Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Buttery, soft shortbread cookies filled with citrus orange and festive dried cranberries are a delightful treat for any occasion. The Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea. The unique combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor that stands out, making these cookies a must-try for your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: The bright notes of orange paired with tart cranberries bring a cheerful taste that’s ideal for celebrations.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed year-round and are great as gifts or party favors.
• Perfectly Sweetened: The balance between sweetness and tartness makes these cookies irresistible without being overly sugary.
• Beautiful Presentation: Dipped in orange glaze, they not only taste good but look stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking goes smoothly and helps you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: This tool simplifies creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking trays: Using trays with a non-stick surface or lined with parchment paper prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of cookies.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness in your dough, which is crucial for uniform baking.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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: Rub Sugar and Zest Together

Add the orange zest into the bowl with the caster sugar. Using your fingertips, massage the zest into the sugar granules. This releases natural oils from the zest, intensifying the orange flavor in your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Mixture

Line one or two baking trays with parchment paper. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine room temperature butter with the orange sugar mixture. Cream on medium speed until pale and lightened. Scrape down sides of the bowl as needed. Add vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Flour and Cranberries

Add plain flour and finely chopped dried cranberries to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. The dough will appear ragged but should come together when pressed.

Step 4: Form Dough and Roll Out

With your hands, squeeze the cookie dough into a ball then flatten it into a rough disc. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to about ½ cm thick. If too soft, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes until firmer.

Step 5: Cut Shapes and Chill Again

Use cookie cutters to stamp out shapes from rolled dough. Place them on prepared baking trays. Gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes if necessary. Chill shaped cookies in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help them retain their shape while baking.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 170°C (335°F). Once chilled, bake cookies for 12–15 minutes or until golden around edges. Allow them to cool on tray for ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more icing sugar if too thin or more juice if too thick.

Dip each cookie face down into glaze allowing excess to drip off before placing it back on wire rack to set. Serve these lovely treats fresh or store them in an airtight container! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

With a Hot Beverage

• Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a comforting treat. The citrus notes complement the flavors of both beverages beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Festive Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats. This adds color and variety to your dessert table during gatherings.

Gift-Worthy Packaging

• Cookie Jars: Place the cookies in decorative jars or boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Include a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Citrus Slices: Serve the cookies with slices of fresh orange or grapefruit. This enhances the citrus flavor and adds a refreshing element to each bite.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature for better creaming, which leads to lighter cookies.

• Chill Before Baking: Don’t skip chilling the dough after cutting shapes; this helps maintain their shape during baking.

• Adjust Flour as Needed: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour gradually until you achieve the right consistency.

• Watch Baking Time Carefully: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when they are golden around the edges for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

When serving your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well with their flavors.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of mild cheeses that provide a creamy contrast to the crispness of shortbread.
3. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg add crunch and warmth alongside your cookies.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light and satisfying side dish that complements cookies well.
5. Herbal Tea – A soothing herbal tea can enhance the flavors in your cookie while providing a calming beverage choice.
6. Chocolate Mousse – This rich dessert can be elegantly served alongside the cookies for those who enjoy an indulgent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Not using room temperature butter – Make sure your butter is soft enough to cream well with the sugar. Cold butter will not blend properly, leading to dense cookies.
• Overworking the dough – Mixing too much can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for tender shortbread.
• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the cut-out cookies helps them retain their shape while baking. Don’t rush this step for better results.
• Ignoring oven temperature accuracy – Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer. An inaccurate temperature can lead to uneven baking.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly – Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and butter. This ensures consistent cookie results every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and warm the cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe that may help clarify any doubts.

How do I prevent my Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies from being too dry?

To maintain moisture, ensure you’re using softened butter and avoid overbaking. Keep an eye on the edges as they should be lightly golden.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While you can use fresh cranberries, they have higher moisture content. Reduce other liquids slightly if you choose this option.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh for about one week.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You can customize by adding nuts, different extracts like almond or lemon, or even substituting other dried fruits such as cherries or apricots.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?

You can substitute plant-based butter and use aquafaba or flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg replacer in the recipe.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Their sweet citrus flavor pairs perfectly with festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize them with additional flavors or toppings based on your preference!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe, perfect for any occasion. These buttery, soft cookies are infused with vibrant orange zest and tart dried cranberries, bringing a festive touch to your dessert table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, baking these treats is accessible for everyone. Dipped in a smooth orange glaze, they not only taste divine but also look stunning. Make a batch to share or keep them all to yourself; either way, these cookies are a must-try!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 60 g caster sugar
• 1 orange (zest)
• 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g plain flour
• 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. Rub the orange zest into the caster sugar until fragrant.
2. Cream the butter and orange sugar mixture until light and fluffy; mix in vanilla extract.
3. Gently fold in the flour and cranberries until combined.
4. Shape dough into a disc and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to about ½ cm thick and cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake at 170°C (335°F) for 12–15 minutes until edges are golden.
7. Prepare glaze by whisking icing sugar with orange juice and melted butter; dip cooled cookies.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 95
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 8mg