Irresistible Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe Delight

Cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful treat that combines the buttery richness of shortbread with the tartness of cranberries. Imagine biting into a cookie that crumbles beautifully in your mouth, revealing a burst of fruity flavor that dances on your taste buds. light autumn dishes These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet gift during the holiday season.

Picture this: a chilly winter afternoon, the smell of freshly baked cranberry shortbread wafting through the house while you sip on hot cocoa. It’s the kind of memory that warms your heart and fills your stomach with joy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies will elevate any occasion.

I remember the first time I made cranberry shortbread cookies; my friends devoured them in seconds and asked for the recipe immediately. fun holiday treats.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious fall desserts.

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; it should be softened but not melted.
• Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness; adjust to your taste if you prefer less sugar.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it before measuring for best results.
• Cranberries: Fresh or dried work well; choose tart varieties for an exciting flavor contrast.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for depth of flavor; avoid imitation varieties if possible.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; don’t skip this step!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Baking Setup: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes and will create a lovely texture.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and crumbly.

Add Cranberries and Vanilla: Gently fold in your chopped cranberries along with vanilla extract. The bright red berries add color and zing to your dough!

Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!

Enjoy these delightful cranberry shortbread cookies fresh from the oven or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. festive cookie alternatives They also freeze well – if they last that long!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients. This order ensures a smooth dough without any lumps.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or substitute the cranberries with dried cherries for a twist.

Storing & Reheating

Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag.

I remember the first time I made these cranberry shortbread cookies; my friends devoured them in minutes, leaving no crumb behind! Their smiles were worth every effort. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries will make the cookies less sweet and more tart.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for slight golden edges while they remain soft in the center.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cranberry shortbread cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a delicious addition for a sweet contrast.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful balance of buttery richness and tart cranberries. With a tender, crumbly texture and a burst of fruity flavor, these cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a festive gift during the holiday season. Easy to make and visually appealing, they will surely impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Gently fold in the cranberries and vanilla until evenly distributed.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg