Name: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies for a Cheerful Holiday Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dried cranberries (Use fresh cranberries as a substitute if finely chopped and blotted of excess moisture.); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (1/4 cup for chopping cranberries and remaining for coating.); 2 cups all-purpose flour (Feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend.); 1 cup cold butter (Essential for flaky and tender cookies.); 1 teaspoon almond extract (Vanilla extract can be used as an alternative.); 2 tablespoons orange zest (Use fresh for the best flavor.); 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (Use only if the dough feels too crumbly.)

As I pulled a tray of cookies from the oven, the warm scent of orange zest and tart cranberries wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to holiday gatherings of my childhood. These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies capture the essence of festive baking with their buttery crumb and cheerful pop of flavor. Composed with simple ingredients, they are not only a delightful project for those cozy afternoons but also a perfect treat for gifting or serving at your seasonal gatherings. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, making them inclusive for any holiday celebration. Ready to share some joy and warmth with your loved ones? Let’s dive into this simple yet enchanting recipe together!

Why are Cranberry Orange Cookies a Must-Bake?

Festive Cheer: The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange creates a cookie that’s bursting with holiday spirit, making them perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up these delightful treats without fuss, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs.

Versatile Delight: Not only are they perfect for cookie platters, but they also make fantastic gifts, bringing joy to friends and family alike during the festive season.

Culinary Twist: By swapping in different nuts or adding chocolate chips, you can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste, giving variety to your holiday baking repertoire.

Quick & Convenient: These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies can be made ahead and frozen, so you can enjoy them fresh whenever the occasion arises. Need more ideas? You might also love making Banana Oatmeal Cookies for a healthier treat or indulge in some luscious Cookies Cream Ice for dessert!

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

• For the Cookie Dough

Dried Cranberries – Adds tartness and chewiness, perfect for infusing flavor into the cookies; fresh cranberries can work as a substitute if finely chopped and blotted of excess moisture.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and promotes caramelization, an essential ingredient for the right flavor balance.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a crumbly texture; feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend for a delectable gluten-free version.
Cold Butter – A must for creating a flaky and tender cookie; using cold butter is key to achieving the desired texture.
Almond Extract – Boosts the flavor profile of the cookies; if you’re out, vanilla extract makes a lovely alternative.
Orange Zest – Imbues a lively citrus note; choose fresh zest for the best flavor enhancement.
Fresh Orange Juice – Contributes moisture and amplifies the orange flavor; use only if the dough feels too crumbly.

Your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are just a blend away!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the lined sheet aside while you prepare the cookie dough. Having your tools ready establishes a smooth workflow for your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

Step 2: Chop the Cranberries
In a food processor, pulse the dried cranberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until they’re roughly chopped. This should take about 10-15 seconds. The chopped cranberries will add delightful bursts of tartness and chewiness in your cookies. Once done, set this mixture aside to infuse flavor into the dough.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and the remaining granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend them well, ensuring there are no lumps. This process is crucial as it establishes the base for the texture of your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

Step 4: Cut in the Butter
Take your cold butter and cut it into cubes, then add it to the bowl with the flour and sugar mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, about 4-5 minutes. The cold butter is fundamental for achieving that tender, flaky texture in your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Flavor Ingredients
Next, fold in the almond extract, the previously sweetened chopped cranberries, and the freshly grated orange zest. If your dough feels too crumbly, gently mix in a little fresh orange juice. This mixture brings the essence of the season; each addition enhances the flavor profile and aroma of your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

Step 6: Form the Dough
Shape the dough into a log, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough is essential for achieving the perfect consistency for slicing later on.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This allows the oven to reach the ideal temperature for baking your cookies evenly. While it heats, remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice it into 1/4-inch rounds, ensuring each piece is uniform for even baking.

Step 8: Sugar Coating and Baking
Coat each cookie slice in granulated sugar before placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Keep an eye on them to achieve that delicate texture; a light touch indicates they are ready.

