Are you looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe that's perfect for the holidays or any special occasion? Look no further! These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and buttery shortbread. They're surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers, and the result is a melt-in-your-mouth cookie that will impress everyone. This recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, offering a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a bit more of a workout! Beat in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; slightly lumpy dough is perfectly fine.
Step 3: Add Cranberries
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Try not to crush them too much, as you want to retain their texture.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as ovens can vary.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade cranberry orange shortbread cookies!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
- Substitute other dried fruits, such as chopped cherries or apricots, for the cranberries.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
- If you prefer a less crumbly cookie, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate would be around 100-150 calories per cookie. These cookies are a good source of fiber from the cranberries and healthy fats from the butter.
These cranberry orange shortbread cookies are a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're looking for easy recipes or the best recipes, this recipe fits the bill. They're perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and the wonderful flavor!