Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness. With the zesty aroma of orange and the chewy texture of dried cranberries, these cookies make a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply indulging in a flavorful snack, this recipe is sure to please. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• Optional: ½ cup white chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Chill the Dough:
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
3. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
4. Slice and Bake:
   Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
   For an extra layer of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate. This optional step enhances the flavor and gives the cookies a festive, elegant finish.

Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Tips:

• For a stronger orange flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange extract to the dough along with the zest and juice.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them fresh.

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, offering a perfect balance of citrus and berry flavors wrapped in buttery, crumbly shortbread. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.