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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies for a Festive Treat

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are buttery treats that combine citrus and tartness, perfect for holiday baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies
  • 1 cup Caster Sugar Can substitute with granulated sugar if needed.
  • 2 tbsp Orange Zest Use organically grown oranges for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Use room temperature butter for even mixing.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Can substitute with almond extract for variation.
  • 2 cups Plain Flour Sift before measuring for lightness.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Finely chop to evenly distribute.
For the Orange Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Icing Sugar Sift to avoid lumps.
  • 2 tbsp Orange Juice Freshly squeezed juice is ideal.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter Ensure it's melted before use.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • stand mixer
  • paddle attachment
  • Cookie Cutters
  • Baking Tray

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prep Sugar: Rub together the caster sugar and orange zest in a mixing bowl until moist and aromatic.
  2. Cream Mixture: Beat butter, orange sugar mixture, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy in a stand mixer.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add sifted flour and chopped cranberries to butter mixture; mix until combined.
  4. Form Dough: Shape dough into a flat disc and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Cut Out Shapes: Roll out dough and use cookie cutters to create shapes; chill cutouts for another 30 minutes.
  6. Bake: Preheat oven and bake cookies for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a tray.
  7. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together icing sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth.
  8. Glaze Cookies: Dip cooled cookies into the glaze and let set for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting and can be customized with various add-ins like nuts or different dried fruits.

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