The aroma of citrus and cranberries wafts through the air, instantly transporting me to cozy holiday gatherings. As I roll up my sleeves to make these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, I can’t help but smile at how effortlessly they bring festive cheer. This easy slice-and-bake recipe is not only a scrumptious addition to your cookie platter but also a time-saver for busy bakers during the holiday rush. Plus, they freeze beautifully! Imagine indulging in these buttery, crisp cookies any time you crave something delightful. Are you ready to bring a little warmth and joy to your kitchen this season? Let’s dive into the simple steps that make these cookies a standout treat!
Why are these cookies a must-bake?
Festive Flavors: Bright citrus and tart cranberries charm your palate, making these cookies the perfect seasonal treat!
Effortless Preparation: With an easy slice-and-bake method, you can whip up a batch without any fuss, even on your busiest baking days.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Freeze the dough ahead of time for those unexpected holiday guests or simply to satisfy your cookie cravings later!
Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved! Rolling, slicing, and decorating these cookies are great holiday activities for the whole family.
If you love holiday cookies, you’ll also want to check out my Chocolate Oat Cookies for a delightful twist!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake with these delightful flavors!
For the Dough
- Unsalted Butter – this adds a rich flavor and a tender texture; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – sweetens the cookies while providing the right structure; feel free to swap it with brown sugar for a richer taste.
- Orange Zest – brightens up your cookies with a refreshing citrus aroma; can be exchanged with lemon zest for a different twist.
- Fresh Cranberries – gives a tart punch and lovely color; dried cranberries work well too (about 1/2 to 2/3 cup, no chopping needed).
- All-Purpose Flour – forms the base structure; accurate measuring is key for best results.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – enhances that lovely flavor; imitation vanilla can be used if you’re in a pinch.
These flavorful Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly and bring a touch of festivity to your gatherings. Enjoy baking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Cranberries
Begin by roughly chopping your fresh cranberries into smaller pieces. This will help release their tart flavor and ensure they are evenly distributed throughout your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Set the chopped cranberries aside on a plate while you prepare the cookie dough, allowing their natural juices to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Cream Mixture
In a food processor, combine room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest. Pulse the mixture until it is creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes. You should see a smooth, uniform texture without any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving that buttery richness in your shortbread cookies, so take your time to mix well.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, add all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Pulse again until the dough begins to clump together, which should take about 30 seconds. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of tartness in every bite.
Step 4: Form Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to shape it into a log, approximately 10-12 inches long. Once formed, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This chilling step is essential as it firms up the dough, helping to maintain shape while baking.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the meantime, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking as they bake. The aroma of orange and butter will begin to fill your kitchen, setting the stage for your delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/3 inch thick cookies. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just pale and slightly golden on the bottom.
Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to set while still warm. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely, where they will firm up and achieve that perfect shortbread texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are ideal for busy bakers looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 3 days in advance. Simply shape the dough into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. If you’d like to prep even further ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, slice the chilled dough and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have fresh, festive flavors with minimal effort during the busy holiday season!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you’d like to prolong their life, these cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezer: Freeze the raw dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply slice and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy freshly-baked flavor, reheat cooled cookies in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, restoring their delightful texture without overcooking.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies?
Elevate your holiday experience with delightful pairings that sing alongside these buttery treats.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of the potatoes complements the cookies’ texture while adding a savory contrast to the sweet, fruity notes.
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Spiced Chai Latte: This warm, aromatic beverage enhances the festive flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for sipping during holiday gatherings.
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Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad with orange segments and a light honey dressing brings a burst of freshness that balances the cookies’ sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, creamy ice cream acts as a delightful counterpart to the crispy cookies, offering a luscious contrast in texture.
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Hot Cocoa: Luxuriate in the warmth of hot cocoa, which pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the cookies, perfect for a winter treat.
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Pecan Pie: A slice of nutty pecan pie adds a new layer of flavor complexity, matching the bright notes of the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies perfectly.
Indulging in these pairings will make your holiday celebrations even sweeter, inviting laughter and joy with every bite!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Ensuring the dough is properly chilled is crucial; this prevents spreading and maintains the cookies’ shape during baking.
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Even Cranberry Distribution: When mixing in the cranberries, gently fold them by hand to ensure they’re evenly distributed without breaking apart.
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Test Bake: If you’re unsure of the baking time, try baking one cookie first to determine the perfect timing for your oven’s temperature.
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Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife and cut the dough into uniform slices for even baking, making sure each cookie is approximately 1/3 inch thick.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor in your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, use fresh butter and vanilla extract, as these enhance the overall taste.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies—there are so many ways to personalize and elevate their festive charm!
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Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, swap them in for dried cranberries for a sweet, chewy twist. You’ll still get those lovely bursts of flavor with every bite.
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White Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in some white chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and will complement the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
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Citrus Swap: Try using lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a refreshing change. This can add a nice zing that will brighten up your cookies.
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Nutty Twist: Incorporate some chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch and nutty flavor. It also celebrates the holiday spirit with a rustic touch.
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Spicy Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for an aromatic spice that enhances the warmth of the cookies. It’s just the right amount of cozy for chilly evenings!
If you’re looking for a creative treat, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful finish. And if you want to try a different flavor altogether, check out my Gluten-Free Chocolate Oat Cookies—another delightful option that brings sweet satisfaction!
Let your imagination run wild! Each variation will give your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies a unique twist, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use?
You can use either fresh or dried cranberries for these cookies. Fresh cranberries add a lovely tartness and vibrant color, while dried cranberries are a great substitute if you can’t find fresh. If using dried cranberries, I recommend using about 1/2 to 2/3 cup and there’s no need to chop them!
How should I store these cookies?
To keep your baked Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last up to 2 weeks. Just remember to keep them sealed to prevent dryness!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the raw dough logs, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the frozen dough and add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This is a fantastic way to have homemade cookies on hand for last-minute gatherings.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading more than desired, it could be due to insufficient chilling. Make sure the dough is well chilled before slicing. Additionally, ensure that your butter was not too warm when creaming. Adjusting baking times and keeping an eye on oven temperatures can also help achieve the perfect cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for those with allergies?
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are vegetarian, but they do contain butter, which may be a concern for those with dairy allergies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider swapping out the butter with a vegan substitute, such as coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Just keep in mind that this may alter the final taste and texture slightly!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies: Festive & Easy to Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare cranberries by roughly chopping them and set aside.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and orange zest in a food processor until light and creamy.
- Add flour and vanilla to the mixture, then pulse until clumped, and fold in cranberries by hand.
- Form the dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/3 inch thick cookies and bake for 10-12 minutes until just golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
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