Classic Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies offer a delightful twist on the traditional shortbread. With the bright flavors of orange and tart cranberries, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Their melt-in-your-mouth buttery texture and beautiful appearance make them an impressive addition to any dessert spread.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
- For the Orange Glaze
- How to Make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Incorporate Butter
- Step 4: Add Cranberries and Zest
- Step 5: Form the Cookies
- Step 6: Bake and Cool
- Step 7: Prepare Orange Glaze
- How to Serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- With a Cup of Tea
- Drizzled with Orange Glaze
- Gift Them
- At a Dessert Table
- With Fresh Fruit
- As Party Favors
- How to Perfect Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Best Side Dishes for Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Reheating Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
- How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
- What can I substitute for orange juice?
- How should I store leftover cookies?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing taste that stands out.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or everyday snacking; they fit any moment.
- Customizable: Drizzle with orange glaze or melted white chocolate for an extra special touch.
- Great for Gifting: Package them beautifully and share with friends or family for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents warping in the oven.
- Parchment paper: This non-stick surface makes transferring cookies easy while keeping clean-up simple.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Note 1)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter (cold and cut into ½-inch cubes)
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped, Note 2)
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
For the Orange Glaze
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons orange juice
How to Make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Granulated sugar
3. Cornstarch
4. Salt
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Add the cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Add Cranberries and Zest
Gently fold in:
1. Finely chopped fresh cranberries
2. Orange zest
Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Form the Cookies
Using your hands, shape the dough into sticks or rounds as desired. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before glazing.
Step 7: Prepare Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness and flavor!
How to Serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
These delightful Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Cup of Tea
- Pair your cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
Drizzled with Orange Glaze
- Add an extra layer of flavor by drizzling a simple orange glaze over the cookies before serving.
Gift Them
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.
At a Dessert Table
- Include them in a dessert spread alongside other sweets for a colorful and inviting display.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with slices of fresh oranges or other seasonal fruits to complement the citrus flavor.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for delightful party favors that guests will love.
How to Perfect Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Perfecting your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.
Use Cold Butter: Start with cold butter cut into cubes. This helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape.
Finely Chop Cranberries: Make sure to chop cranberries finely so they distribute evenly throughout the cookies without overpowering each bite.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure balanced flavors and textures in your cookies.
Bake on Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking.
Best Side Dishes for Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Serving side dishes alongside your Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that complements the citrus notes in the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which provide a creamy contrast to the sweet flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, healthy option that balances sweetness.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The rich taste of chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries.
Nut Mix: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and pecans adds crunch and savory notes alongside sweet cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: Brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies while providing an energy boost.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or orange-flavored ice cream can be served on the side for an indulgent treat.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats can add another texture and flavor dimension when enjoyed together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.
- Ignoring butter temperature: Using butter that is too warm can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always use cold butter cut into cubes.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling time can cause your cookies to spread excessively while baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using stale ingredients: Old or expired ingredients can compromise flavor and texture. Always check your flour and baking supplies for freshness.
- Skipping the zest: Forgetting to add orange zest will reduce the bright flavor that makes these cookies special. Be sure to include fresh zest from an orange.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
You can use dried cranberries, but they won’t provide the same juicy burst of flavor as fresh cranberries.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice, you can use lemon juice or any citrus juice as an alternative for a different yet refreshing flavor.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their buttery texture paired with bright cranberry and orange flavors makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different citrus zest to create your unique twist!
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Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, where buttery richness meets the zesty brightness of orange and the tartness of fresh cranberries. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy tea parties, or a sweet treat at home. With their beautiful appearance and irresistible flavor combination, they are sure to impress family and friends alike. Plus, this easy-to-follow recipe allows you to create these delightful treats in no time, making them a wonderful option for gifting or sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ¼ cup fresh cranberries (finely chopped)
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
- For the glaze: 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and blend until crumbly.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and orange zest evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into sticks or rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar with orange juice for glaze and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
