Cranberry Orange Shortbread

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Cranberry Orange Shortbread cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a perfect balance of tart dried cranberries and fresh, citrusy orange zest. The dough is simple to make, and the cookies bake to a delicate, crisp texture. Finished with a sweet drizzle of white chocolate, these festive shortbread cookies are perfect for holiday gifting, gatherings, or cozying up with a warm beverage.

Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery texture, and these cookies are no exception. With just the right balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Cold butter: Essential for achieving that perfect crumbly texture.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the dough tender.

• Flour: The foundation for shortbread, giving it a delicate yet firm texture.

• Orange zest & juice: For that fresh citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries.

• Dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, these provide a pop of flavor in every bite.

• White chocolate: For drizzling on top to add a creamy sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.

2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is what gives shortbread its crumbly texture.

3. Add the Liquid Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla and orange juice to bring the dough together. The citrusy juice adds a subtle, fresh flavor.

4. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

6. Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice the dough into rounds, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Drizzle with White Chocolate: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over them for a sweet finishing touch. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.

Feel free to add your own twist! You can incorporate chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, or even substitute the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a different citrusy flavor.

Why I love this recipe:

1. Perfect Holiday Flavors: The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest gives these shortbread cookies a festive and seasonal flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy afternoons.

2. Easy to Make: This shortbread recipe is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake in just 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to your holiday baking lineup.

3. Buttery and Crisp: Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery texture, and these cookies are no exception. With just the right balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

4. Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist! You can incorporate chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, or even substitute the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a different citrusy flavor.

5. Great for Gifting: These cookies are ideal for gifting! They look beautiful when drizzled with white chocolate and make a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family. Simply package them in a cute tin or box for a charming gift.

   
   

The Recipe: