Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Are you looking for a delightful, festive treat to indulge in this holiday season? Look no further than these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies! Combining the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange, these buttery shortbread cookies are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie swap or just want a special treat for yourself, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and start baking!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient science: The butter in this recipe provides richness and flavor, while the powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness. The vanilla extract enhances the overall taste of the cookies, and the combination of all-purpose flour and salt gives the cookies their classic shortbread texture. Dried cranberries and orange zest add a burst of fruity flavor in each bite. If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can substitute the orange zest with lemon or lime zest.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

4. Gradually add the flour, dried cranberries, orange zest, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

5. Roll the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

6. Once chilled, unwrap the dough and slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips:

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are easy to customize to suit your preferences. Here are some expert tips to help you perfect this recipe:

• For a more pronounced orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange extract in addition to the orange zest.
• If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can sprinkle the tops of the cookies with a bit of granulated sugar before baking.
• Feel free to mix in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Storage & Substitutions:

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.

If you’re looking to make some substitutions in this recipe, here are a few ideas:

• If you’re out of dried cranberries, you can use dried cherries, blueberries, or even raisins as a tasty alternative.
• Instead of orange zest, you can try lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist.
• For a different flavor profile, you can swap the vanilla extract with almond extract or even rum extract for a boozy kick.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

A: Fresh cranberries can be used in this recipe, but keep in mind that they will add more moisture to the dough. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to compensate.

Q: How do I prevent my shortbread cookies from spreading too much?

A: Chilling the dough before baking is key to preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Q: Can I make the cookie dough in advance and bake it later?

A: Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Q: Can I drizzle these cookies with a glaze for extra sweetness?

A: Absolutely! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest would be a delicious addition to these cookies.

Q: Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

A: These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies make a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season. Package them in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful present.:

In conclusion, these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and buttery shortbread. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. Get creative with different flavor variations and share these cookies with loved ones for a truly memorable treat. Happy baking!

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