Description
These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and filled with zesty orange flavor and tart cranberries. A perfect holiday treat or a sweet snack for any occasion! #ShortbreadCookies #CranberryCookies #OrangeCookies #HolidayBaking #ChristmasCookies #CranberryDesserts #SweetCookies #ButterCookies #BakingRecipes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the orange zest, vanilla extract, and orange juice to the butter mixture. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped dried cranberries by hand, being careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork or your fingers to form a round shape.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake as these cookies are delicate.
- Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
- While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra citrusy touch.
- Serve:
- Serve the cookies with tea or coffee, or pack them up as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger cranberry flavor, you can add more dried cranberries to the dough.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- For a festive twist, you can sprinkle the cookies with a little coarse sugar before baking for a bit of sparkle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20mg