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.
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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