Go Back
+ servings
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies You'll Dream About

These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for any festive occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon strikes the perfect balance.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional for a more traditional shortbread bite.
  • a pinch table salt Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Cold and cut into cubes for best mixing.
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries Use dried if fresh are not available.
  • zest of 1 orange orange zest Fresh zest provides the best impact.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Essential for a smooth glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice Use freshly squeezed for more vibrant taste.

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Paddle mixer
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of table salt. Gently whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
  2. Add 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to your dry mixture. Using a paddle attachment on your mixer, pulse until they resemble coarse crumbs, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Fold in 1 cup of fresh cranberries and the zest from one orange. Use a spatula to blend until evenly distributed.
  4. Gather the dough and knead gently until it forms a ball. On parchment paper, roll into a rectangle measuring approximately 4x12 inches.
  5. Wrap the dough in parchment paper or plastic wrap and freeze for 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat your oven to 325°F (162°C).
  7. Slice the chilled dough into 24 cookies, about ½ inch thick, and place on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly browned.
  9. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 60mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure your unsalted butter is cold for better mixing. Don't skip the chilling step to maintain shape while baking.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!