Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

Created on January 4th, 2026 at 08:15 am

A Classic Shortbread Cookie with Bright Citrus and Cranberry Flavor

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a timeless baked treat designed for those moments when you want something simple, buttery, and balanced. This recipe combines the richness of traditional shortbread with the bright flavor of orange and the gentle tartness of dried cranberries. The result is a cookie that feels familiar yet slightly elevated, making it suitable for everyday baking as well as seasonal occasions.

Shortbread cookies are known for their simple ingredient list and tender crumb. By adding orange zest and cranberries, this version gains contrast and freshness without losing the classic shortbread texture. The cookies are lightly sweet, not overpowering, and pair well with coffee, tea, or served as part of a dessert platter. This recipe was developed to be dependable, easy to slice, and consistent in shape, making it ideal for gifting, entertaining, or baking ahead.

Why Cranberry and Orange Work So Well in Shortbread

Cranberries and orange are a natural pairing in baking. Cranberries bring a slight tartness that cuts through the richness of butter, while orange zest adds aroma and brightness. In shortbread, where butter is the dominant flavor, this contrast is especially important. It keeps the cookies from tasting heavy and adds dimension without introducing complicated techniques.

Dried cranberries are used in this recipe because they hold their shape during baking and distribute evenly throughout the dough. Orange zest infuses the dough with citrus oils, providing flavor without adding extra liquid. Together, these ingredients enhance the shortbread while preserving its classic structure and crumb.

How These Cookies Fit Into Baking and Entertaining

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are versatile. They work well as an everyday cookie to enjoy at home, but they also fit naturally into holiday baking trays, cookie exchanges, and dessert tables. Their clean appearance and uniform shape make them visually appealing, especially when sliced evenly.
These cookies can be baked ahead of time and stored easily, which makes them practical for planning. They also travel well, making them suitable for gifting. Because they are not overly sweet, they appeal to a wide range of tastes and pair easily with other desserts without overpowering them.

Time Breakdown

This recipe is straightforward and easy to plan.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 60 minutes
Bake time: 14 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Chilling the dough is important for clean slicing and consistent texture.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Dried cranberries, chopped
• Salt

Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the classic shortbread texture with added flavor.

Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Zester or fine grater
Rubber spatula
Plastic wrap
Sharp knife
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Basic baking tools are all that’s needed for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a mixing bowl until smooth and light. This step helps create the tender texture shortbread is known for. Add the orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until evenly incorporated. The orange zest should be distributed throughout the butter mixture so its flavor infuses the dough.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries using a spatula to ensure even distribution.

Transfer the dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a log approximately two inches in diameter. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough firms it up, making slicing easier and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.

Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to slice it into even rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain pale. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use high-quality butter, as it is the primary flavor in shortbread. Zest the orange carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Chop cranberries evenly so they distribute well in the dough. Chill the dough fully before slicing to ensure clean edges. Bake just until lightly golden to maintain a tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They work well on dessert trays alongside other cookies or as a simple sweet to enjoy during the day. For gifting, package them in airtight containers to preserve freshness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies store well. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The dough can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days before baking. Baked cookies can be frozen for longer storage if needed.

Nutrition Table (Approximate Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145
Carbohydrates	17 g
Protein	1.5 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	45 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cranberry orange shortbread dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes it easy to plan baking ahead of time.

Do I need fresh cranberries for shortbread cookies?

No, dried cranberries work best because they hold their shape and do not release excess moisture during baking.

Why does shortbread dough need chilling?

Chilling firms the butter and helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also makes slicing easier.

Can I freeze cranberry orange shortbread cookies?

Yes, baked cookies freeze well when stored in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How do I keep shortbread cookies tender?

Avoid overmixing the dough and do not overbake. Remove the cookies when the edges are lightly golden.