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Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange. Perfect for any occasion, they are simple to make and can be enjoyed year-round.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Total Time39 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Cranberry Cookies, Easy Cookies, holiday treats, Orange Cookies, shortbread cookies
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Cookie Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegan butter, softened to room temperature Can substitute with regular butter if preferred.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Use a gluten-free flour mix for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Icing Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice For icing.

Instructions

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to beat the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar together for about 1 to 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
  • Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well to ensure it’s fully combined.
  • Stop the mixer and add in the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  • Next, add the orange juice, orange zest, and finely chopped cranberries to the dough. Mix until everything is well incorporated, keeping in mind that the dough will be thick and a bit sticky.
  • Shape the dough into a log about two inches in diameter. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours.

Baking

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Once your dough is chilled, slice it into cookies about 1/4 inch thick and arrange them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between the cookies.
  • Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned.
  • Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Icing

  • To prepare the icing, whisk the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice together until smooth. Drizzle it over the completely cooled cookies if desired.

Notes

These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for 5 to 6 days. They also freeze well for later enjoyment.