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Best Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies (Easy & Guest-Favorite)

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies - featured image
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These buttery shortbread cookies are packed with tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a perfect balance of flavors. They’re quick to make, use simple ingredients, and are always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (90g) dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub with fingertips for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add softened butter to sugar mixture. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and beat on low until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add to butter mixture in two additions, mixing on low until just combined.
  6. Fold in dried cranberries with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Wrap dough in plastic wrap, flatten into a 1-inch disc, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days).
  8. Portion dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls (about 20g each). Place on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are just golden. Centers will look pale.
  10. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For glaze: whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Add more juice for desired consistency. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra zest.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent spreading. For stronger orange flavor, rub zest into sugar thoroughly. Cookies taste even better the next day. Can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: shortbread cookies, cranberry orange, holiday cookies, easy cookies, guest favorite, butter cookies

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-cranberry-orange-shortbread-cookies-easy-and-guest-favorite/