Name: Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 3 h 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened at room temperature); 3/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar); 2 tablespoons orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/2 cup pistachios (roughly chopped); 1/2 cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s something utterly irresistible about combining bright, zesty citrus with the tart burst of cranberries, and that’s exactly why the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe holds a special place on my cookie rotation. These delicate, buttery treats are perfectly crumbly with just the right balance of sweetness and tang, incredibly simple to make, and look absolutely stunning with their flecks of orange zest, ruby cranberries, and green pistachios all nestled in every bite. They’re a game changer for any cookie platter or a thoughtful gift to share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl contains dried red cranberries, looking wrinkled and shiny. To the right is a large bowl filled with an off-white flour mixture that has a crumbly texture. Below the flour, there is a bowl filled with green and purple pistachios. In the middle, a bowl holds large yellow cubes of butter. On the left side of the image’s center, there is a small glass bowl with bright orange zest. Below it is a tiny glass bowl with a white powder, likely baking soda or salt. The bottom bowl holds a fine, white powdered sugar. All bowls are evenly spaced and neatly arranged, with the colors contrasting crisply against the marbled white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to making these cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role. From the buttery softness to the natural brightness of orange zest and the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, every component works together in perfect harmony to create that one-of-a-kind cookie everyone will ask for.

Butter (1 cup, softened): The heart of these cookies, butter lends richness and that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture you crave.
Powdered sugar (3/4 cup): Provides delicate sweetness without graininess, helping the dough stay smooth and tender.
Orange zest (2 tablespoons): Packs a punch of bright, citrus aroma and flavor to lighten and brighten every bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the citrus and nutty flavors beautifully.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle, nutty hint that pairs perfectly with the pistachios and cranberries.
Pistachios (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Offer a satisfying crunch and a lovely pop of green color.
Dried cranberries (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Deliver tart bursts of fruity sweetness that contrast delightfully with the buttery dough.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure builder that holds everything together without weighing down the fluffiness.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and highlighting the citrus notes.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Zests

Start by beating the softened butter together with powdered sugar, fresh orange zest, vanilla, and almond extracts until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. This step is key to incorporating air and creating that tender base for your shortbread.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently

Next, add the flour, salt, pistachios, and cranberries all at once to the creamed butter mixture. Stir gently until the dough just comes together—over mixing here can toughen the delicate cookies you’re about to create.

Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough

Lay the dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it carefully into a cylinder roughly 10 to 12 inches long. Wrapping it tightly helps the dough stay firm and easy to slice after chilling.

Step 4: Freeze to Set

Pop your wrapped dough cylinder into the freezer for a minimum of 3 hours, or if you can plan ahead, overnight is even better. This chilling step is non-negotiable to ensure the slices hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Preheat, Slice, and Bake

Once your dough is completely chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the dough and let it rest for a few minutes so it’s easier to slice. Then cut into 1/2 inch thick discs and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space to breathe. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the cookies still feel tender in the center—don’t over bake!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Six round cookies with a pale golden color and a slightly rough texture are arranged in two vertical columns of three on a sheet of parchment paper. Each cookie is filled with small pieces of dried cranberries and light green pistachios spread evenly throughout. The cookies show slight browning on some edges and have a soft crumbly look. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving to amplify their snowy, elegant look. You can also add a few extra chopped pistachios or a twist of orange peel for a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies are dazzling on their own but pair wonderfully alongside a cup of freshly brewed tea, a frothy latte, or even a glass of dessert wine for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these shortbread beauties on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or citrus slices for a stunning seasonal presentation. They also make exceptional homemade gifts—stacked in a pretty tin or cellophane bag with a ribbon, ready to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to one week. This way, you can enjoy fresh bites anytime you crave something special.

Freezing

If you want to preserve these cookies longer, freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges and brings out all the juicy notes of orange and cranberry as if they were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make great swaps if you prefer a different flavor or texture, but pistachios give a unique color and mild, buttery crunch that’s especially lovely in this recipe.

Do I need to use fresh orange zest, or can I use dried?

Fresh orange zest is highly recommended because it releases natural oils that brighten flavor and aroma in ways dried zest simply can’t replicate.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To veganize, you can swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind, texture may vary slightly because of the butter replacement.

Why is chilling the dough essential for shortbread cookies?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to slice neatly, and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking, avoiding spreading into flat, thin discs.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and release moisture that can alter the dough’s consistency, so dried cranberries are preferred for this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both elegant and easy to make, with bright citrus flavors and a charming splash of festive color, this Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies Recipe is your answer. Trust me, once you bake them, you’ll want to keep a batch stashed away just for yourself! Give it a try and watch these zingy, nutty cookies become a fast favorite at your table.