These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a refreshing twist on classic shortbread, blending tart cranberries with bright orange zest for a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of almond, these cookies are sure to add a touch of elegance to any cookie platter or festive gathering.
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). In a food processor, combine the dried cranberries and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped and mixed with the sugar, creating a fragrant cranberry-orange blend.
- Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the flour. Incorporate the chilled butter cubes, almond extract, orange zest, and cranberry-sugar blend into the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice to help it come together.
- Shape the Dough Once the dough holds together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it a few times until smooth, then roll it into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Slice and Coat After chilling, remove the dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If desired, dip each cookie in a bit of sugar to coat one side lightly for a touch of sparkle and sweetness.
- Bake the Cookies Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Be careful not to over-bake to maintain their softness.
- Cool and Serve Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these flavorful, zesty cookies with tea, coffee, or as a festive holiday treat.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a perfect balance of tangy cranberries, fresh orange zest, and buttery shortbread, making them a bright addition to any holiday celebration. With their delightful texture and vibrant flavor, they’re sure to be a favorite treat among friends and family. Enjoy each flavorful bite!