Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the smell of fresh cookies wafting through the house. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat to make your home feel cozy. These cookies blend the tartness of cranberries with the bright zest of orange, creating a delightful dance of flavors that’s as comforting as a warm hug.
Imagine a sunny Saturday morning with family gathered around the table. These cookies make a wonderful addition to brunch or a busy weeknight dessert. They’re quick to whip up, but they also have a touch of elegance that makes them perfect for bake sales or holiday gatherings. You’ll love how simple they are to prepare, yet they feel special and festive.
Every bite offers a crumbly, buttery texture that melts in your mouth, while the sweet and tart notes of orange and cranberry make your taste buds sing. This cookie recipe becomes not just a treat but a joyful experience you can share with those you love.
how to make cranberry orange shortbread cookies
Baking should feel like an adventure, not a chore. Let’s walk through this delightful process together. You’ll see how easy it is to create something that brings smiles all around.
Ingredients
– 60 g caster sugar
– 1 orange (zest)
– 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
– 75 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)
– 120 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
– 30 ml orange juice
– 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted)
Gather these pantry staples and let’s get started on whipping up a batch of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies that will surely be the highlight of your day.
Directions
1. **Rub sugar and orange zest together until combined.**
This step is so simple, yet it’s where the magic begins. As you rub the two together, imagine the bright citrus notes filling the kitchen.
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Cream butter, orange sugar, and vanilla extract together until light.
Use a mixer or your trusty wooden spoon. Beat until everything is fluffy and dreamy. This mixture should turn pale and airy. -
Add flour and cranberries, mixing until combined.
Slowly mix in the flour and chopped cranberries. The dough will start coming together, filled with sweet little surprises of cranberry bits. -
Form dough into a disc and roll it out to ½ cm thick.
Take the dough and shape it into a disc. This makes it easier to roll out. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just aim for an even thickness. -
Cut out cookie shapes and chill for 30 minutes.
Use your favorite cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Once cut, pop them in the fridge. Chilling helps maintain their shape while baking. -
Preheat oven to 170°C (335°F) and bake cookies for 12-15 minutes.
While your cookies chill, preheat your oven. Bake until the edges are lightly golden. You’ll know it’s time when the scent wafts through your home! -
Make the glaze by combining icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter.
In a small bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, fresh orange juice, and melted butter until smooth. This will be the perfect finishing touch for your cookies. -
Dip baked cookies into glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
Once your cookies are cool, it’s time to dip them! A light coating of glaze adds sweetness and a beautiful shine. -
Serve and enjoy!
Now, the best part: share your cookies with family or friends. Watch as smiles spread with every bite!
how to serve cranberry orange shortbread cookies
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are versatile. Serve them on a lovely platter for a brunch gathering or alongside a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly day. You could also keep them simple by placing a few on a plate for an after-school snack.
Want to elevate your cookie game? Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh orange slices for a vibrant dessert. They also make a fantastic gift. Wrap a few in a clear bag tied with a lovely ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful present!
how to store cranberry orange shortbread cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delightful for about a week. If you have extra cookies and you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before you enjoy them again.
tips to make cranberry orange shortbread cookies
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Butter Temperature Matters: Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature. This allows it to cream well with the sugar, giving your cookies that light, fluffy texture we all love.
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Don’t Skip the Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and texture during baking. Patience is key here, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
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Finely Chop Cranberries: For even distribution throughout the dough, make sure to chop the dried cranberries finely. This way, each bite has that sweet tartness, and it won’t overwhelm the buttery shortbread.
variation
If you’d like to add a twist, consider incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you could swap out cranberries for dried cherries or even chocolate chips. This simple adjustment can yield a whole new flavor experience, keeping things fresh and exciting!
Pro Tips for Success
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Invest in Good Ingredients: Use quality butter and fresh oranges. The flavors will really shine, elevating the taste of your cookies.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges and firm to the touch. If you leave them in too long, they won’t have that lovely tender crumb.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist. Just a pinch can enhance the autumnal vibes, making them perfect for festive gatherings.
Serving Ideas
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Tea Party Treats: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon. Arrange them on a cute tiered stand for a delightful tea party vibe.
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Brunchable Goodness: Serve them beside a fluffy stack of pancakes or as part of a breakfast spread with yogurt and fresh fruit. They add a sweet touch to any brunch menu.
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Family Movie Night: Why not enjoy these cookies while curled up on the couch watching your favorite film? They provide the perfect, sweet accompaniment to popcorn and laughter.
FAQs
Can I freeze cranberry orange shortbread cookies?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. When you need a sweet treat, thaw them at room temperature.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
Feel free to substitute with any dried fruits like cherries or apricots. Each fruit will bring a unique taste to the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into a disc, wrap it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before baking.
How do I make these gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum if your blend does not contain it already.
Quick Recap
The beauty of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies lies in their simplicity. They are easy to make, bursting with flavor, and bring a sense of warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether you bake a batch for your family or surprise a friend with a sweet little gift, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So why not bake this weekend? You’ll be glad you did!
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 60 g caster sugar
- 1 piece orange (zest) Zest from one orange
- 125 g unsalted butter (room temperature) Softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 180 g plain flour (all-purpose)
- 75 g dried cranberries (finely chopped)
Glaze Ingredients
- 120 g powdered icing sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 30 ml orange juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rub sugar and orange zest together until combined.
- Cream butter, orange sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and cranberries, mixing until combined.
- Form dough into a disc and roll it out to ½ cm thick.
- Cut out cookie shapes and chill for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 170°C (335°F) and bake cookies for 12-15 minutes.
- Make the glaze by combining icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter.
- Dip baked cookies into glaze and let them set on a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!