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Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth

These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth, combining bright orange and tart cranberry flavors for a festive treat.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and ensures a perfect crumbly texture; measure precisely for best results.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the dough and enhances the rich buttery flavor.
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Adds incredible tenderness, making these cookies extra crumbly; omit if you prefer a firmer texture.
  • 1 pinch salt Balances out sweetness and elevates the overall flavors.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Essential for rich flavor; ensure it's cold and cubed before mixing.
  • 3/4 cup fresh cranberries Offers a bright burst of tartness; finely chopped dried cranberries can be substituted if desired.
  • 1 unit orange zest Infuses an aromatic citrus flavor into the dough, enhancing the cookie experience.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the glaze, adding a lovely festive finish.
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice Contributes sweetness and an extra hint of citrus flavor to the glaze.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • whisk
  • Food Processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dry ingredients well. Then, add 1 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles wet sand, about 4-5 minutes.
  2. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and the zest of one orange into the dough. Using your hands, knead the mixture just until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and roll it into a rectangle measuring 4 inches by 12 inches. Wrap the dough tightly in the parchment and place it in the freezer to chill for 20 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice it into 24 equal sticks, roughly 1/2 inch wide. Arrange the sliced sticks on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake the Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies for 20 minutes. Look for faint browning at the edges. Once baked, allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth.
  7. Drizzle the orange glaze over each cookie, allowing it to set briefly. Once set, serve the cookies or package them for gifting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. They can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.

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