What can be better than a cookie that combines the zesty tang of cranberries with the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread? It’s like a delicious hug for your taste buds! Imagine biting into a soft, crumbly cookie with just the right amount of sweetness and a tart surprise that dances on your palate. Thumbprint Cookies for the Holidays Cranberry shortbread cookies are perfect for cozy winter evenings or festive gatherings, making you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
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 long should I chill the dough?
- Can I freeze these cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These delightful treats bring back memories of baking sessions with my grandmother, where we would create a floury wonderland in her kitchen. The aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with melted butter filled the air, promising something extraordinary. Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl Whether you’re making them for holiday parties or just because you love cookies (and who doesn’t?), these cranberry shortbread cookies are sure to impress. Russian Tea Cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry shortbread cookies are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their sweet-tart flavor makes them addictively delicious
- The vibrant red cranberries give them a stunning visual appeal
- Perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying solo with coffee!
Baking these cookies always brings smiles to my family’s faces—especially when they discover the hidden tartness of the cranberries! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Coconut Cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for that rich flavor; it really makes a difference in the final taste.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color in your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any good cookie; ensure it is well sifted for a light texture.
- Dried Cranberries: Choose plump, juicy cranberries for maximum flavor; they provide that perfect burst of tanginess.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash will enhance the overall flavor profile, giving warmth to each bite.
- Salt: Just a pinch is needed to balance the sweetness and elevate all flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking so every cookie comes out perfectly golden.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. Look for a pale color change; this takes about 3-4 minutes.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt into your creamed mixture. Mix gently until no streaks remain—this keeps your cookies tender.
Fold in Cranberries and Vanilla: Gently fold in dried cranberries and vanilla extract using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want those tasty cranberry surprises throughout!
Shape Your Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake and Cool Down: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Now you have beautiful cranberry shortbread cookies ready to enjoy! Whether you munch on them yourself or share with friends, every bite is bound to bring joy! Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies.
These delightful treats are surprisingly simple yet packed with flavor. Pair them with coffee or tea, or simply enjoy them straight from the jar—trust me; no one will judge!
You Must Know
- These cranberry shortbread cookies are buttery, crumbly, and bursting with tart sweetness
- The delightful aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone asking for the recipe
- Remember, the secret is in the chilling time; it makes all the difference in texture!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in flour and cranberries. Chill the dough before baking to enhance texture and flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries or apricots. Add a sprinkle of orange zest for an extra zing! For more inspiration, check out this Classic Strawberry Shortcake Recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore that fresh-baked goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect cranberry shortbread cookies, use cold butter straight from the fridge for better texture
- Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies
- Lastly, let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying their crumbly perfection
There’s nothing quite like baking these cookies on a chilly afternoon while sipping hot cocoa with friends. Their smiles when tasting them make every effort worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be too tart; use dried ones for sweetness.
How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up properly.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months.
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
Indulge in the buttery, crumbly goodness of cranberry shortbread cookies, perfectly blending tart cranberries with rich shortbread. These delightful treats are easy to make and ideal for cozy winter evenings or holiday gatherings. With a vibrant visual appeal and an addictive sweet-tart flavor, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Bake a batch today and experience the joy that comes with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Gradually add in flour and salt; mix gently until no streaks remain.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and vanilla extract without overmixing.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
