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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
