Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect slice and bake treat for the holiday season. With bursts of tart fresh cranberries and bright citrus zest tucked into a rich, buttery shortbread base, these cookies deliver classic winter flavor in every bite.
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are simple to prepare, easy to freeze, and ideal for gifting. Whether you're building a holiday cookie box or baking just because cranberries are in season, this recipe belongs in your winter rotation.
The first time I made Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, I was determined to use up one last bag of fresh cranberries before the season ended. I chopped them finely, mixed them into buttery dough, and added plenty of orange zest. Once baked, the cookies had vibrant ruby flecks and a delicate citrus aroma. One bite sealed the deal-they instantly became a holiday tradition in my kitchen.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely chop fresh cranberries and set aside.
- Cream butter, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
- Add flour and vanilla extract. Mix until dough begins to form clumps.
- Fold in chopped cranberries just until evenly distributed.
- Form dough into a 10-12 inch log, wrap tightly, and chill at least 2-3 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice dough into 1/3-inch rounds and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until pale on top and lightly golden on bottom. Cool on rack.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Are So Special
A Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet
Fresh cranberries provide a bright, slightly tart burst that balances the richness of the butter. Meanwhile, orange zest adds warmth and fragrance.
Unlike overly sweet cookies, Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies offer contrast. The citrus enhances the cranberry flavor, while the buttery base keeps everything smooth and tender.
Classic Slice and Bake Convenience
These cookies come together in one bowl or a food processor. After forming the dough into a log, you simply chill, slice, and bake.
Because the dough holds its shape beautifully, Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies look polished without extra effort.
Ingredients You'll Need
Simple Pantry Staples
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies use minimal ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Fresh orange zest
- Fresh cranberries
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
Shortbread traditionally contains no eggs or added liquid. Therefore, properly softened butter is essential for binding the dough.
Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries
Fresh cranberries deliver the brightest flavor and best texture. However, dried cranberries also work well.
If using dried cranberries:
- Use ½ to ⅔ cup
- No need to chop
- Expect slightly sweeter cookies
Avoid frozen cranberries, as they release too much moisture and can affect the dough consistency.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Step 1: Chop the Cranberries
Pulse fresh cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped. Some larger pieces are fine for texture.
Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Zest
In a food processor or mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and orange zest until smooth and combined.
The zest should be fragrant and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla
Add flour and vanilla extract. Pulse until the dough begins forming clumps.
Since shortbread contains no extra liquid, make sure the butter fully incorporates into the flour.
Step 4: Fold in Cranberries
Add chopped cranberries and pulse just until distributed. Do not overprocess.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it together into a cohesive mass.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Form the dough into a 10-12 inch log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Chill for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the log into ⅓-inch rounds and place 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until pale on top and lightly golden on the bottom.
Let cool briefly before transferring to a rack. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Start with Soft Butter
Room temperature butter ensures the dough binds properly. Cold butter will create crumbly dough that won't hold together.
Test One Cookie First
If you prefer softer cookies, bake on the shorter end of the time range. For crispier edges, bake slightly longer.
Testing one or two cookies first allows you to adjust timing to your preference.
Keep the Log Round
Wrap the dough log in plastic and roll gently on the counter to maintain a smooth shape. Chilling it inside a folded towel helps preserve a round profile.
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies freeze beautifully.
Freeze Before Baking
- Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic, then foil
- Store in a freezer bag
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing
You can also pre-slice and freeze the rounds. Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Freeze After Baking
- Cool completely
- Layer with parchment paper
- Store in airtight container up to 3 months
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Delicious Variations
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are versatile and easy to customize.
Try:
- Adding chopped pecans or walnuts
- Mixing in white chocolate chips
- Dipping half the cookie in melted white chocolate
- Baking the dough in a square pan and slicing into bars
Each variation maintains the buttery base while adding a festive twist.
FAQ
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes. Use ½-⅔ cup dried cranberries. No chopping required.
Why is my dough crumbly?
Shortbread dough has no liquid. Make sure your butter is soft and fully incorporated.
How thick should I slice the cookies?
About ⅓ inch thick for tender centers and lightly crisp edges.
How long do Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough log up to 3 days before baking.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies combine tart cranberries, fragrant citrus zest, and rich buttery shortbread into one unforgettable holiday cookie. The slice and bake method keeps things simple, while the vibrant flavor makes them stand out on any dessert tray.
Once you bake a batch of Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, you'll likely find yourself reaching for fresh cranberries every winter just to make them again.
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