Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange with these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate texture and vibrant flavor. Follow this easy recipe to create a batch of these delightful cookies.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Flavorings: Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined, infusing the dough with a burst of citrus flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
Shape and Chill Dough: Roll the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Slice and Bake: Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Tips:
Holiday Platter: Arrange these cookies on a festive holiday platter alongside other seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, or spiced nuts.
Afternoon Tea: Serve these cookies with a selection of teas, such as Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea, for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Dessert Spread: Pair with a variety of desserts at a party, such as mini cheesecakes, chocolate truffles, and fruit tarts, to offer a diverse array of flavors and textures.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies to create mini ice cream sandwiches with vanilla, orange, or cranberry-flavored ice cream for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Gift Baskets: Wrap a stack of cookies in cellophane and tie with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift during the holidays or special occasions.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will keep them fresh and maintain their delicate texture.
Refrigeration: While not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks if you prefer a firmer texture. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough logs before baking. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, slice the dough while still frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed) or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.
Related Recipes:
- No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever
- My Favorite Peanut Butter Cookies
FAQs:
Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried cranberries in this recipe?
Fresh cranberries have higher moisture content and will alter the texture of the cookies. It’s best to stick with dried cranberries as they add a chewy texture and concentrated flavor without affecting the dough’s consistency.
How can I adjust the sweetness of these cookies?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar used in the recipe. Alternatively, you can increase the tartness by adding a bit more orange zest to balance the flavors.
Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, slice the dough while still frozen and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if needed.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Chilling the dough thoroughly before slicing and baking is crucial. This helps solidify the butter in the dough, reducing spread. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table, offering a perfect blend of tart cranberries and citrusy orange flavors in a tender shortbread texture. Whether enjoyed during holiday festivities or as a sweet treat year-round, they are easy to make and sure to impress with their vibrant taste. Follow the simple instructions, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Don’t forget to chill the dough for optimal results, and feel free to store extras for later enjoyment. Happy baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange with these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress with their delicate texture and vibrant flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the orange zest and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
- Roll the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter, and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
For even baking, try to slice the dough rounds uniformly.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes + 1 hour Chilling Time
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
