Name: Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped); Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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If you’re searching for a cookie that’s both buttery and bursting with flavor, look no further than these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. Each bite is a delightful balance of zesty citrus, sweet-tart cranberries, and that classic melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday spread, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies lies in their simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and a couple of vibrant add-ins, you’ll create cookies that taste like they came straight from a fancy bakery. Here’s what makes each ingredient shine in the final result:

Unsalted Butter: Provides that classic tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor essential to perfect shortbread.
Powdered Sugar: Dissolves beautifully into the dough, ensuring a smooth, delicate sweetness without any grittiness.
Orange Zest: Brings a bright, fragrant citrus note that pairs perfectly with the cranberries and elevates the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, comforting warmth.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving structure while keeping the texture tender.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in balance.
Dried Cranberries: Add chewy bursts of tartness and a lovely pop of color in every bite.
Optional – Extra Powdered Sugar: Dusting the finished cookies makes for a pretty, snowy finish and a touch more sweetness.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by adding your softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for creating that signature tender shortbread texture, so don’t rush it—give the butter and sugar a good 2-3 minutes to really combine.

Step 2: Add the Orange Zest and Vanilla

Mix in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract. The zest releases essential oils that infuse the dough with citrusy brightness, while the vanilla adds depth and a cozy aroma. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated and your kitchen starts to smell amazing.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as there’s no more visible flour for the most tender cookies.

Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries

Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures you get a bit of tart cranberry in every bite, adding both flavor and beautiful color to your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. With your hands, shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until the dough is firm. This chilling step is key for easy slicing and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds, placing them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, give them a dusting of extra powdered sugar for a festive, snowy look. Your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar after they’ve cooled. A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios adds a splash of color and a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberries.

Side Dishes

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are perfect with a hot mug of tea, coffee, or mulled cider. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit, chocolate truffles, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant, effortless finale to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a festive ribbon for holiday gifting, or arrange them on a vintage plate for your next gathering. For an extra-special touch, dip half of each cookie in white chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. These cookies also look stunning when layered in a glass jar as part of a cookie exchange.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week, making them ideal for prepping ahead for parties or gifting.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze either the shaped dough log or the baked cookies. If freezing dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. For baked cookies, layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cookies just slightly warm, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings out the buttery aroma—just don’t overdo it, as the shortbread can dry out quickly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe, as fresh cranberries contain a lot of moisture and could change the texture of your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. Dried cranberries also provide concentrated sweetness and a chewy bite that works perfectly here.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture in your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.

Is it okay to skip the chilling step?

Chilling the dough is important for slice-and-bake shortbreads. It helps the cookies keep their shape and gives the flavors time to meld. If you skip chilling, your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies may spread too much during baking and lose that signature shortbread texture.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try swapping the butter for a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get delicious, citrusy cookies!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips make wonderful additions. Just be careful not to overload the dough with extras so the Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies retain their delicate texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies a try and make them a part of your own baking traditions. They’re vibrant, buttery, and just the right amount of special—perfect for sharing and savoring any time of year!

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 29 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the festive flavors of these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, featuring a buttery, tender base infused with zesty orange and studded with tart dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday gifting or a cozy treat, these cookies combine classic shortbread richness with a bright citrus twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Dough

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)

Optional

Extra powdered sugar for dusting

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookies.
Add Flavorings: Stir in the fresh orange zest and vanilla extract, evenly distributing these aromatic ingredients throughout the dough.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough, ensuring even spread without crushing the berries.
Shape and Chill Dough: Transfer the dough onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour 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.
Slice and Arrange Cookies: Slice the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden, signaling perfect doneness.
Cool and Finish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with extra powdered sugar if desired for an elegant touch.

Notes

For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in chopped pistachios or drizzling the cooled cookies with white chocolate.
These cookies freeze well, making them ideal for preparing in advance and gifting during the holidays.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American