Buttery, soft shortbread cookies filled with vibrant citrus orange and festive dried cranberries make the perfect treat for any occasion. The Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is not only easy to follow but also delightful in flavor and presentation. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. The combination of orange zest and glaze adds a unique twist that will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The blend of orange and cranberry creates a refreshing taste that is perfect for the holidays.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can whip up these treats in no time.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, from Christmas parties to casual family gatherings.
• Beautiful Presentation: The glaze adds a lovely finish, making these cookies as visually appealing as they are tasty.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The shortbread base ensures these cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth, gather the following tools beforehand. Using the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: It makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
• Baking trays: These provide an even surface for baking your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and allows for easy cleanup after baking.

this recipe

Ingredients

Buttery, soft shortbread cookies filled with citrus orange and festive dried cranberries and covered in orange glaze. These are the perfect addition to your festive baking this year.

For the Cookies

• 60 g caster sugar
• 1 orange (zest)
• 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
• 75 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)

For the Glaze

• 120 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 30 ml orange juice
• 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sugar

Rub sugar and orange zest together. Add the orange zest into a bowl with the sugar. Using your fingertips, massage/rub the zest into the sugar granules. This releases natural oils that intensify the cookie’s flavor. The sugar will become orange-stained and feel slightly wet—this is just what you want!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture

Cream together the butter, orange sugar, and vanilla extract. Line one or two baking trays with parchment paper. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter and orange sugar. Cream on medium speed until pale and lightened. Scrape down the sides of the bowl before adding vanilla extract; mix again until combined.

Step 3: Mix in Flour and Cranberries

Add flour and finely chopped cranberries to the creamed mixture. Beat them together on low speed until everything is combined; expect a raggedy dough texture.

Step 4: Form Dough and Roll Out

Squeeze cookie dough into a ball using your hands to form a rough disc. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about ½ cm thick. If too soft to handle, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until it firms up slightly.

Step 5: Cut Shapes and Chill Again

Use cookie cutters to stamp out shapes from rolled dough. Place cutouts on prepared trays. Re-roll scraps to cut out additional cookies if necessary—add water if dough becomes too dry. Refrigerate stamped cookies for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Preheat the oven to 170°C (335°F). Remove chilled cookies from fridge, then bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden around edges. Cool for ten minutes on trays before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Adjust consistency with more icing sugar or orange juice as needed.

Step 8: Glaze Cookies

Dip each cookie face-down into glaze, letting excess drip off before placing on wire racks to set completely. Serve your delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with joy!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These delightful Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
• The citrus notes complement the warmth of tea or coffee perfectly.

Holiday Dessert Platter

• Add the cookies to a festive dessert spread.
• Combine with other treats like chocolate truffles and fruit tarts for variety.

Gift Packaging

• Wrap cookies in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
• Perfect as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream.
• A fun twist that adds creaminess to the buttery cookies.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh oranges or seasonal berries.
• The freshness balances the richness of the cookies nicely.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies is essential. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Make sure butter is at room temperature before creaming; this helps achieve a light texture.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerating the dough before cutting shapes will help maintain their form while baking.
• Measure accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and sugar, for consistent results.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix just until combined when adding flour; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Keep an eye on baking time – Watch closely as they bake; remove from the oven when edges are golden for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These shortbread cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses such as brie and goat cheese that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad featuring citrus fruits enhances the orange flavor while adding brightness to your spread.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that balances sweetness with creaminess.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie in rich chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that’s sure to please everyone.
5. Spiced Nuts – Offer a bowl of spiced nuts; their savory crunch provides a delightful contrast to the soft, sweet cookies.
6. Herbal Tea Selection – Provide various herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, which pair beautifully with sweet baked goods.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can lead to perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Here are some key pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of room temperature can prevent proper creaming, leading to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is soft before starting.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Skip chilling the dough: Not chilling the cut-out cookies before baking can cause them to spread too much. Always refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can throw off the balance, leading to undesirable textures. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Ignoring baking time: Baking for too long or short can affect the cookie’s doneness. Keep an eye on them and remove when they’re golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart and have high moisture content, which may change the texture of your cookies. Stick with dried cranberries for best results.

How do I customize my Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts, or substitute lemon zest for an alternative citrus flavor. Feel free to experiment!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough feels sticky while rolling out, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and your rolling pin. You can also chill it longer if needed.

How long do these cookies last?

These cookies can last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their buttery texture combined with zesty orange and sweet cranberries makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or additional spices! Try this recipe today and enjoy delightful homemade treats.

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, a perfect treat for any occasion. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a vibrant filling of zesty orange and chewy dried cranberries, these cookies are sure to impress. The refreshing citrus notes combined with the sweetness of cranberries create a festive flavor profile that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe ensures that even novice bakers can achieve delicious results. Complete with a smooth orange glaze for an eye-catching finish, these cookies are as beautiful as they are tasty. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or packaging them as thoughtful gifts, these shortbread cookies are certain to bring joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 g caster sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
• 75 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)
• 120 g powdered icing sugar
• 30 ml orange juice
• 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C (335°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Rub sugar and orange zest together until fragrant.
3. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and orange sugar mixture until light and fluffy; add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour and chopped cranberries until combined.
5. Shape dough into a disc, roll out to about ½ cm thick, and cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
6. Chill cut cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking for optimal shape retention.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden; cool on racks.
8. Prepare glaze by whisking icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth; dip cookies in glaze and allow to set.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. Substitute lemon zest for a different citrus twist if desired. Ensure butter is at room temperature to achieve proper creaming consistency.