Description

These cranberry orange shortbread cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The tangy dried cranberries and zesty orange bring a refreshing twist to the classic shortbread cookie, making them perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange zest

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

1/2 teaspoon orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice (if using) to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the dough.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use a cookie cutter to cut out your desired shapes (round or festive shapes work well). Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Add white chocolate chips for extra indulgence, or cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.

If using fresh cranberries, chop them and reduce the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.

For an extra citrusy kick, drizzle an orange glaze over the cookies once cooled.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg