Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries and oranges. These cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weekend at home, these cookies are sure to brighten your day!
Why Make This Recipe
You should make these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies because they are so easy to whip up and a crowd-pleaser for all ages! If you have butter, flour, and some dried cranberries, you can create a batch of cookies that taste like a gourmet treat. Plus, the refreshing hint of orange zest adds a burst of flavor that makes these cookies stand out. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a sweet snack at home, there’s no reason not to give them a try!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Shape the dough into logs and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the logs into cookies about 1/4 inch thick and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
These cookies can be served as a delightful treat any time of the day. They are great with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet dessert after meals. You can also pack them in lunchboxes or serve them at gatherings to impress your guests!
How to Store Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving!
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps in achieving the right texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or white chocolate chips for added flavor!
Variation
If you want to change things up, you can use different dried fruits like cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart, so it’s best to stick with dried cranberries for this recipe.
2. How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, you can try reducing the baking time slightly or adding an extra tablespoon of butter.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Doubling the recipe is a great idea if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl!
