Vibrant Cranberry Orange Shortbread

Welcome to the enchanting world of holiday baking! As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration in every bite. Imagine the perfect harmony of tart, jewel-toned cranberries and the bright, zesty essence of fresh oranges, all nestled within a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. This classic flavor combination is a true hallmark of holiday cheer, making these cookies an essential addition to your festive repertoire. Beyond their irresistible taste, these shortbread beauties are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal recipe for busy holiday schedules or a delightful project for a cozy afternoon.

The pairing of cranberry and orange is more than just complementary; it’s a match made in culinary heaven, especially during the colder months. Cranberries bring a refreshing tang and beautiful color, while orange zest infuses the cookies with a bright, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the butter. This simple yet sophisticated shortbread recipe yields rounds of pure deliciousness that are versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re setting them out for a casual snack, arranging them on a elegant dessert platter, or packaging them as a thoughtful homemade gift, these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are guaranteed to impress. Their simple charm and exquisite flavor profile make them a beloved classic that stands the test of time.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting cookie recipes to add to your collection, you’ve come to the right place! After mastering these delightful shortbread cookies, why not explore other unique flavors? For a Middle Eastern twist, try our Maamoul Cookies with Pistachio, known for their delicate pastry and aromatic filling. Or, for another shortbread sensation with a nutty profile, dive into our Pistachio Shortbread Cookies! Each recipe offers a distinct experience, promising to expand your baking horizons.

Why These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Are Absolutely Irresistible

There are countless reasons why this particular recipe for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies stands out. From their delightful texture to their vibrant flavors, these cookies are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary results. Here’s a closer look at what makes them so good:

• A Quintessential Festive Cookie: The vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry are synonymous with the holiday season. The sweet-tart cranberries pop against the citrusy zest, creating a flavor combination that evokes warmth, joy, and festive cheer. These cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an edible representation of holiday spirit, perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or a cozy evening by the fire. Their festive colors and bright taste make them truly special.
• Perfectly Buttery and Crumbly Shortbread: The hallmark of a truly great shortbread cookie is its unparalleled buttery texture. Our recipe ensures a cookie that is incredibly tender, wonderfully crumbly, and literally melts in your mouth with every bite. The high butter content, combined with careful preparation, results in a rich and satisfying chew, leaving a delightful linger of pure butter goodness on your palate. It’s a texture that speaks of homemade quality and comforting indulgence.
• An Effortlessly Easy “Slice and Bake” Recipe: We understand that the holiday season can be hectic. That’s why this shortbread recipe is designed for maximum ease and minimal fuss. Requiring only a handful of common pantry ingredients, the dough comes together quickly. The “slice and bake” method means you can prepare the dough in advance, chill it, and then simply slice and bake whenever you’re ready for fresh cookies. This makes them perfect for spontaneous baking, meal prepping for desserts, or ensuring you always have a batch ready for unexpected guests. It truly simplifies the baking process without compromising on flavor or quality.
• Versatility for Any Occasion: While they shine during the holidays, these cookies are fantastic year-round. Their bright flavors are also welcome in spring and summer. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of mulled wine.
• Excellent for Gifting: Homemade cookies make some of the most cherished gifts. These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, with their beautiful appearance and delightful taste, are ideal for gift baskets, cookie exchanges, or simply sharing with neighbors and friends. Package them in a nice tin or cello bag with a festive ribbon, and you have a personal, heartfelt present.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Shortbread

Crafting these delectable shortbread cookies requires a straightforward list of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. High-quality ingredients are key to truly exceptional shortbread. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few notes on why they’re important:

• Unsalted Butter: The star of any shortbread! Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming, which helps incorporate air and creates a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that signature crisp-yet-tender shortbread texture. It also helps with the browning of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the cranberries and orange. Opt for a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of your cookies. Avoid overmixing once the flour is added, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness and brings out the vibrant flavors of the butter, cranberry, and orange. Even in a sweet recipe, a touch of salt is essential.
• Dried Cranberries: These provide concentrated bursts of tartness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the shortbread. Finely chopping them ensures an even distribution throughout the dough.
• Orange Zest: This is where the bright, aromatic orange flavor comes from. Use the zest of a fresh, large orange, as it contains fragrant oils that will infuse the entire cookie. Avoid grating the white pith, which can be bitter.

