Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening. The buttery shortbread base, enriched with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, offers a burst of flavor in every bite. These cookies are straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal effort for a rewarding result. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage or shared with loved ones, they provide a pleasing balance of sweetness and tartness, sure to satisfy any cookie enthusiast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 Tbsp orange zest

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing slowly until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
4. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the dough into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on it for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keywords: Holiday Treat, Sweet and Tart, Shortbread, Baking, Dessert

Spice Rack: Vanilla Extract

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