Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where we will be creating a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season – Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies. As a seasoned recipe developer with a passion for festive flavors, I am excited to share this recipe with you. The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange in a buttery shortbread cookie is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and joy. Let’s dive into the recipe and spread some holiday cheer!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Tips: To enhance the citrus flavor, you can add a splash of orange extract to the dough. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can use sweetened dried cranberries instead of unsweetened ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the orange zest and mix until well combined.
3. Sift in the flour and salt, then add the dried cranberries. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips:

I’ve found that chilling the dough not only makes it easier to slice but also helps the flavors meld together for a more complex taste. Additionally, these cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in a decorative tin with a festive bow.

Storage & Substitutions:

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. If you don’t have dried cranberries on hand, you can substitute them with dried cherries or blueberries for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQ:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

While fresh cranberries can be used, the cookies may have a more tart flavor and a softer texture.

Can I skip the orange zest?

The orange zest adds a bright citrus flavor to the cookies, but you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional shortbread taste.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, resulting in a thicker cookie.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be added to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I drizzle icing on top of the cookies?

A simple icing made with powdered sugar and orange juice can be drizzled over the cooled cookies for added sweetness.

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that are perfect for the holiday season. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. I hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delicious treats. Happy Holidays!

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