Crafting Your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making these delightful shortbread cookies is a straightforward process, especially with the convenient “slice and bake” method. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread:

• Prepare Your Cookie Dough: Begin by whisking together your dry ingredients—the all-purpose flour and salt—in one bowl. Set this aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Beat these “wet” ingredients together on medium-high speed for about 5-7 minutes. This crucial step creams the butter and sugar, incorporating air that will result in a lighter, more tender cookie. The mixture should become pale and fluffy. Once creamed, gradually add the dry flour and salt mixture to the wet ingredients, in two to three additions, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten and make the cookies tough. Finally, gently stir in the finely chopped dried cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Give it one last mix to ensure everything is incorporated without overworking the dough.

• Chill the Dough to Perfection: Once your dough is mixed, transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper. Using your hands, gently form the dough into a uniform log, approximately 2 inches thick. Wrap the log tightly in the parchment paper, ensuring it maintains its cylindrical shape. This chilling step is absolutely essential for shortbread. Refrigerate the dough log for several hours, or ideally, overnight. Chilling allows the butter to solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading excessively during baking, and it also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The dough will become firm and easy to slice.

• Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough log is thoroughly chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to carefully cut it into uniform slices, about ¼ inch thick. This thickness will yield a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. Place the sliced cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning.
• Cool, Garnish, and Savor: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Shortbread cookies are delicate when warm, so handling them gently is key. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of additional fresh orange zest or a pinch of coarse sea salt while they are still slightly warm. Then, gather your loved ones, pour a cup of your favorite beverage, and enjoy these delightful homemade treats!

Expert Recipe Notes and Baking Tips for Perfect Shortbread

Achieving bakery-quality Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Always Use a Preheated Oven: This is a golden rule in baking! A preheated oven ensures even baking from the start, preventing cookies from spreading too much or baking inconsistently. Give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach the desired temperature before placing your cookies inside.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the butter and any other dairy components (though this recipe primarily uses butter), ensuring they are at room temperature is vital. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating an airy, light texture. Cold butter will not cream properly, resulting in a dense cookie.
• Flavor Variations with Extracts: While vanilla extract is a classic choice and perfectly complements the cranberry and orange, don’t be afraid to experiment! Almond extract offers a slightly nutty, sweet note that pairs wonderfully with both fruits, adding another layer of complexity to your shortbread. You could even try a touch of orange extract to intensify the citrus flavor, though fresh zest is usually superior.
• Garnishing for Extra Flair: To elevate both the appearance and flavor, consider garnishing your cooled cookies. A sprinkle of fresh orange zest immediately before serving will heighten the citrus aroma and visual appeal. For a delightful sweet and salty contrast, a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt sprinkled on top works wonders and brings out the butteriness of the shortbread.
• Cool Completely Before Serving: It’s tempting to dive right into warm cookies, but shortbread needs time to set and firm up. Allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack ensures they achieve their signature crisp yet tender texture. This also prevents them from breaking when handled.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, chewy cookies instead of the desirable crumbly shortbread texture.
• Even Slicing is Important: When cutting the chilled dough log, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures all your cookies bake evenly at the same rate, preventing some from burning while others are undercooked. A sharp knife is your best tool here.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. It also helps the bottoms of the cookies bake evenly without over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Can You Make These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies in Advance?

Absolutely! These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a dream for make-ahead baking, making them perfectly suited for the bustling holiday season or simply for efficient meal prep. The beauty of a “slice and bake” cookie dough is its versatility. Once you’ve mixed the dough and formed it into a log, you can tightly wrap it in parchment paper, then again in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This means you can prepare the dough well in advance, and then simply slice and bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes or guests arrive. This flexibility is a huge time-saver and ensures you always have warm, homemade cookies ready to go.

Can You Freeze These Shortbread Cookies After Cooking?

Yes, these shortbread cookies freeze exceptionally well, both before and after baking! If you wish to freeze them after cooking, first ensure they are completely cooled. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. For a “freshly baked” feel, you can warm them briefly in a low oven.

You can also freeze the raw dough. Wrap the dough log as described above (parchment and plastic wrap), then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and bake as usual. This is an excellent option for having fresh cookies on demand!

How Thick Should Slice and Bake Cookies Be?

