Cranberry Orange Shortbread
A flavorful cranberry orange shortbread great for holiday entertaining
A flavorful cranberry orange shortbread great for holiday entertaining
- Carbohydrate 62.6565916666666 g
- Cholesterol 1.86875 mg
- Fat 1.70167354166667 g
- Fiber 9.44733317454656 g
- Protein 3.71368395833333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.542326145833334 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (369g)
- Sodium 9.57816666666667 mg
- Sugar 53.2092584921201 g
- Trans Fat 0.6148913125 g
- Calories 227 calories
Step-by-step
- In a food processor, or a bowl, combine orange zest, cranberries, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Pulse to break cranberries down in size a bit so they are easier to eat in the cookies.
- In a bowl stir together flour and 1/2 cup sugar
- Cut butter into the bowl, and then use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the mixture together. It will be a sandy texture.
- Stir in orange juice, vanilla, and cranberry mixture, and combine well
- Lay out a piece of plastic wrap, and dump 1/3 the shortbread dough onto it, roll it into a log. It will still be crumbly, so use the plastic wrap to help you get it to hold together. Repeat for the rest of the dough.
- Put the rolls of shortbread dough into a Hefty Quart Freezer Slider Bag, and label
- When ready to bake, pull out of freezer, preheat oven to 350
- Slice about 1 centimeter or so thick
- Place on sprayed cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes
- Let rest on sheet 2 minutes, then move to cooling rack
- Let cool and enjoy
Cranberry Orange Shortbread: A Holiday Treat from My Kitchen
The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, aren't they? Between shopping, decorating, and hosting guests, finding time to bake can feel like a monumental task. But for me, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house is an essential part of the holiday spirit. It's a cozy, comforting scent that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times and cherished traditions. This year, I decided to streamline my baking, opting for a recipe that's both delicious and relatively easy to manage: Cranberry Orange Shortbread.
This shortbread is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfectly balanced by the buttery richness of the shortbread base. The bright citrus notes cut through the sweetness, preventing it from becoming cloying. I love the versatility of this recipe; it's perfect for casual gatherings or elegant holiday parties. The beautiful color of the cranberries adds a festive touch, making it visually appealing as well as tasty. I usually make a big batch, portion it out into freezer-friendly logs, and bake off a few cookies whenever the craving strikes. It’s my little secret weapon for effortless holiday entertaining. It’s so simple that even my busy schedule as a working mom allows me to make them. I know there are days when you want to bake something tasty but have so little time, and this recipe will help you out.
The process of making these shortbread cookies is incredibly satisfying. The initial steps involve combining the ingredients—the vibrant orange zest, tart cranberries, and fragrant vanilla—a sensory experience in itself. The dough comes together easily, requiring minimal effort, and the rolling and freezing process ensures that baking becomes a breeze later. I often involve my kids in this part, letting them help roll the dough or slice the cookies, turning a simple baking task into a fun family activity.
The best part? The cookies themselves are simply divine. They’re wonderfully crumbly, with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The orange and cranberry flavors complement each other beautifully, resulting in a cookie that's both sophisticated and comforting. They're not overly sweet, which makes them ideal for those who prefer a less sugary treat. They are great on their own, but a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
This recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking repertoire, a true testament to its simplicity and deliciousness. I love sharing them with family and friends, knowing that each bite brings a little bit of holiday cheer. It is a reminder that even amid the busyness of the season, a simple act of baking can bring so much joy. And honestly, the look on everyone's faces when they take that first bite... well, that's worth more than any gift.
So, this holiday season, why not give yourself the gift of a few moments of peace and quiet, and bake a batch of these delightful Cranberry Orange Shortbread cookies? You won’t regret it. They’re the perfect treat for yourself, a thoughtful gift for a neighbour, and a surefire way to bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday celebrations. Happy baking!
