6: Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness for a perfectly crisp and buttery cookie. You can roll it thicker for a softer cookie, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q7: Can I add nuts to these cookies?

A7: Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios would make a great addition. Just fold them into the dough along with the cranberries.

Q8: Can I make these cookies ahead of time for a party?

A8: Yes! You can make the dough or the cookies ahead of time. Just store the dough in the fridge or freezer, or keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q9: Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

A9: Yes, a stand mixer will work perfectly! It’s great for creaming the butter and sugar together. Just make sure not to overmix the dough when adding the flour.

Q10: Can I use a different kind of sugar instead of powdered sugar?

A10: While powdered sugar gives these cookies a light texture, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed. Just note that the texture may be slightly different.

These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are sure to brighten up your day with their perfect balance of buttery richness, tart cranberries, and refreshing orange zest. Enjoy!

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