Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)
Fresh cranberries and orange zest bring vibrant flavor to each buttery bite of these easy shortbread cookies, perfect for holiday baking or gifting. A simple glaze adds extra festive flair—worth revisiting when winter celebrations approach.
# Ingredients You’ll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 -
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 -
1/4 teaspoon table salt
04 -
2 teaspoons cornstarch
05 -
1 stick unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
06 -
1/2 tablespoon orange zest
07 -
1/3 cup chopped fresh cranberries
→ Glaze
08 -
2/3 cup powdered sugar
09 -
3 teaspoons orange juice
# How to Make It:
01 -
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
02 -
Add cubed cold unsalted butter to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture resembles wet sand, about 3 minutes. The dough should hold together when pressed.
03 -
Stir in chopped fresh cranberries and orange zest until just combined.
04 -
Turn the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper or silicone baking mat and knead gently to form a smooth ball. Place an additional sheet of parchment on top and roll out the dough into a rectangle approximately 4x12 inches. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
05 -
While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
06 -
After chilling, slice the dough into 24 sticks. Arrange them evenly on a baking sheet lined with silicone mat or parchment paper.
07 -
Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
08 -
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
09 -
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until a smooth glaze forms.
10 -
Transfer the glaze to a pastry bag or squeeze bottle and drizzle over cooled cookies as desired. Allow glaze to set before serving.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
For clean, defined sticks, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the chilled dough. For a festive finish, garnish with finely chopped additional cranberries or orange zest.