Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Buttery, soft shortbread cookies filled with citrus orange and festive dried cranberries, covered in a luscious orange glaze—this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply looking to treat yourself, these cookies will impress with their vibrant flavors and delightful textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delightful cookies in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange creates a burst of flavor that’s sure to please any palate.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Beautiful Presentation: The glazed finish adds an elegant touch, making these cookies a standout on any dessert table.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different shapes or add your favorite nuts for extra texture.

Tools and Preparation

To make the process smoother, gather your tools beforehand. This will help you focus on creating the perfect cranberry orange shortbread cookies without interruptions.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Cookie cutters
• Baking trays
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light and fluffy mixture.
• Cookie cutters: Allows you to create fun shapes that enhance the visual appeal of your cookies.
• Baking trays: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple batches of cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Ingredients

To create these delicious cranberry orange shortbread cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 60 g caster sugar
• 1 orange (zest)
• 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
• 75 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)

For the Glaze

• 120 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 30 ml orange juice
• 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Rub Sugar and Orange Zest Together

Rub sugar and zest together in a bowl using your fingertips. This process releases essential oils from the zest into the sugar, enhancing the flavor.

Step 2: Cream Together Butter, Orange Sugar, and Vanilla Extract

1. Line baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine butter and orange sugar.
3. Cream on medium speed until pale and lightened. Scrape down sides as needed.
4. Add vanilla extract and mix again until well combined.

Step 3: Add Flour and Cranberries

Add flour and finely chopped cranberries to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; the dough may look raggedy at this point.

Step 4: Form Dough and Roll Out

1. Squeeze the dough together into a ball; press into a rough disc.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out to about ½ cm thick.
3. If too soft, wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Cut Out Cookie Shapes and Chill

1. Use cookie cutters to stamp out shapes from rolled dough.
2. Place them on prepared baking trays; re-roll scraps as necessary.
3. Refrigerate cutouts for at least 30 minutes to help them maintain shape during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 170°C (335°F). Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes or until golden around edges. Let cool on tray for ten minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Mix Ingredients for Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more icing sugar or juice.

Dip each cookie face into the glaze, letting excess drip off before placing on wire racks to set. Serve these delightful treats fresh or packaged as gifts!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various delicious ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy evening, these cookies can be paired perfectly with beverages and other snacks.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair with black tea – The rich flavors of black tea complement the citrus notes beautifully.
• Enjoy with coffee – A warm cup of coffee enhances the buttery texture and tartness of the cranberries.

As a Dessert Platter

• Include on a dessert tray – Arrange cookies alongside brownies and mini pastries for a sweet spread.
• Serve at parties – These cookies add color and flavor, making them an attractive centerpiece.

Gift Packaging

• Wrap in decorative bags – Presenting these cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons makes for thoughtful gifts.
• Use cookie jars – Fill jars with cookies as festive gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

To create the best Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your baking experience.

• Use room temperature butter – This ensures the butter mixes well, creating a light and fluffy texture in the dough.
• Chill your dough – Refrigerating the cookie cutouts helps maintain their shape while baking, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
• Finely chop cranberries – This allows for better distribution throughout the dough, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Don’t overmix flour – Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies. Gentle mixing retains tenderness.
• Adjust glaze consistency – Aim for a smooth glaze by adjusting icing sugar or orange juice to get the desired thickness before dipping.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

These side dishes pair wonderfully with Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, enhancing your overall dessert experience.

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast with the cookie’s sweetness.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy accompaniment.
4. Hot Chocolate – Warm and rich hot chocolate complements the buttery flavor of the shortbread beautifully.
5. Spiced Nuts – A bowl of spiced nuts adds crunch and savory contrast to your sweet treats.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream – Soft vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, creating a delightful dessert duo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the zesting step – The orange zest is crucial for flavor. Make sure to zest the orange before juicing it to maximize the citrus taste.
• Not chilling the dough – Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine the ingredients just until they come together, and avoid overbeating.
• Using incorrect measurements – Accurate measurement is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully for precision.
• Ignoring baking time – Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies during baking to prevent overbaking, as they should be lightly golden around the edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer with parchment paper to keep them separated.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 150°C (300°F). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds per cookie until warm.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe that might help you as you bake.

How can I customize the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans, or substitute other dried fruits such as cherries or raisins for different flavors.

Can I use fresh cranberries in this recipe?

Fresh cranberries can be used, but they should be finely chopped and may require additional sugar due to their tartness.

What is the best way to glaze these cookies?

For best results, dip each cookie face down into the glaze and let excess drip off before placing them on a wire rack.

How long do these cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days at room temperature when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

The Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe offers a delightful blend of buttery goodness and festive flavors. This versatile recipe can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Whether you share them as gifts or enjoy them at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy!