Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of rich, buttery texture and bright, refreshing flavor. Inspired by classic shortbread traditions, these cookies are elevated with the addition of tart dried cranberries and fragrant orange zest. The result is a cookie that melts in your mouth while delivering little bursts of citrus and fruit in every bite.
These cookies are especially popular during the fall and winter seasons, but their simple elegance makes them a wonderful treat year-round. They are ideal for holiday cookie platters, afternoon tea, homemade gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Shortbread cookies are loved for their simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, they produce a tender, crumbly texture that feels luxurious without being heavy. Adding cranberries brings a gentle tartness that cuts through the richness of the butter, while orange zest adds a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the entire cookie.
Another advantage of this recipe is convenience. The dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you need them. The slice-and-bake method also ensures evenly shaped cookies with minimal effort.
Ingredients
To make these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, you will need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling, optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped if large
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. This step is essential for achieving the classic shortbread texture.
3. Add Flavorings
Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, almond extract, and dried cranberries. Mix gently until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and gently press it together. Shape it into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. If desired, roll the log in granulated sugar to coat the outside for extra sweetness and a slight crunch.
5. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when sliced.
6. Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the chilled dough into rounds about ¼ to ½ inch thick and place them on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges are just beginning to turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Texture and Flavor Notes
These cookies are delicately crumbly with a smooth, buttery finish. The cranberries provide small bursts of tartness, while the orange zest perfumes the dough with a fresh citrus aroma. The optional almond extract adds subtle depth without overpowering the main flavors.
Storage Tips
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully—either baked or as unbaked dough logs—for up to three months. Simply slice and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are elegant yet simple, making them suitable for festive celebrations, cookie exchanges, or everyday treats. Their bright flavor and beautiful appearance make them stand out on any dessert table, while their ease of preparation ensures they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.