Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of buttery shortbread. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also add a festive touch to any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy winter evenings. Their unique flavor profile, paired with a simple slice-and-bake method, makes them a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy bakers during the holiday season.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing taste that stands out among traditional cookies.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these cookies as dessert or with your afternoon tea. They also make great gifts!
• Make Ahead: The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, making it convenient for last-minute baking.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap out cranberries for other fruits or add nuts to personalize your cookies!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, gather the essential tools you’ll need for a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Helps in quickly creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth dough without much effort.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies, promoting uniform cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

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!

Ingredients:
– 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 Cranberries

Rough chop the cranberries and set aside. This will help distribute them evenly throughout the cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest together until well combined. Using a food processor makes this step quick and easy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract, pulsing about 10 times in the food processor. Run it briefly until the dough starts to come together into lumps.

Step 4: Mix in Cranberries

Add the chopped cranberries into the mixture. Pulse just until they are distributed evenly; avoid over-processing.

Step 5: Form Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Bring it together with your hands just until it is no longer crumbly.

Step 6: Shape Log

Form the dough into a log approximately 10-12 inches long. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain shape while chilling.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Chill the dough for at least 3 hours or overnight. Wrapping in a folded towel helps keep its round shape as it chills.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy baking.

Step 9: Slice Cookies

Slice the chilled dough into 1/3 inch slices and arrange them on the cookie sheet, leaving two inches apart between each slice.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, adjusting time based on desired crispiness. Cookies should be pale on top with golden bottoms.

Step 11: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Handle carefully as they will be soft when hot.

Enjoy these delightful Cranberry Shortbread Cookies as part of your next holiday spread!

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee complements the rich butteriness of the cookies.
• Tea: Pair with herbal or black teas for a comforting experience.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection: Add a few slices of mild cheese to balance the sweetness.
• Fruit: Fresh fruits like sliced oranges or apples enhance the fruity notes in the cookies.
• Dessert Dips: Serve with chocolate or caramel dips for an indulgent twist.

During Holiday Gatherings

• Gift Wrapping: Pack them in festive boxes as homemade gifts.
• Cookie Exchange: Share them at cookie swaps; they will surely impress other bakers!

How to Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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

• Chill the Dough: Always chill your dough for at least 3 hours. This helps solidify the butter, resulting in crispier cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries if possible; they add vibrant flavor and texture.
• Control Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be pale on top but slightly golden on the bottom for optimal texture.
• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife for even slicing. This ensures uniform baking and presentation.
• Experiment with Zest: Try different citrus zests, like lemon or lime, to add variety in flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry shortbread cookies can be enjoyed with a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent pairings:

1. Cheesecake Bites: Creamy bites that contrast nicely with the tartness of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your dessert table.
3. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits adds crunch and earthy flavors.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookies’ texture.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate creates an indulgent dip that pairs wonderfully with shortbread.
6. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm, spiced apple mixture enhances the holiday flavors of cranberry shortbread cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies even more delightful. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using unsalted butter – Always use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness and flavor of your cookies. Salted butter can alter the taste and texture.

• Overmixing the dough – Be careful not to overmix when combining ingredients. This can result in tough cookies instead of the desired tender texture.

• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining shape during baking. Don’t skip this step; it will ensure your cookies hold their form.

• Cutting uneven slices – Make sure you slice the dough evenly for consistent baking. Uneven pieces may lead to some cookies being undercooked or burnt.

• Not checking for doneness – Every oven heats differently. Keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of baking time to avoid overbaking them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your Cranberry Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container.
• item They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• item For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• item These cookies freeze well; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• item They can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.
• item To maintain freshness, place them in a freezer-safe bag after wrapping.

Reheating Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave – Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it as they can become tough.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a non-stick pan on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through (about 3-5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Shortbread Cookies:

How do I make Cranberry Shortbread Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and ensure you use room temperature butter when creaming with sugar.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries can be used as a substitute. Just chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.

What flavors pair well with Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?

These cookies pair beautifully with citrus flavors like orange or lemon zest. You could also try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

How long do Cranberry Shortbread Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any season. Their buttery texture combined with tart cranberries makes them irresistible! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Try this recipe today!