Sitting in a cozy kitchen filled with the scent of rich butter and the sweet, citrusy notes of oranges, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. The memories of bustling family gatherings and laughter drift through the air like the warm afternoon sun. One bite of these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, and you’ll be transported back to simpler times, where each crumb holds a piece of love.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is more than just a delightful treat; it’s a way to connect with those cherished moments. Bright, tart cranberries paired with zesty orange create a flavor that sings of Southern hospitality, making these cookies a perfect addition to any family gathering or holiday spread. As the holidays approach and hearts cozy up by the fireside, there’s no better time to whip up a batch of these cookies to share with loved ones or savor all on your own.
How to make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Making these cookies is as heartwarming as the memories they evoke. Follow this simple guide, and soon you’ll have a mouthwatering batch that enchants everyone around your dining table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup Fresh Cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Juice
Directions:
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Once mixed, gently work in those chilly, cubed pieces of unsalted butter, ensuring it integrates until the mixture resembles wet sand—a sign of buttery goodness just waiting to come together.
Step 2: Now comes the delightful part! Fold in the chopped, vibrant cranberries and the fragrant orange zest into the dough. Knead gently, coaxing the dough into a harmonious blend that’s pliable and cohesive.
Step 3: Roll the dough into a rectangle as best as you can manage, and tuck it into the freezer for about 20 minutes—a little bit of chill to shape its destiny.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to a welcoming 325°F (160°C). Once your dough is chilly, slice it into 24 lovely sticks. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let them bake for about 20 minutes, filling your home with that irresistible aroma.
Step 5: When baked to a golden hue, allow your cookies to cool just a tad. While they are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice to form a lovely glaze, which you can drizzle atop those warm cookies as a sweet finishing touch.
How to serve Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
These cookies are perfect served on a vintage platter, surrounded by friends and family during cozy evening gatherings. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee, or crumble a few over a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream for a treat that’s sure to make the heart sing. Sharing these cookies is a delightful way to create new memories alongside old ones, ensuring that each bite brings warmth and connection.
How to store Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Keep your delightful shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll happily stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! For longer storage, feel free to freeze them in a tightly sealed bag. They’ll be ready to pull out and enjoy whenever those cookie cravings hit!
Tips to make Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Chill Your Butter: Make sure your butter is chilled. It helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture that we all adore.
- Fresh Cranberries: If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones will do, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Zest with Care: When zesting the orange, avoid the white pith as it can add bitterness. Just shyly take off the bright orange skin for the best flavor!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can swap out the cranberries for some dried cherries or even add chopped pecans for a Southern twist that marries beautifully with the buttery dough. For those who like a bit more zest, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These cookies store well, so feel free to make them a few days in advance.
2. What should I pair these cookies with?
They’re delightful with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a cozy hot chocolate—perfect for chilly evenings.
3. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Of course! If you like your cookies a tad less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar slightly. Just remember, baking is about finding your perfect balance!
As you get ready to bake these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies, remember that every mixing bowl is a chance to create moments that linger long after the last cookie has crumbled. May your kitchen be filled with warmth and laughter, and may these cookies bring love to your table, one bite at a time!
Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gently work in the cubed pieces of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest into the dough.
- Knead gently until the dough is pliable and cohesive.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle and tuck it into the freezer for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Slice the chilled dough into 24 sticks and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly.
- Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to form a glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze on top of the warm cookies.