When the holidays roll around, there’s nothing quite like filling your home with the sweet and zesty aroma of homemade cookies. Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a festive treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing burst of orange. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just indulging with a cup of tea on a chilly winter day.
Not only are these cookies bursting with holiday flavors, but they’re also easy to make and look stunning on any dessert table. The balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness will leave everyone reaching for more. Let’s explore how you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies.
Ingredients for Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
| Component | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredients | Dried cranberries (e.g., Craisins) | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup, divided | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups | |
| Butter, cubed and cold | 1 cup | |
| Almond extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Orange zest | Zest of 1 orange | |
| Fresh orange juice (optional) | 1 to 2 tablespoons | |
| Additional sugar (optional) | For coating cookies |
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a burst of joy in every bite. Here’s why they’re destined to become a favorite:
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a festive and refreshing taste.
- Buttery Texture: The shortbread base is rich, crumbly, and melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
- Beautiful Presentation: Their zesty orange flecks and cranberry bits make them visually stunning.
- Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in festive tins or bags, and you have the perfect homemade holiday gift.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
1. Prepare Cranberry-Orange Sugar
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a food processor, combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of the sugar.
- Pulse the mixture until the cranberries are finely chopped and evenly mixed with the sugar. This blend infuses the cookies with a tangy and sweet cranberry-orange flavor.
2. Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and the all-purpose flour.
- Add the cold butter cubes, almond extract, orange zest, and cranberry-sugar mixture to the bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the butter is worked into the dry ingredients and the dough begins to form.
- If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to help it come together.
3. Shape the Dough
- Once the dough holds together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead the dough a few times until smooth, then roll it into a log shape about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. This step makes slicing easier and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
4. Slice and Coat the Cookies
- After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and use a sharp knife to slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- If desired, dip one side of each cookie in additional sugar for a touch of sparkle and sweetness.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Be careful not to over-bake to maintain the cookies’ buttery texture.
6. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the cookies with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, or package them as gifts for loved ones.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter: Cold, cubed butter is essential for achieving the crumbly, shortbread texture.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and bake evenly.
- Customize the Flavor: Swap almond extract for vanilla if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Avoid Overworking the Dough: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
FAQs About Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?
No, dried cranberries work best in this recipe because they have a concentrated flavor and won’t add excess moisture to the dough.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
3. Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely. Chopped almonds or pecans make a wonderful addition and add extra texture to the cookies.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should just start to turn golden. Avoid over-baking, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure your dough is chilled before slicing and baking. Using cold butter and chilling the dough are key to maintaining the cookies’ shape.
Conclusion: A Holiday Favorite That Shines Bright
These Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your home. With their tangy cranberry sweetness, bright citrus zest, and buttery crumb, they’re a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging in some seasonal joy, these cookies are a must-try.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the warm, zesty aroma of these festive cookies. One bite, and they’ll become your go-to holiday treat!
Print
Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 24-30 cookies
Description
Looking for a festive holiday treat that’s as delicious as it is easy to make? These Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright, citrusy zest of orange in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a warm drink, these cookies are sure to spread some cheer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (not scooped)
- 1 cup butter, cubed and cold
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
- Additional sugar for coating the cookies before baking (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare Cranberry-Orange Sugar:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped and mixed with the sugar, creating a flavorful blend.
-
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and the all-purpose flour.
- Add the cold butter cubes, almond extract, orange zest, and the cranberry-sugar mixture to the bowl.
- Mix using a pastry cutter or your hands until the butter is fully incorporated, forming a crumbly dough.
- If the dough is too dry to hold together, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and knead gently until the dough comes together.
-
Shape the Dough:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth.
- Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Slice and Coat the Cookies:
- Remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- For an extra festive touch, dip one side of each cookie in sugar before baking.
-
Bake the Cookies:
- Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Avoid over-baking to maintain the buttery texture.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat!
Notes
- Cold Butter is Key: To achieve the perfect shortbread texture, make sure the butter is cold when you mix it into the dough.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.
- Add Texture: For an extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the dough.
- Festive Coating: Rolling the cookies in coarse sugar before baking gives them a sparkling finish, perfect for the holidays.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday-inspired
