Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With its buttery texture and zesty flavor, this cookie is both simple to prepare and wonderfully delicious. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, these shortbread cookies come together quickly and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 150
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 30mg

Why Make Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread isn’t just a festive cookie; it’s versatile and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet cranberries and bright orange zest offers a unique twist on traditional shortbread. These cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds, but they’re also a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert table, bringing a splash of color and a burst of citrus goodness.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread Step by Step

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
6. Roll the dough into small balls or scoop onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly if desired.
7. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Let cool on a wire rack. Enjoy your festive cookies!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light dessert or enjoy them as a delightful treat during brunch. For added flair, consider drizzling a simple icing over the top of the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

To keep your Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Expert Tips for Cooking Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Feel free to use fresh orange juice instead of zest if you prefer a lighter flavor.
• If you want to add a bit of crunch, incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough.

Delicious Variations of Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile. You can also swap out cranberries for other dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries, to create your own unique version. For a savory twist, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a festive herb-infused cookie.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. With its delicious flavor and easy preparation, this cookie is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy each bite of these festive treats!

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread

A delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season with a buttery texture and zesty flavor, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp orange zest Feel free to use fresh orange juice instead of zest for a lighter flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped You can swap cranberries for other dried fruits like apricots or cherries for variations.
• coarse sugar for sprinkling Optional.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
6. Roll the dough into small balls or scoop onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Flatten slightly if desired.
7. If using, sprinkle coarse sugar on top.

Baking

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Let cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Cranberry Orange Snowflake Shortbread pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and can be served with fresh fruit salad for a light dessert. Consider drizzling a simple icing over the top for added sweetness. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.