Description
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and packed with tart dried cranberries and fresh orange flavor. Perfect for holiday baking or gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 orange)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Optional: additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the orange zest and chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a log or flatten to about 1/2 inch thick. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds or cut with cookie cutters if desired.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
- Sprinkle with additional sugar if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months for later use.
- Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cranberries to taste or try substituting with dried cherries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
