Festive Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe for Winter Treat Trays

Winter’s sweet embrace arrives with these delightful cranberry orange shortbread cookies that blend zesty citrus and tart berries into a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Buttery layers of delicate shortbread dance with bright orange zest and ruby-red cranberries.

Each crumbly bite carries a burst of festive flavor that tingles the taste buds.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these cookies an irresistible holiday indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet elegant recipe with ease.

The combination of tangy cranberries and fragrant orange creates a symphony of seasonal comfort.

Serve these cookies alongside warm tea or share them as a heartwarming gift that celebrates winter’s most delicious moments.

How To Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these cranberry orange shortbread cookies on a beautiful ceramic platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and small cinnamon sticks for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Tea Time Companion: Pair these delicate cookies with a warm cup of Earl Grey or orange-infused tea, creating a delightful afternoon snack that highlights the citrusy and sweet flavors.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or festive ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts or party favors that look elegantly simple and taste incredible.
• Dessert Decorative Touch: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with finely chopped dried cranberries for an extra layer of sophistication and visual appeal.

Store Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Properly

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep these delicate cookies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their crisp texture and zesty flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough logs in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before slicing and baking, perfect for busy schedules.
• Freezer Stash Strategy: Freeze unbaked dough logs for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and slice directly into baking-ready rounds.
• Portion Control Trick: Slice only the amount of cookies you plan to bake, keeping the remaining dough log refrigerated. This method ensures fresh, warm cookies whenever you crave them, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 135 kcal

Servings: 25

What You’ll Need For Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture; use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature for best results.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, delicate sweetness and helps achieve soft cookie consistency; sift to remove any lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor depth; choose pure vanilla for most authentic taste.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy note and aromatic freshness; use fresh, organic oranges and grate only the outer colorful layer.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and crumbly shortbread texture; use fresh, sifted flour for smooth dough.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Dried Cranberries: Introduces tart, vibrant bursts of flavor and beautiful color contrast; choose plump, soft dried cranberries without added preservatives.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional): For rolling edges, adds sparkly, crunchy exterior; use fine, white sugar for best appearance.

Helpful Tools For Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining butter, sugar, and other ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Perfect for beating butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure cookie success.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for folding in cranberries and mixing dry ingredients.
• Plastic Wrap: Needed to wrap and chill dough logs.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for shaping and slicing dough logs.
• Sharp Knife: Used for cutting uniform cookie slices.
• Baking Sheets: Standard sheets for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool without becoming soggy.

How To Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Create Creamy Base

Whip softened butter and powdered sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Stir in vanilla and orange zest for a burst of fragrant flavor.

• Blend Dry Elements

Gently fold flour and salt into the buttery mixture, creating a soft, crumbly texture. Sprinkle in dried cranberries for little bursts of sweet-tart excitement.

• Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into two elegant logs, wrapping them snugly in plastic. Let them relax in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to develop rich, complex flavors.

• Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie magic.

• Slice and Bake

Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into delicate rounds. Arrange on baking sheets, giving each cookie room to breathe. Bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden hue.

• Final Flourish

Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. For an extra touch of elegance, consider dusting with sugar or drizzling with a zesty orange glaze.

Sweet Tips For Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough logs up to 3 weeks in advance and store them wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, ready to slice and bake whenever a cookie craving hits.
• Texture Perfection: Room temperature butter is key – let it sit out for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, creamy base that creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Flavor Twist: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped dried cherries or blueberries to create unique flavor combinations that complement the orange zest beautifully.
• Holiday Dress-Up: Dip half of each baked cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for an elegant, festive presentation that's perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.

Festive Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Festive cranberry orange shortbread cookies blend zesty citrus with tart berries in a buttery Scottish-style treat. Crisp edges and delicate crumb promise a delightful holiday indulgence you’ll savor with each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 g or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar (optional, for coating)

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, integrating orange zest and vanilla extract seamlessly into a smooth, aromatic mixture.
2. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and salt into the butter mixture, carefully incorporating dried cranberries to create a uniform dough. Divide the mixture into two equal logs, wrapping each tightly in plastic film and refrigerating for at least 2 hours to solidify and enhance flavors.
3. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove chilled dough logs and slice into quarter-inch thick rounds, arranging them with adequate spacing on prepared baking surfaces.
4. Baking: Slide cookies into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Allow cookies to cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
5. Finishing Touch: Optionally, dust with granulated sugar or drizzle with a light orange glaze to elevate the cookies’ visual appeal and flavor profile.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the perfect light, airy texture that creates a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread experience.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough cookies; mix just until ingredients combine to maintain the signature delicate shortbread crumb.
• Chill for Precision: Refrigerating the dough is crucial – it helps cookies hold their shape, intensifies flavors, and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
• Slice with Consistency: Use a sharp knife and cut cookies to uniform quarter-inch thickness to guarantee even baking and consistent texture across all cookies.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg