Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Classic shortbread cookies get a delightful twist with the addition of Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, offering a buttery texture combined with vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality makes them irresistible, and you can elevate their appeal by drizzling them with a sweet orange glaze or white chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The pairing of fresh cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that brightens your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or an afternoon tea, these cookies fit right in.
• Customizable Touch: You can easily add your twist by drizzling them with chocolate or adding nuts.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in a lovely tin to share with friends and family during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for mixing your ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: Using a sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and prevents warping.
• Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Note 1)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter (cold and cut into ½-inch cubes)
• ¼ cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped, Note 2)
• ½ tablespoon orange zest

For the Glaze

• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3 teaspoons orange juice

Servings: 24 cookie sticks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange cookies, cranberry orange shortbread cookies, orange cranberry shortbread cookies

Nutrition Facts: Calories: 76 kcal, Carbs: 10 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 55 mg, Fiber: 0.2 g, Sugar: 4 g

How to Make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing the oven in advance ensures even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
* 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* ¼ teaspoon salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Cranberries and Zest

Fold in:
* ¼ cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped)
* ½ tablespoon orange zest

Mix gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about half an inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or slice into sticks.

Step 6: Bake

Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

While cookies cool, mix together:
* 2/3 cup powdered sugar
* 3 teaspoons orange juice

Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Serving Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies can elevate any gathering, making them a delightful treat for both family and friends. Here are some creative ways to present these delicious cookies.

With a Festive Drink

• Coffee or Tea – Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavors and provides a cozy atmosphere.
• Holiday Punch – A festive punch complements the citrusy notes of the cookies, creating a cheerful holiday vibe.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment – Include Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies on a dessert platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread and chocolate chip cookies.
• Cheese Board – Add these cookies to a cheese board for an interesting sweet and savory combination that your guests will love.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Orange Glaze – A simple drizzle of orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
• Melted White Chocolate – For those who enjoy rich flavors, melted white chocolate enhances the buttery texture of the cookies.

How to Perfect Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

To ensure your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use cold butter – Starting with cold butter helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture that shortbread is known for.
• Finely chop cranberries – Chopping cranberries finely allows for even distribution throughout the dough, enhancing flavor in every bite.
• Chill the dough – Refrigerating the dough before baking firms it up, making it easier to slice and ensuring even baking.
• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be light golden brown but not too dark to maintain their delicate texture.

Best Side Dishes for Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies can create a balanced meal or snack experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich cookies.
2. Cheese Straws – These crispy, cheesy snacks offer a savory counterpart that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts add an element of crunch and flavor that balances well with the buttery shortbread.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a deliciously creamy dish that pairs nicely with the cookies.
5. Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping cookie pieces into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies provides a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using warm butter: Warm butter can lead to flat cookies. Always use cold butter cut into cubes for the best results.
• Not measuring flour properly: Over-packed flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough prevents spreading. Ensure you chill it for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Old cranberries or stale flour can affect flavor. Always use fresh ingredients for vibrant taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
• Keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies on a lined sheet for 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan on low heat, flipping occasionally for about 2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well too; however, they may alter the texture and sweetness of your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies slightly.

How do I store leftover Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate as needed.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, substitute lemon zest instead of orange, or even dip them in chocolate for a twist on these delicious cookies.

How do I know when my shortbread cookies are done baking?

They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool down.

Final Thoughts

These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies bring festive flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to customize them with various add-ins like white chocolate or nuts. Try this recipe during your next holiday gathering or any time you crave a special treat!

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Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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Experience the joy of baking with Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic treat. These cookies combine a rich, buttery texture with the refreshing flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. Elevate the experience by drizzling a luscious orange glaze or melted white chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Share them with loved ones in a festive tin, making them an ideal gift during the holiday season.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• ¼ cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped)
• ½ tablespoon orange zest
• For the Glaze: 2/3 cup powdered sugar, 3 teaspoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Incorporate cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about half an inch thick; cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for approximately 20 minutes until lightly golden.
7. While cooling, mix powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over cookies before serving.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (23g)
• Calories: 76
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider incorporating nuts or substituting lemon zest for an alternative flavor. Ensure your butter is cold for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth shortbread quality.