Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are like tiny bites of happiness that melt in your mouth. Imagine buttery, crumbly goodness with a pop of tart cranberry flavor exploding in every bite. savory cranberry and brie tartlets Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of tea or impressing guests at a holiday gathering, these cookies are an absolute must.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
- How do I know when my cookies are done?
- Can I freeze cranberry shortbread cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. My kitchen smelled divine, and my friends devoured them faster than I could say “extra butter.” These cookies are perfect for festive occasions, lazy afternoons, or whenever you crave a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. holiday fruitcake cookies holiday-themed sugar cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for beginners
- The delightful contrast of buttery sweetness and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion in your mouth
- Their beautiful golden hue and scattered red cranberries make them visually appealing on any cookie platter
- Versatile enough to enjoy during holidays or as an everyday snack, they’re sure to please everyone!
I once made these cookies for my family’s holiday party, and let’s just say there were no leftovers. red velvet thumbprint cookies Everyone was asking for the recipe while I was trying to hide my own cookie stash.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and the best flavor infusion.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your cookie dough; opt for unbleached flour for better flavor.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a lovely tartness; look for plump ones without added sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla elevates the flavor; avoid imitation if possible.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking, it adds a sweet finishing touch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It ensures those cookies bake evenly and perfectly golden brown.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until combined but don’t overdo it – we want tender cookies here!
Add Cranberries and Vanilla: Gently fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll see those ruby-red gems popping out!
Scoop and Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave about two inches between each one since they will spread out a bit.
Bake to Perfection!: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. The aroma wafting through your home will be irresistible – just try not to eat them all right away!
Let these cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar when they’re completely cool for that magical touch!
These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are not only easy to make but also pack incredible flavor. They bring joy wherever they go, whether on festive tables or enjoyed quietly with coffee on a Sunday morning. So why wait? Get baking! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- The joy of cranberry shortbread cookies lies in their buttery texture and the tartness of cranberries
- Perfect for any occasion, they pair beautifully with tea or coffee
- These cookies are also a delightful gift that brings smiles all around!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the dry ingredients gradually. This ensures even distribution of flavors, making each bite heavenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add white chocolate chips for a twist. A pinch of orange zest will elevate the flavor profile! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect cranberry shortbread cookies, make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy blending
- Don’t overmix once you add flour to keep them tender
- Chilling the dough allows flavors to meld beautifully before baking
Creating these scrumptious cranberry shortbread cookies reminds me of cozy afternoons with family, where laughter filled the kitchen while we baked together.
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they may alter the texture and sweetness.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Watch for golden edges; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze cranberry shortbread cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container, and enjoy them later fresh from the oven!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are delightful morsels that blend buttery richness with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies melt in your mouth and are sure to impress guests or simply satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy them with tea, share them at holiday gatherings, or savor a quiet moment with coffee – they truly bring joy to every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Gradually sift in the flour and salt; mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and vanilla until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack and dusting with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
