Zesty Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookie Recipe

Festive baking reaches new heights with these orange cranberry shortbread cookies that blend zesty citrus and tart berries into a delightful seasonal treat.

Buttery, crumbly, and packed with bright flavors, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on classic shortbread.

The delicate balance of sweet orange and tangy cranberries creates an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Each bite brings a burst of festive cheer and warmth to your holiday spread.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these cookies a standout dessert for winter gatherings.

The simple yet elegant recipe promises to impress even the most discerning cookie lovers.

Get ready to add a new favorite to your baking repertoire that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 112 kcal

Servings: 22

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for classic shortbread texture, choose unbleached flour for better flavor and nutrition.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp edges, opt for pure cane sugar for best results.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture by softening the flour's protein structure.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Dried Cranberries: Adds bursts of tangy sweetness and beautiful color, choose plump and moist cranberries for maximum flavor.
• Orange Zest: Delivers bright, citrusy notes and aromatic complexity, use fresh oranges and zest only the outer colored layer.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender shortbread with a luxurious mouthfeel, use high-quality European-style butter for superior taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Makes silky smooth glaze with glossy finish, sift to remove any lumps for perfect consistency.
• Orange Juice: Provides zingy flavor and helps thin the glaze, freshly squeezed juice yields the most vibrant taste.

Tools for Shortbread Dough and Baking

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for perfectly mixing dry ingredients and butter into a sandy texture.
• Paddle Attachment: Helps create the right cookie dough consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Critical for rolling and preventing sticking.
• Rolling Pin: Used to shape the dough into an even rectangle.
• Baking Sheet: Provides a surface for baking cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and crisp up.
• Small Bowl: For preparing the orange glaze.
• Pastry Bag or Squeeze Bottle: Helps drizzle glaze neatly over cookies.
• Sharp Knife: Used to cut dough into precise cookie sticks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.

How to Bake Orange Cranberry Shortbread

• Flavor Foundation

Gather fresh ingredients like tangy cranberries and bright orange zest for a delightful cookie experience that will wake up your taste buds.

• Dough Preparation

Mix dry ingredients in a spacious bowl, creating a soft landscape of flour and sugar that will become the base of your delectable treat.

• Butter Magic

Incorporate cold butter into the mixture, transforming the dry ingredients into a crumbly texture that hints at the deliciousness to come.

• Fruity Flair

Fold in finely chopped cranberries and vibrant orange zest, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor in every bite.

• Dough Shaping

Roll the dough into a rectangular shape on parchment paper, creating a smooth canvas for your cookies.

• Chill Time

Place the dough in the freezer to firm up, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly crisp.

• Oven Transformation

Slice the chilled dough into elegant sticks and bake until the edges turn a gentle golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Glaze Finale

Drizzle a tangy orange glaze over the cooled cookies, adding a final touch of sweetness and brightness to your homemade treat.

Tips for Balancing Citrus and Tartness

• Freeze the dough for exactly 20 minutes to ensure crisp, clean-cut cookies with perfect texture and minimal spreading during baking.
• Maximize orange flavor by using fresh, organic oranges and microplaning the zest to release more intense citrus oils into the shortbread dough.
• Experiment with dried cranberry alternatives like chopped dried cherries, blueberries, or finely diced candied ginger for unique flavor profiles.
• Transform the orange glaze by adding a splash of Grand Marnier or replacing orange juice with lemon juice for a tangy alternative that complements the sweet shortbread base.
• Keep cookies fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Serving Shortbread for Dessert Tables

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these elegant shortbread cookies on a white ceramic plate with fresh orange slices and sprigs of holly for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these delicate cookies alongside Earl Grey tea in delicate porcelain cups, creating a sophisticated and refined snacking experience that highlights the orange and cranberry flavors.
• Gifting Delights: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a small cinnamon stick, perfect as homemade edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Winter Dessert Pairing: Complement these shortbread cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert that elevates the citrusy cranberry notes.

Keeping Shortbread Fresh and Crumbly

• Short-Term Cookie Sanctuary: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• Freezer-Friendly Cookie Strategy: Layer cookies between parchment paper inside a sealed freezer container. These delightful treats will maintain their quality for 3 months when frozen properly.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days before baking and refrigerate. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and flavor contamination.
• Serving Suggestion Twist: These orange cranberry shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with afternoon tea, morning coffee, or as a delicate dessert after light meals. Separate each layer with wax paper when transporting to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.

Buttery Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 22 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive orange cranberry shortbread cookies blend zesty citrus with tart cranberries for a delightful holiday treat. Sweet, crumbly cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors that will charm guests and satisfy winter dessert cravings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (75 g) granulated sugar
• 1 stick (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup (40 g) fresh cranberries, finely chopped
• ⅔ cup (80 g) powdered sugar
• ½ tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tsp (15 g / 0.5 fl oz) orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Blend Dry Components: Thoroughly mix flour, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl to create a uniform dry base.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add cold butter cubes and mix on low speed until the mixture transforms into a coarse, sandy texture that holds together when pressed.
3. Enhance Dough: Gently fold chopped cranberries and orange zest into the crumbly mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavor elements.
4. Form Dough: Transfer the delicate mixture onto parchment paper, carefully kneading to create a cohesive dough ball. Place a second parchment sheet on top and roll into a precise 4×12-inch rectangular shape.
5. Chill Preparation: Refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes to firm up and develop optimal consistency.
6. Preheat and Prepare: Set oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, creating the perfect baking environment.
7. Shape and Arrange: Cut the chilled dough into 24 uniform sticks, positioning them with precise spacing on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20 minutes, watching for delicate golden-brown edges that indicate ideal doneness. While warm, gently reshape cookies if necessary to maintain their elegant form.
9. Cool and Glaze: Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar and fresh orange juice to create a silky glaze.
10. Final Touch: Drizzle the citrusy glaze over cooled cookies using a pastry bag or squeeze bottle, adding a professional and visually appealing finish.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigeration helps prevent spreading and maintains the cookie’s crisp, defined shape during baking.
• Handle with Care: Use a light touch when kneading and rolling to keep shortbread tender and prevent tough texture.
• Precision Matters: Uniform cutting ensures even baking and professional-looking cookies that cook consistently.
• Glaze Game Strong: Apply orange glaze while cookies are completely cool to prevent melting and achieve a clean, elegant finish.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 112
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg