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Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Irresistibly Buttery Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Delight in Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, combining zesty orange with tart cranberries for a perfect holiday treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Baked Goods
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Provides structure; ensure proper measuring to avoid dry dough.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Adds sweetness; consider using brown sugar for a richer flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch Tenderizes the cookies; omit for a crumblier texture if desired.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Table Salt Balances sweetness; swap for sea salt for a different flavor profile.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Adds rich flavor and soft texture; must be cold and cut into cubes for best results.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Introduces tartness; dried cranberries can be a substitute with added milk to moisten the dough.
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Infuses a bright citrus flavor; increase the amount for a more vibrant taste.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Used for the orange glaze; can be blended with melted white chocolate for an indulgent variation.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Juice Essential for making the glaze; fresh juice is preferred for optimal flavor.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • pastry cutter
  • Parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • plastic wrap
  • sharp knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and table salt. Use a whisk to blend the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles wet sand, taking about 5-7 minutes to achieve that crumbly texture.
  3. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and orange zest, mixing well until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it forms a smooth ball.
  5. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper into a rectangle measuring approximately 4x12 inches.
  6. Wrap the rolled dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) while the dough is chilling.
  8. Once the dough is firm and well-chilled, remove it from the freezer and slice it into 24 equal sticks.
  9. Arrange the sliced cookies evenly spaced on a lined baking sheet.
  10. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
  11. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
  12. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and creamy.
  13. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Measure carefully, chill the dough, and avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.

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