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Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These delightful cookies combine buttery richness with the vibrant flavors of orange zest and tart cranberries, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Holiday
Keyword Cranberry Cookies, Easy Baking, holiday treats, Orange Cookies, shortbread
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings 12 cookies
Calories 100kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour This provides the foundation for your cookies, resulting in a tender crumb.
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch Ensures that your cookies are extra light and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Balances the sweetness beautifully.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Rich and creamy, this is the star of any great cookie.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar For that sweet finish that gives the cookies a delightful texture.
  • zest of 1 orange Bursts with citrusy brightness.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Adds depth to the overall flavor.

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped Tart and chewy, these add sweetness and color.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
  • In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
  • Stir in the orange zest and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Press down gently with a fork to create a design.

Baking

  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For best results, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps enhance the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.