Description
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies are infused with the bright flavors of orange zest and studded with tangy dried cranberries. Finished with a sweet orange glaze, they make a delightful treat for the holiday season or any special occasion. #CranberryOrangeShortbread #HolidayCookies #ShortbreadCookies #BakedGoods #FestiveTreats
Ingredients
Scale
- 60 g caster sugar
- 1 orange, zest only
- 125 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 180 g plain (all-purpose) flour
- 75 g dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 120 g powdered (icing) sugar
- 30 ml orange juice
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, rub the caster sugar and orange zest together using your fingertips to release the natural oils and intensify the orange flavor.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter, vanilla extract, and the orange-sugar mixture until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the plain flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries.
- Roll the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and melted butter until smooth.
- Allow the baked cookies to cool on a wire rack before glazing.
- Once cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the cookies and let it set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice in the glaze.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg