Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright notes of citrus, creating a delightful flavor that everyone will love. Easy to make and beautifully presented, these cookies are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Flavor Options: Use either fresh or dried cranberries to customize the taste to your liking.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make an excellent gift during the holidays or for special occasions.
• Satisfying Texture: The buttery shortbread combined with chewy cranberries creates a delightful texture in every bite.
• Easy Slice and Bake Method: Simply chill the dough, slice, and bake—no rolling required!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, gather all the necessary tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Parchment paper
• Cookie sheet
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: It helps combine ingredients quickly and efficiently, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without making a mess.
• Parchment paper: This prevents sticking and helps ensure your cookies bake evenly.
• Cookie sheet: A good-quality cookie sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

Cranberry orange shortbread cookies are an easy holiday slice-and-bake recipe with a burst of cranberry and citrus. Use fresh or dried cranberries!

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• zest of one orange or tangerine (just the orange part, not the bitter white pith)
• 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

How to Make Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

Rough chop the cranberries and set them aside. This will help distribute their tart flavor throughout the cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In your food processor, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest until well combined. This step is crucial for achieving a light texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla

Add the all-purpose flour and pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Pulse about 10 times, then run the machine briefly until a cohesive dough forms.

Step 4: Incorporate Cranberries

Gently add in the chopped cranberries. Pulse just until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough—avoid over-processing.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured board. Bring it together with your hands until it’s no longer crumbly. Form it into a log about 10-12 inches long, depending on how large you want each cookie.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the log in plastic wrap tightly to maintain its shape as it chills. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight for better flavor development.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 8: Slice and Bake

Slice the chilled dough into 1/3 inch slices. Place them on your prepared cookie sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on bottom.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. They will firm up as they cool down.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season or enjoying with family. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Tea or Coffee – The buttery flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making for a comforting treat.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich mug of hot chocolate for a deliciously sweet combination.

On a Dessert Platter

• Holiday Cookie Tray – Arrange your cranberry shortbread cookies on a festive platter with other seasonal treats like gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• Gift Boxes – Package them in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family during the holidays.

As Part of Breakfast

• Morning Snack – These cookies can be enjoyed as a sweet addition to your breakfast, served alongside yogurt and fruit.
• Brunch Delight – Serve them at brunch gatherings along with fresh fruit and pastries for an elegant touch.

How to Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

To ensure your cranberry shortbread cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter combines better with sugar, resulting in a smoother dough and richer flavor.
• Chill the Dough Properly – Allowing the dough to chill thoroughly helps maintain its shape while baking, leading to perfectly sliced cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough – Mixing just until combined ensures your cookies remain tender and crumbly rather than tough.
• Adjust Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies; baking times can vary based on thickness. Remove them when they are pale and just starting to turn golden.
• Let Cool Completely – Allowing the cookies to cool on a rack prevents them from becoming soggy, ensuring they maintain their delicate texture.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter – A selection of creamy cheeses such as brie or goat cheese balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and acidity that pairs well with the buttery richness of the cookies.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful contrast to the cookie’s texture and taste.
4. Nut Mixture – A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy element that complements the softness of the cookies.
5. Whipped Cream Dip – A light whipped cream dip can serve as an indulgent accompaniment for dipping and enjoying alongside the cookies.
6. Ice Cream Scoops – Vanilla or citrus-flavored ice cream adds a deliciously cold contrast that makes for an exquisite dessert pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common pitfalls can make your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies a hit.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for tender shortbread.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for at least 3 hours to maintain shape.
• Cutting cookies too thick: Thick slices may not bake evenly, resulting in uncooked centers. Aim for 1/3 inch thickness for uniform baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; using an oven thermometer ensures accurate baking temperatures. This helps achieve perfect cookies every time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Lightly toast on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, but watch closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries work well! Just chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution in the dough.

How do I make my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or experimenting with different citrus zests.

What should I do if my dough is crumbly?

If your dough is crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of water or additional vanilla extract to help it come together.

How many cookies does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes approximately 18 delicious Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, perfect for sharing!

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are not only delightful with their sweet and tart balance but also versatile enough to customize. You can add nuts or different spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try during your next baking session; it’s sure to become a holiday favorite!