Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies – A Sweet & Zesty Holiday Treat

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the kind of sweet treat that instantly brings holiday cheer. The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange tucked inside buttery shortbread makes them both refreshing and indulgent at the same time. These cookies are like little bites of Christmas morning—bright, cozy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or late-night snacking (no judgment here), this recipe hits the sweet spot between simple and impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just trying to add something new to your holiday dessert lineup, these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies promise to make your kitchen smell amazing and your cookie jar vanish faster than you can say “pass the coffee.”

Table of Contents

What is Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies?

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are slice-and-bake butter cookies infused with orange zest and dotted with fresh or dried cranberries. Think of them as the perfect marriage between sweet citrus and tart berries—all wrapped up in a crumbly, buttery shortbread base. Unlike chewy cookies, shortbread has a crisp and tender texture that practically melts in your mouth.

The best part? You don’t need to roll, cut, or decorate—just chill, slice, and bake. They’re a stress-free way to make something beautiful and festive. Plus, that pop of cranberry red against the buttery dough looks downright merry on any cookie tray. These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re a whole holiday mood.

Reasons to Try Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

If you’ve been hunting for a cookie that feels fancy without the fuss, Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are your answer. They’re the definition of effortless elegance. The dough can be made ahead, frozen, and baked when needed, which means you can have fresh cookies on demand all season long. They also strike the perfect flavor balance—sweet, tart, and buttery with a touch of citrus that brightens every bite. And let’s be real: holiday baking is supposed to be fun, not stressful.

These cookies deliver all the “wow” factor with minimal cleanup. Plus, they pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate after dinner. Bonus? They make delightful edible gifts that your friends and family will actually appreciate (looking at you, last year’s fruitcake).

Ingredients Needed to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of one orange or tangerine (avoid the white pith)
• 1 heaping cup fresh cranberries (or ½–⅔ cup dried cranberries)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Equipment: Food processor (optional), waxed paper or plastic wrap, parchment paper, baking sheet.

Instructions to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Let’s walk through this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies step-by-step guide together — from mixing the dough to pulling out golden, buttery cookies that will make your kitchen smell like the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to neighbors, or just treating yourself, this detailed step-by-step method will make sure every cookie turns out perfect.

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

Begin by giving your cranberries a rough chop. You don’t need them finely minced — just small enough so each slice of cookie has a burst of fruity color and tang. If you’re using dried cranberries, you can skip this chopping since they’re already bite-sized. Want to switch things up? You can use tart cherries or even chopped dried apricots as a substitute. For more creative ingredient swaps, check out my Easy Glazed Carrots post where I talk about balancing sweetness and citrus in recipes.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Orange Zest

In your food processor (or a mixing bowl if you prefer the old-fashioned way), blend together softened butter, sugar, and fresh orange zest. The zest is where that bright, fragrant citrus magic happens, so don’t skip it! Keep mixing until the mixture looks light, creamy, and almost fluffy. You’ll know you’re there when the aroma of butter and orange fills the air — it’s heavenly. This step-by-step process creates the flavorful base that makes your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies truly irresistible.

Step 3: Add Flour and Vanilla Extract

Once the butter mixture is creamy, add in the flour and vanilla extract. Pulse the food processor about 10 times, or mix slowly with a wooden spoon if going manual. The dough will start to come together in small, soft clumps. Be careful not to overmix; shortbread dough loves to stay tender and crumbly. The secret is to stop when it’s just barely holding together — this step-by-step technique keeps the cookies buttery, not tough. If your dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together.

Step 4: Fold in the Cranberries

Now it’s time to bring in the color! Add the chopped cranberries into your dough and pulse gently until they’re evenly distributed. Don’t over-process — you want those bright cranberry bits to stay intact. They’ll create that beautiful red-and-gold pattern when baked. If you love experimenting with flavor combinations, try pairing this step-by-step process with other festive recipes like my Impressive Cranberry Brie Stuffed Chicken — the sweet-tart cranberry notes work perfectly in both dishes.

Step 5: Shape the Dough into a Log

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and use your hands to gently form it into a 10–12-inch log. The longer the log, the smaller your cookies will be, so choose based on your preferred size. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. For a smooth, round finish, roll the wrapped dough inside a towel — it helps maintain that perfect cylindrical shape as it chills. This step-by-step chilling method makes all the difference for professional-looking cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Patience, my friend! Shortbread dough needs time to firm up. Chill the wrapped dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight if possible. This step allows the butter to solidify again, ensuring the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you’re in a hurry, pop it in the freezer for 45 minutes instead. This is a great moment to prep for your next holiday dish — maybe try my Best Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing while you wait!

Step 7: Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap your chilled dough and, using a sharp knife, slice it into ⅓-inch thick rounds. If your dough starts to crumble a bit, just press the edges back together — that’s totally normal. Arrange the slices about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or a little longer if you like a crispier cookie. The tops will stay pale, but you’ll see a hint of golden color underneath when they’re ready.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes — they’ll be delicate while hot. Then transfer them gently to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they’ll firm up into that perfect buttery shortbread texture. Once cooled, go ahead and take a bite. You’ll taste that mix of sweet, tart, and citrusy perfection that makes these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies step-by-step worth every moment.

If you want to dress them up, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top or dip half in chocolate and sprinkle with crushed dried cranberries. They also make an excellent match for cozy soups like my Harvest Delight Pumpkin Sage Bisque — because sweet treats deserve savory company.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These cookies are the perfect partner for your favorite warm drink—coffee, chai, or a steaming mug of hot cocoa. They also shine next to light desserts like a fruit parfait or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a cup of spiced apple cider or your favorite holiday punch. If you’re building a dessert spread, add them next to other seasonal favorites like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars or No-Bake Apple Pie Cheesecake. These shortbread cookies balance rich desserts beautifully, adding a refreshing citrusy note to the table.

Key Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Use room-temperature butter for the best texture—cold butter won’t mix properly. Chill the dough thoroughly; this helps the cookies keep their shape when baked. If you’re short on time, pop the wrapped log into the freezer for 45 minutes. Use a sharp knife to slice your cookies to avoid crumbling, and if your dough starts to soften, stick it back in the fridge for 10 minutes. Want more orange flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of zest or a drop of orange extract. And here’s a fun tip: dip half of each baked cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with finely chopped dried cranberries—it’s festive, delicious, and a guaranteed showstopper.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

These cookies store wonderfully, making them perfect for gifting or prepping ahead. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10. If you’d like to make them ahead, freeze the unbaked dough log for up to 3 months—just thaw slightly before slicing and baking. Baked cookies can also be frozen; stack them in layers with parchment paper in between and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. For that “fresh-from-the-oven” warmth, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries? Not recommended—they add too much moisture and make the dough soggy. Stick with fresh or dried cranberries.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! Chill for up to 48 hours or freeze for later.
How do I get perfectly round cookies? Wrap your dough in plastic, then roll it in a towel to help keep its shape while chilling.
Can I use lemon instead of orange? Sure! Lemon zest gives a brighter, more tart twist.
Can I double the recipe? Yes—these cookies disappear fast, so doubling is always a smart move.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are the holiday treat that never fails to impress. They’re buttery, tangy, and full of that nostalgic warmth we all crave during the season. Whether you’re gifting them to friends, serving them at a party, or sneaking one with your afternoon tea, these cookies bring pure joy in every bite. For another festive dish that pairs perfectly with these cookies, try the Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe. It’s savory, citrusy, and just as cozy—because your holidays deserve both sweet and savory magic.

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