Step 9: Cooling Process
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, as they will firm up slightly. Carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents sogginess and helps preserve the crumbly goodness of your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, making them perfect for enjoying or gifting.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies, where they will stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to place them in an airtight container.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or the unbaked dough log for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their buttery goodness.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough log and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking, or even freeze the unbaked log for up to three months. To maintain the cookies’ quality, tightly wrap the log in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply slice the chilled dough into rounds, coat them in sugar, and follow the baking instructions. This way, you can enjoy fresh, delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with minimal effort, ideal for unexpected guests or festive gatherings!

Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Keep Butter Cold: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing; this is crucial for achieving the flaky texture in your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the ingredients. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies, so mix just until everything is combined.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the formed log for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough ensures clean slicing and helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
Watch Baking Time: Bake until set but not browned; check around the 12-minute mark. This ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience.
Use a Serrated Knife: For neat slices, use a serrated knife when cutting the chilled dough, which will prevent squishing and maintain the cookie shape.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These cozy treats are perfect for brightening up your holiday table while creating delightful pairings that elevate their enchanting flavors.

Velvety Hot Chocolate: A rich mug of hot chocolate enhances the buttery sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting duo. Enjoying these flavors together will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices in apple cider complement the tart cranberries beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for chilly days.
Buttery Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti adds a lovely texture, inviting you to enjoy a delightful dip in your favorite beverage. This pairing creates a delightful journey with each bite and sip.
Fresh Oranges: Juicy orange segments add a burst of freshness, enhancing the cookie’s citrus notes beautifully, making it a vibrant palate cleanser.
Creamy Tea: An Earl Grey or jasmine tea infuses an aromatic experience that harmonizes with the flavors of these delightful cookies, enhancing your afternoon tea moment.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These sweet, juicy treats are a delightful contrast to the crumbly cookie. Their tart-sweet profile complements the overall flavor, creating a decadent experience together.
Nutty Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie or tangy goat cheese with walnuts offers a savory touch, balancing the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making your dessert spread more intriguing.

Variations & Substitutions for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Feel free to let your creativity shine and make these cookies truly your own with delightful alterations!

Nutty Twist: Substitute dried cranberries with finely chopped pistachios or pecans for a crunchy surprise. These nuts add texture and a lovely flavor contrast to the sweet cookies.
Chocolatey Indulgence: Enhance the sweetness by incorporating mini chocolate chips into the dough. The cocoa richness pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries.
Zesty Flavor Boost: Add an extra kick of citrus by mixing in lemon zest along with the orange zest. The combination will create a bright and zesty flavor profile.
Coconut Bliss: Toss in some sweetened shredded coconut for a chewy texture and tropical flair. This will transform your cookies into a festive delight that’s sure to wow!
Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon into the dough for a warm, spicy note that perfectly complements the festive season.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delicious treats. Look for blends that are designed for baking.
Dried Fruit Medley: Mix in chopped dried apricots or cherries along with the cranberries for a fruity medley that adds both color and flavor.
Vegan-Friendly: Swap cold butter for a dairy-free alternative and use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of almond extract to create a buttery and flavorful vegan version.

Thinking of pairing your cookies with something warm? You might enjoy a sumptuous treat of Roll Sugar Cookies alongside these or treat yourself to some rich Cookies Cream Ice for dessert!

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of dried cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! Using sweetened dried cranberries will enhance the flavor of your cookies. If you only have unsweetened cranberries, you might want to add a little extra sugar to maintain the balance of sweetness in your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

How should I store my cookies after baking?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them fresh and delightful. If you wish to extend their shelf life, refrigerating them is a great option. You can also freeze the baked cookies, ensuring to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Can I freeze the unbaked dough?
Certainly! To freeze the unbaked dough, wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. You can store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out, thaw it in the fridge overnight, slice, then bake as usual!

What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, don’t worry! Gently mix in a teaspoon of fresh orange juice; this will help bind the ingredients together. Ensure you add just a little at a time to maintain the perfect consistency for your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! These cookies can be made nut-free by simply omitting the almond extract. You can substitute it with a splash of vanilla extract instead, still ensuring delicious flavor in your festive treats!

What’s the best way to achieve a tender texture?
To ensure that your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies turn out tender, keep your butter cold while incorporating it into the flour mixture and avoid overmixing. Handle the dough gently and let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours before slicing. This will help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves!