When the first chill of winter air begins to settle in, there’s something undeniably comforting about baking cookies in the kitchen. I discovered these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies during a busy holiday season, and I have to say – they have transformed my cookie game! The buttery richness combined with zesty orange and tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
What sets these cookies apart is not just their melt-in-your-mouth texture but also their ease of preparation. In under an hour, you’ll have a batch ready that’s perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or just enjoying with a warm cup of tea on cozy nights. These delightful treats add a splash of color and flavor to any festive occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, you’re in for a treat that’s both satisfying to create and even more enjoyable to share! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Why are Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies a must-try?
Ultimate Comfort: These cookies bring a warm embrace of buttery goodness, perfectly balanced with tart cranberries and bright orange zest.
Quick & Easy: With a simple preparation time under an hour, you’ll have fresh cookies without the hassle.
Festive Flair: Their vibrant colors make them an excellent addition to holiday gatherings and cookie trays!
Versatile Treats: Experiment with added nuts or swaps for dried fruits to personalize each batch.
Gift-Worthy Goodness: Perfect for packaging as gifts, these cookies will impress friends and family alike!
Embrace the joy of homemade baking with these crowd-pleasers that everyone will love!
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- All-purpose flour – Base structure for the cookies; substitute whole wheat flour for a heartier taste.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness and moisture; can be replaced with coconut sugar for a less refined alternative.
- Cornstarch – Adds tenderness to the cookies; optional for those who prefer a crumblier texture.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; use unsalted butter for better salt control.
- Unsalted butter – Richness and moisture; must be cold and cubed for optimal results.
- Fresh cranberries – Introduce a tart, juicy flavor; switch to dried cranberries if you prefer, adding 1-2 tsp of milk if needed.
- Orange zest – Infuses a bright citrus aroma; feel free to replace with lemon zest for a different twist.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – For making the glaze; standard substitute is confectioners sugar for sweetness.
- Orange juice – Used to sweeten and flavor the glaze; can also use lemon juice for a zesty alternative.
These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are waiting to bring cheer to your holiday gatherings – let’s get baking!
How to Make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
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Prepare Dough: In a bowl with a paddle mixer, blend the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand, about 2-3 minutes.
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Incorporate Flavorings: Gently stir in the fresh cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will help to ensure each bite is bursting with flavor!
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Shape and Chill: Form the dough into a ball, then roll it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once chilled, cut the dough into 24 sticks and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and fragrant.
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Cool and Glaze: Remove the cookies from the oven and reshape them if needed while warm. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle some zest on top of the glaze for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure the unsalted butter is cold and cubed. This is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip freezing the dough! Chilling it makes slicing much easier and helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
- Mind the Baking Time: Watch the baking closely; aim for lightly golden edges. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so keep a close eye on them!
- Perfecting the Glaze: Mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth for a lovely glaze that complements the cookies beautifully. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Alternative Ingredients: Consider using dried cranberries or even swapping the orange zest for lemon zest for a fun twist on these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.
What to Serve with Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?
Elevate your holiday experience by pairing these delightful cookies with a selection of warm and comforting accompaniments.
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Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich cup of hot cocoa enhances the cookies’ sweetness and creates a cozy, festive atmosphere.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the orange zest, adding warmth and comfort to your enjoyment.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream soothes the tang of the cranberries and adds a delightful contrast in temperature.
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Cheese Platter: Include soft brie or tangy cheddar to balance the sweetness of the cookies, creating a sophisticated and savory contrast.
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Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with citrus highlights brightens the palate, harmonizing the flavors of the cookies while adding freshness.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream drizzled over the cookies offers a luxurious touch, enhancing their buttery texture perfectly.
Each of these pairings complements the delicious, buttery goodness of your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, ensuring a memorable festive gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all your ingredients and forming the dough into a rectangle. Once wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For even longer storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful cookies, simply slice the chilled or frozen dough into sticks and bake as instructed. This approach ensures that your cookies will be just as buttery and flavorful while saving you precious time!
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delicious cookie recipe to suit your taste buds!
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Nuts Added: Stir in slivered almonds or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
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Dried Fruit Swap: Use dried cherries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different fruity twist that’s equally delicious.
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White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a sweet contrast to the tartness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy spice that complements the citrus notes.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Lemon Zest: Swap out the orange zest for lemon zest to achieve a brighter, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
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Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar in place of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top cookies with a light cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy finish!
Experimenting with these variations can lead to an exciting array of flavors and textures, making every batch uniquely yours!
How to Store and Freeze Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This will maintain their delightful freshness and buttery texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a softer cookie, store them in the fridge. They’ll last up to 10 days, but the texture may change slightly.
Freezer: Freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cranberries for the cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for firm, bright berries with a glossy appearance. Avoid any that are soft, shriveled, or have dark spots all over, as these may be past their prime. For this recipe, the tartness of the fresh cranberries is essential, so it’s best to select the ripest ones available during the holiday season.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This will help maintain their delightful texture. I often recommend stacking them with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking, keeping your cookies looking pristine!
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these cookies! To freeze, make sure they are completely cooled and then layer them in an airtight container, placing parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the butter being too soft or not chilling the dough long enough before baking. Make sure the butter is cold and cubed, and don’t skip the chilling step! If you find your dough is too soft, pop it back into the freezer for an additional 10 minutes to firm up before cutting and baking.
Are there any dietary considerations with these cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, be mindful of the butter and flour ingredients, as they contain dairy and gluten. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. If you want to avoid gluten, a gluten-free all-purpose flour can work well in this recipe. Always be sure to check labels if you’re baking for others with food sensitivities.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Very! To add a bit more holiday flair, consider drizzling melted white chocolate on top after glazing. You can also sprinkle some colorful holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets. For an even more robust flavor, feel free to incorporate fall spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough!
Irresistible Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies to Delight You
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl with a paddle mixer, blend the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently stir in the fresh cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form the dough into a ball, then roll it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once chilled, cut the dough into 24 sticks and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and reshape if needed while warm. Allow to cool on a wire rack, then drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice.