Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
This Irresistible Cranberry Orange Shortbread Delight offers a perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty citrus notes, complemented by sweet-tart dried cranberries. These crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are ideal for festive occasions or a delightful treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Shortbread Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Finishing
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined, which usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Slowly add sifted all-purpose flour and salt into the mixture, mixing gently to combine everything without overworking the dough, preserving its tender texture.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the roughly chopped dried cranberries into the dough so they are evenly dispersed without breaking down.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place dough portions onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden, signaling they are perfectly baked.
- Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before dusting the tops generously with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and attractive finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is at room temperature to achieve proper creaming texture.
- Chop cranberries roughly to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking and to distribute flavor evenly.
- You can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus twist.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen prior to baking; simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
