Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
From the Blog Author
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Directions
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy (2-3 minutes).
Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined (30 seconds).
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a dough forms (2 minutes).
Stir in the finely chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
Wrap the dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (2 hours).
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
| # | PREVIEW | PRODUCT | RATING | VIEW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | • Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time.
• Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor.
• Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet.
• Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch.
Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes. | Check Price on Amazon | |
| 2 |  | • 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time.
• 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter.
• Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door.
• Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result.
• Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster.
Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes. | Check Price on Amazon | |
| 3 |  | • 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go.
• 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom.
• Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time.
• Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers.
Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge. | Check Price on Amazon |
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you for your support!
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I store Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies to keep them fresh?
These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored properly, they will stay fresh for up to one week. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can alter the delicate shortbread texture.
Can I make the Cranberry Orange Shortbread dough ahead of time?
Yes, making the dough ahead of time is highly recommended for the best results! After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly and chill it for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling is crucial to prevent spreading during the 14-minute bake time.
What can I substitute for dried cranberries in this shortbread recipe?
If you don't have dried cranberries, you can substitute them with an equal amount (1/2 cup) of finely chopped dried cherries or finely chopped crystallized ginger for a similar chewy texture. Ensure any dried fruit is chopped finely so the dough mixes properly with the flour, butter, and orange zest.
