Cranberry Orange Shortbread – A Bright & Buttery Holiday Treat

Cranberry Orange Shortbread – A Bright & Buttery Holiday Treat

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The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 👋 It’s Lacamorea here, and today I’m sharing a recipe that makes my heart sparkle every single holiday season: Cranberry Orange Shortbread. Just saying the words “Cranberry Orange Shortbread” instantly reminds me of cozy winter afternoons back in Paris. I used to help my maman zest oranges while cranberries simmered on the stove. The entire apartment would fill with this citrusy perfume that wrapped around you like a warm scarf. ✨

When I moved to America, I carried that memory with me like a secret ingredient. And every December, when I bake Cranberry Orange Shortbread, it feels like I’m blending my French roots with my new American life. There’s something magical about the buttery crumb, the sweet tang of cranberries, and that bright pop of orange that makes everything feel festive and full of love.

If you’ve never made Cranberry Orange Shortbread, you’re about to be amazed at how simple, elegant, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious it is. I promise this recipe will become your new holiday tradition! And don’t worry no fancy pastry skills required. If you can stir, you can bake this, mon ami. 💛

Here’s to cozy kitchens, warm cookies, and creating traditions that follow you wherever life takes you. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Shortbread

This beautiful treat combines buttery shortbread with fresh citrus flavor and ruby-red bits of cranberry. It’s delicious, easy, and absolutely show-stopping on a cookie platter. It’s also a perfect recipe for gifting because the cookies hold their shape, keep well, and look stunning in a festive tin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but dreamy!)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Optional Glaze

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Extra orange zest for garnish 🍊

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough

  1. Cream the butter and sugar
    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth, fluffy, and slightly pale. This gives your shortbread that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  1. Add the orange zest and extracts
    Mix in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The zest perfumes the dough and adds that signature bright flavor that makes this Cranberry Orange Shortbread unforgettable.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients
    Whisk together flour and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until it forms a soft dough.
  3. Fold in the cranberries
    Stir in the finely chopped dried cranberries. Their sweetness balances the citrus and makes every bite vibrant and chewy.
  4. Shape the dough
    Divide the dough in half and roll each piece into a log about 2 inches thick. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  5. Chill
    Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and creates clean, adorable slices.

Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Remove the dough logs from the fridge.
  4. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds and place on the baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.
  6. Let cool completely before glazing.

Add the Optional Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle lightly over cooled cookies and sprinkle extra zest on top. ✨

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Shortbread pairs beautifully with:

  • A hot cup of Earl Grey tea ☕
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Mulled wine
  • A holiday brunch spread
  • A simple plate dusted with powdered sugar for gifting 🎁

Serve them chilled, room temperature, or with a delicate glaze. They hold their shape wonderfully, making them great for cookie boxes or dessert tables.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Shortbread

  • Use fresh orange zest it makes all the difference.
  • Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure clean slices and no spread.
  • Don’t overbake! They should stay pale and soft.
  • Chop cranberries finely so they distribute evenly.
  • Switch it up: Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

Little Story Version (100 words)

Bonjour my friends! I’m Lacamorea, your French-in-America kitchen friend. This Cranberry Orange Shortbread recipe comes straight from my childhood in Paris. Every winter, my maman and I would zest oranges together while cranberries simmered nearby, filling our home with a cozy citrus aroma. After moving to the U.S., baking this treat kept that memory alive and warm in my heart. The buttery shortbread, tangy cranberries, and bright orange zest bring me joy every holiday season. Now, I’m sharing it with you so it can become part of your family’s traditions too. 💛🍊

Recipe Card 🎄🍊

⏱️ Time

  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Chill: 1 hour
  • Bake: 12–15 minutes
  • Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped

Optional glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp orange juice
  • Extra zest

🥣 Instructions

  1. Beat butter and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add zest and extracts.
  3. Mix flour and salt; add to dough.
  4. Fold in cranberries.
  5. Shape into logs and chill 1 hour.
  6. Slice into ¼-inch pieces.
  7. Bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.
  8. Cool and glaze if desired.

📝 Notes

  • Don’t overbake; pale is perfect.
  • Use fresh zest for best flavor.
  • Logs freeze beautifully for make-ahead baking.

🔢 Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

  • Calories: 110
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbs: 13g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 1g

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Shortbread brings together everything I adore about holiday baking color, fragrance, nostalgia, and buttery perfection. Every bite feels like winter magic wrapped in a cookie. Whether you’re building a festive cookie tin or simply craving a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is sure to warm hearts and brighten kitchens. From my little Parisian-American soul to yours, merci for baking with me and keeping these sweet traditions alive. Joyeux Noël, my friends! 🎄💛🍊

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