Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
These delightful Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies feature a buttery texture and zesty orange flavor combined with tart cranberries, making them perfect for any occasion.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 140kcal
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Always use unsalted butter for better control over the recipe's salt content.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest Freshly grated orange zest enhances flavor; bottled may not provide the same quality.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped Chopped cranberries add chewy texture and slight tartness; can substitute with other dried fruits.
- 1 tablespoon milk Add if needed for dough consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter along with the powdered sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the vanilla extract, orange zest, and salt into the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a log shape.
- Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Baking
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice it into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Arrange the sliced cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges take on a light golden color.
- Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened for easy blending. Don't skip the chilling step; it helps maintain cookie shape while baking. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.