Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. These cookies blend the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of buttery shortbread, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Ideal for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies stand out with their bright flavor and crumbly texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a unique and refreshing taste.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack, or package them as gifts during the holiday season.
• Make Ahead Option: The slice-and-bake method allows you to prepare the dough in advance and bake it when ready.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 18 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Saves time by quickly combining ingredients for a smooth dough.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for mixing your ingredients before shaping the dough.
• Plastic wrap: Helps in chilling the dough while keeping it fresh and maintaining its shape.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy base for your cookies to bake evenly without sticking.

Ingredients

Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are an easy holiday slice-and-bake recipe with a burst of cranberry and citrus. Use fresh or dried cranberries!

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• zest of one orange or tangerine (just the orange part, not the bitter white pith)
• 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

How to Make Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Cranberries

Rough chop the cranberries and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter Mixture

Cream the butter, sugar, and zest together until well combined. I do this in my food processor for efficiency.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and vanilla extract. Pulse about ten times, then run the machine briefly until the dough comes together into lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Cranberries

Add the chopped cranberries and pulse just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overprocess.

Step 5: Form the Dough Log

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Bring it together with your hands until it’s no longer crumbly. Form it into a log about 10-12 inches long. The longer your log, the smaller your cookies will be.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Wrap the log in plastic wrap, using it to smooth out and help form your log. Twist tight to seal. Chill for at least three hours or overnight; wrapping in a folded towel helps keep it round as it chills.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Slice Cookies

Slice the chilled dough into 1/3-inch rounds. Place them on your prepared cookie sheet about two inches apart.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or slightly longer if you prefer crisper cookies. They should be pale on top with just a hint of golden on the bottom.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Be gentle; they are soft when hot but will firm up as they cool.

Enjoy baking these delicious Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but they can be served in various ways to enhance your holiday gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these delicious cookies.

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair with coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweet and tart notes of the cookies.
• Serve alongside tea: A warm cup of tea adds a soothing element to your cookie experience.
• Enjoy with hot chocolate: The chocolate’s sweetness balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Create a holiday platter: Arrange cranberry shortbread cookies with other festive treats for an appealing dessert display.
• Add fresh fruits: Include slices of oranges or tangerines for extra color and flavor.
• Incorporate nuts: Almonds or walnuts add crunch and texture to your platter.

As Party Favors

• Package them in boxes: Place individual cookies in small boxes tied with festive ribbon for guests to take home.
• Use clear bags: Fill clear bags with cookies for a simple yet charming presentation.
• Personalize labels: Attach custom labels or tags for a personal touch that makes each favor memorable.

How to Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

To achieve the ultimate cranberry shortbread cookies, consider these essential tips that will elevate your baking game.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butter, cranberries, and orange zest will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling helps solidify the butter and shapes the cookies better during baking.
• Slice evenly: Ensure uniform thickness when slicing the dough for even baking and consistent texture.
• Watch baking time closely: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be pale on top and just golden on the bottom for optimal texture.
• Cool completely before storing: Allow cookies to cool entirely before placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies can be complemented by several delightful side dishes. Here’s a list of perfect pairings that enhance their flavor profile:

1. Cheese platter – A selection of creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with sweet and tart flavors.
2. Fruit salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the cookies while adding vibrant color.
3. Yogurt parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tasty contrast that highlights the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Spiced nuts – Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes that work well with cranberry flavors.
5. Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and taste when enjoyed together.
6. Hot cider – Serving warm apple cider brings warmth and spices that resonate well during colder months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Ingredients Choice: Using dried cranberries instead of fresh can lead to a drier texture. Opt for fresh cranberries for the best flavor and moisture.
• Bold Overmixing Dough: Mixing the dough too much can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the dough comes together for a tender shortbread.
• Bold Incorrect Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough long enough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
• Bold Wrong Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can burn the bottoms. Always preheat your oven correctly to ensure even baking.
• Bold Neglecting Cookie Size: Slicing cookies too thick may result in uneven baking. Aim for consistent 1/3 inch slices to achieve perfect cookies every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually or layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• They last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes for a warm treat.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat, flipping gently until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.

How do I make my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies more flavorful?

Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Consider mixing in chopped nuts for added texture too!

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

How do I store leftover Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer longer shelf life.

What is the best way to customize my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

You can customize by adding different citrus zests, using different types of dried fruits, or incorporating chocolate chips!

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their buttery texture combined with tart cranberries makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins, like nuts or other fruits, making this recipe versatile for your holiday baking needs!

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Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, a perfect accompaniment for any occasion. These buttery treats feature the tangy tartness of cranberries and the refreshing citrusy zest of orange, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Ideal for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply enjoyed with a warm cup of tea, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. The easy slice-and-bake method allows for quick preparation and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. With their crumbly texture and unique flavor combination, these cookies embody the spirit of festive baking.

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of one orange
• 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare cranberries by roughly chopping them and setting them aside.
2. In a food processor, cream together butter, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
3. Add flour and vanilla extract; pulse until the dough forms lumps.
4. Gently incorporate chopped cranberries until evenly distributed.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface; form into a log about 10-12 inches long.
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least three hours or overnight.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice chilled dough into 1/3-inch rounds and place on the prepared sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until pale on top with golden bottoms.
10. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor. Ensure even thickness when slicing for consistent baking results. Customize by adding nuts or spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor.