Description
Indulge in the festive delight of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, where the tartness of cranberries meets the zesty sweetness of oranges in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These cookies are a celebration of flavors that encapsulate the joy of the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup Dried Cranberries
- Zest of 1 Orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring a tender cookie.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract, dried cranberries, and orange zest. Make sure the ingredients are well-distributed for an even burst of flavor in every bite.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to retain that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a log shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice the cookies.
- Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to maintain their structure.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and better incorporation.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough prevents spreading and helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
- Use Fresh Zest: Freshly grated orange zest will provide the most vibrant flavor compared to store-bought options.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes helps them set properly before transferring them.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Orange, Shortbread, Cookies, Holiday Treats