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Citrus Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

Delight in these tender Citrus Shortbread Cookies bursting with zesty orange flavor and sweet dried cranberries. A cherished recipe from South Louisiana, these cookies combine buttery richness with a hint of almond and vanilla, perfect for any festive occasion or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, or more to taste

Add-ins

  • 2 cups sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all the ingredients needed to prepare the cookie dough to ensure a smooth cooking process.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt; set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and grated orange zest into the butter and sugar mixture, blending well to incorporate all the flavors.
  5. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to preserve the delicate texture of the dough.
  6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
  7. Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each into a 7-inch log. Wrap each log tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to firm up.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking once the dough is ready.
  9. Slice Dough: Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  10. Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange the cookie slices on a baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking.
  11. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies until they are firm but not browned, approximately 10 minutes.
  12. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these citrusy, cranberry-studded shortbread cookies with your favorite beverage.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial to maintain the shape of the cookies and deepen the flavor.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the best citrus flavor; you can adjust the amount to taste.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies to preserve their tender, crumbly texture.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
  • If dried cranberries are not available, dried cherries or raisins can be used as substitutes.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/citrus-cranberry-shortbread-cookies-recipe/