Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that brings joy to any occasion, then these Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are just what you need! They are a delightful blend of buttery goodness and the tart zing of cranberries, perfectly complemented by a hint of citrus. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or just because you deserve something sweet, this simple slice-and-bake recipe is sure to impress.

What I love most about these cookies is how they fill your kitchen with the warm scents of butter and orange zest, making everyone feel right at home. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but fancy enough to be the star of your dessert table. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, whether it’s chopping cranberries or rolling the dough.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, cranberry, and citrus creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday parties or as a sweet treat anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of one orange or tangerine (just the orange part)
• 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!
• Try Different Citrus: Substitute lemon or lime zest instead of orange for a unique twist.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work wonderfully too!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies some warm spice flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

Roughly chop the cranberries and set them aside. This step is crucial because it ensures that each cookie gets just the right amount of tartness from the fruit.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your food processor, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until well combined. This process blends flavors together and helps create that lovely light texture we all adore in shortbread cookies.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract. Pulse about 10 times before running the machine briefly until everything comes together into lumps. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies tender!

Step 4: Incorporate Cranberries

Now it’s time for those beautiful cranberries! Add them into the mixture and pulse just until they are evenly distributed. This will ensure that every bite has bursts of cranberry goodness.

Step 5: Forming the Dough

Turn out your dough onto a lightly floured board and gently bring it together with your hands. Just work it until it’s no longer crumbly – we don’t want tough cookies here!

Step 6: Shape into Log

Form your dough into a log about 10-12 inches long. Remember, longer logs mean smaller cookies! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap; this helps create an even shape as it chills.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Chill your log in the fridge for at least three hours or overnight if possible. Wrapping it in a folded towel keeps it round while chilling – little tips like this make all the difference!

Step 8: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup later!

Step 9: Slice and Bake

Slice your chilled dough into 1/3 inch rounds and place them on your prepared cookie sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re pale on top but just starting to turn golden underneath.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Be gentle; they are soft when hot but will firm up beautifully as they cool down.

Now just sit back, relax, and enjoy these delightful Cranberry Shortbread Cookies with friends or family!

Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Baking these delightful cranberry shortbread cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor: If you can find fresh cranberries, they add a vibrant tartness that elevates the cookies. Dried cranberries can work too, but fresh ones will give you that juicy pop in every bite.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: Allowing the dough to chill for at least three hours (or even overnight) helps firm it up, leading to cleaner slices and a firmer cookie texture once baked. This also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Adjust slice thickness for desired texture: If you prefer crisper cookies, slice them thinner—around 1/4 inch. For softer, chewier cookies, stick to about 1/3 inch. Just keep an eye on the baking time!
• Experiment with citrus zest: While orange zest is wonderful, don’t hesitate to try lemon or lime zest for a different flavor profile. Each citrus brings its own unique brightness that can complement the cranberries beautifully.
• Store them properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

These cranberry shortbread cookies are not just delicious; they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, here are some ways to present and enjoy them.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the lovely flavors of the cookie.
• Orange or lemon zest: Add some extra color and zing by garnishing with freshly grated zest from your choice of citrus before serving.

Side Dishes

• Herbal tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea such as chamomile or peppermint. The soothing flavors balance perfectly with the sweet and tart notes of the cookies.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with berries, oranges, and apples complements the rich buttery taste of shortbread while adding freshness.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and mixed berries alongside these cookies for a delightful snack or dessert option that combines creamy goodness with crunchy texture.
• Hot cocoa or coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee blend. The richness of hot drinks pairs perfectly with the crispness of the cookies.

Now that you have all the tips and serving ideas, it’s time to whip up these Cranberry Shortbread Cookies and share them with loved ones! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade treats without the last-minute rush. You can easily make the dough ahead of time or store baked cookies for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For added freshness, you can place a piece of bread in the container; it helps to keep the cookies soft!

Freezing

• Wrap the unbaked cookie log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to three months.
• To bake from frozen, simply slice and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

• If desired, you can warm baked cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries work well in this recipe. Just chop them into smaller pieces if they’re large.

How should I store my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.

How do I know when my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are done?

Look for pale tops with just a hint of golden color on the bottoms; they may seem soft but will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Cranberry Shortbread Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only easy and delicious but also bring a festive touch to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!