For these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, I recommend slicing them about ¼ inch thick. This particular thickness strikes a wonderful balance: it allows them to bake up with a delightful crispness around the edges while maintaining a tender, buttery center that truly melts in your mouth. However, cookie thickness is also a matter of personal preference, and it significantly impacts the final texture.

Thicker sliced cookies (e.g., ½ inch) will result in a softer, chewier shortbread with less crispness. If you prefer a more robust, cake-like texture, a thicker slice is the way to go. On the other hand, thinner slices (e.g., ⅛ inch) will yield a much crisper, snappier cookie that might brown more quickly. You can absolutely control the final texture by adjusting both the slicing thickness and the baking time. A great tip is to test bake a couple of cookies first to see what time and thickness work best for your oven and your desired texture. This allows you to achieve either that perfect melt-in-your-mouth tenderness or a satisfyingly crisp bite, truly customizing your shortbread experience!

Remember that consistent thickness is more important than exact thickness. If your slices are uneven, some cookies will bake faster than others, leading to an inconsistent batch.

Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?

While dried cranberries are traditionally used in this recipe for their concentrated flavor and chewy texture, you can experiment with fresh cranberries. If using fresh, finely chop them as well. Be aware that fresh cranberries contain more moisture and are more tart, which might affect the cookie’s texture and require a slight adjustment to sugar if you prefer less tartness. The cookies might also take a minute or two longer to bake.

What are Some Other Flavor Variations I Can Try?

Shortbread is incredibly adaptable! Here are a few ideas:

• Lemon Poppy Seed: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add 1-2 teaspoons of poppy seeds.
• Chocolate Chip: Omit cranberries and orange, add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
• Lavender: Infuse the butter with a teaspoon of culinary lavender for a delicate floral note.
• Nutty Shortbread: Add ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.

Explore More Delicious Cookie Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed baking these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies and are eager to expand your baking repertoire, we have a diverse collection of other cookie recipes that are sure to delight. From traditional favorites to unique treats, there’s something for every palate and occasion. Why not give these a try?

• Maamoul Date Cookies: A delightful Middle Eastern pastry filled with sweet dates.
• Gluten Free No-Bake Cookies: A quick and easy treat for those avoiding gluten, no oven required!
• Magic Bars with Coconut: Layers of deliciousness, often called 7-layer bars, incredibly simple and satisfying.
• Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies: Classic buttery cookies with a sweet fruit jam center.
• Edible Eggless Cookie Dough: For those who love cookie dough a little too much to wait for baking!

We hope you find immense joy in all the recipes we share with you, especially this festive Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookie recipe. We encourage you to try it, savor its delightful flavors, and share your baking success with your friends and family!

If you embark on this delicious baking adventure and love the results, please consider using our hashtag to share your creations with us on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured in our story! And for all our latest social posts, culinary inspiration, and new recipes, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST. Happy baking!

Average Rating: 4.37 from 11 votes

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

By:

Mariam Ezzeddine

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. They are easy to make and melt in your mouth!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)

Servings:
24 cookies

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsps. vanilla extract
• 2 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• Zest from 1 large orange

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together salt and all-purpose flour. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest.
3. With the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for about 5-7 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. On low speed, gradually add the flour/salt mixture in two to three additions, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the finely chopped cranberries. Give one more final mix to incorporate without overworking the dough.
6. Once everything is incorporated, transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
7. Using your hands, form the dough into a log about 2 inches thick.
8. Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. The dough will firm up.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). With a sharp knife, cut the cold dough log into slices, about ¼ inch thick.
10. Place cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
11. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden in color.
12. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Store in an airtight container for about a week.
14. To add garnishing, you can sprinkle with some extra orange zest and/or coarse sea salt once cooled.

Notes

• Ensure your oven is preheated before baking for even results.
• Always use room temperature butter and ingredients for optimal creaming and dough texture.
• For a twist, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Garnish cooled cookies with extra orange zest and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for enhanced flavor and presentation.
• Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to achieve the perfect shortbread texture.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Serving:
24
g

|

Calories:
128
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
18
g

|

Protein:
1
g

|

Fat:
6
g

|

Saturated Fat:
4
g

|

Cholesterol:
15
mg

|

Sodium:
41
mg

|

Potassium:
15
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
8
g

|

Vitamin A:
177
IU

|

Calcium:
4
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg