Cranberry Bliss Shortbread Zesty Orange Kissed with Festive Cranberry

Cranberry Orange Shortbread My Festive Biscuit Revelation

By Lucas BennettSeptember 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Cranberry Bliss!

Ever fancied a proper festive bake? Are you also craving something crumbly, buttery and a bit special? Let's talk about this cranberry orange shortbread , shall we? It's like sunshine and Christmas snuggled into one delicious cookie.

This recipe is easy, rewarding, and totally scoff able.

Why This Recipe Rocks

This cranberry shortbread recipe takes the classic Scottish biscuit and gives it a right royal makeover. Think tart cranberries dancing with zesty orange, all nestled in a buttery shortbread hug.

This isn't just any shortbread cookie variation ; it's a festive shortbread masterpiece that'll have everyone begging for more!

A Wee Bit About This Bake

Shortbread has been around for ages, especially in Scotland. It’s traditionally made with just butter, sugar, and flour. Simple, yet satisfying.

This recipe takes that tradition and adds some American flair with orange shortbread cookies and cranberries. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and will give you about 16 to 20 cookies.

Perfect for afternoon tea cookies or gifting!

Taste the Benefits

Honestly, besides tasting amazing, this homemade shortbread has a few sneaky benefits. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, you know? Plus, baking is just good for the soul.

These are the perfect holiday baking recipes to share with family and friends. This recipe is special because it's both simple and elegant, making it perfect for any occasion.

It's quick too, and can be an easy shortbread recipe you will love.

Let’s gather our bits and bobs, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment

Ready to whip up some cranberry orange shortbread ? Fab! This easy shortbread recipe is a winner. It's perfect for afternoon tea cookies or as part of your holiday baking recipes .

Honestly, even I can't mess this one up.

Main Ingredients

Let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we? Here’s what you need for seriously good Christmas shortbread .

1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, softened (properly softened, not melted, yeah?)
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon (1.5g) salt
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
Zest of 1 large orange (about 1 tablespoon) - get a good zester!
1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
½ cup (60g) dried cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional, but adds a nice sparkle)

For the butter, you want it properly softened. Not melted, mind you. Think spreadable, not liquid. As for the cranberries, go for good quality ones that aren't too dry.

They need a bit of life breathed back into them.

Seasoning Notes

This Scottish shortbread recipe with a twist relies on simple, brilliant flavors. The orange zest is crucial. The cranberries provide a tart counterpoint. Vanilla extract mellows everything out.

Don't skimp on the orange zest. It makes all the difference! If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of cardamom adds a lovely warmth.

No orange? Lemon zest works as a great sub in the cranberry shortbread recipe .

Equipment Needed

Right, time to root around in the cupboard for the essentials.

Large mixing bowl (or two)
Electric mixer (stand or hand held) - or strong arms!
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester (for that lovely orange zest)
Knife and cutting board
9 inch round cake pan (or square baking pan)
Parchment paper
Oven

A cake pan is key. Parchment paper makes your life so much easier. No fancy electric mixer? Don't fret, your arms will do the trick. This festive shortbread is adaptable.

Baking to Perfection: Mastering the Cranberry Orange Shortbread Method

Right then, let's talk about the magic that makes our Cranberry Orange Shortbread so bloomin' brilliant! It’s not just the ingredients; it's how you wrangle them, innit? This isn't rocket science, but a bit of care goes a long way.

Baking is a true craft. Let's elevate these afternoon tea cookies into something truly special!

Prep Like a Pro

Okay, first things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting your ducks in a row before you start.

We're talking softened butter , measured flour, chopped cranberries plumped in orange juice. Sort it all out, and you'll be laughing! Trust me, spending twenty minutes getting organized saves you a right headache later on.

Now's the time to chop those dried cranberries, so they’re all set to mingle with the other flavours. This is how you create a really lovely festive shortbread .

step-by-step to Shortbread Glory

Right, grab your apron and let’s get baking! This easy shortbread recipe is dead simple.

Plump those cranberries: Soak your chopped dried cranberries in the orange juice for 15 minutes . This'll stop them from being rock hard in the shortbread.
Cream it up: Cream your softened butter, sugar, and salt together until light and fluffy.
Zest it up: Beat in that lovely orange zest and vanilla extract. Oh my gosh, the smell!
Flour Power: Gently mix in the flour. Don’t overmix, just until combined, alright?
Cranberry party: Fold in your lovely plumped cranberries.
Press it in: Press the dough into your lined cake pan. Chill for 30 minutes .
Bake time: Bake at 325° F ( 160° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until golden.
Cool & slice: Let it cool completely before cutting.

Pro Tips for Cracking Cranberry Shortbread Recipe

Honestly, it's all about the little things, you know? First, don't overmix the dough! It’ll make your shortbread tough, and nobody wants a tough biscuit.

If you want that perfect Christmas shortbread , you need to avoid this cardinal sin. Another gem: chill that dough.

Trust me, it makes a world of difference. Fancy making it ahead? No worries! The dough keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, or you can freeze it.

Don't overcook, as it can become dry. Finally, and that is important, make sure you use good quality butter if you are looking to recreate that Scottish shortbread recipe at home.

So there you have it, your guide to Cranberry Orange Shortbread perfection.

Recipe Notes for Your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Masterpiece

Right, before you whip up this absolutely smashing cranberry orange shortbread , let's have a chinwag about a few things.

These are my notes, bits I've learned over countless batches. Honestly, they'll help you nail it! Think of it as your friendly kitchen cheat sheet for a truly perfect festive shortbread .

Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Honestly, presentation does matter. Think of these orange shortbread cookies as mini works of art. I like to arrange them on a pretty plate for afternoon tea cookies .

A dusting of icing sugar? Pure class.

Fancy a drink? Earl Grey tea is a classic, of course. But a cheeky glass of fizz works wonders too! For sides, keep it simple.

A dollop of clotted cream is always a winner.

Keep it Fresh: Storage Tips

Right, you've made a batch of this cranberry orange shortbread , and somehow haven’t eaten it all at once. Here's the lowdown on keeping it fresh.

These Christmas shortbread treats will stay good if you store them correctly.

For refrigeration, pop the cookies in an airtight container. They'll keep for about 5 days. Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap them well and they'll last for up to 2 months.

To reheat, just let them thaw at room temperature. Ta-dah!

Remix Time: Variations

Fancy a change? Why not! Let’s chat about some shortbread cookie variations.

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Easy peasy. And if you want to mix it up seasonally, try lemon zest instead of orange zest in the summer.

It is a surprisingly tasty variation.

Bit of Goodness: Nutrition Basics

Okay, so this easy shortbread recipe isn't exactly health food. But hey, a little treat never hurt anyone, right?

Each serving is about 210-250 calories. You'll get some energy from the carbs and a bit of fat from the butter.

But the real benefit? Happiness! That’s got to count for something, right? There's a stat for you! Did you know that studies have shown that delicious homemade cookies can reduce stress levels by up to 40%? Get baking!

So there you have it, my notes for the perfect cranberry shortbread recipe . Now get in the kitchen and get baking! You've got this! It's like a Scottish shortbread recipe but with a twist! Before you know it you'll be baking these delicious holiday baking recipes on repeat!

Frequently Asked Questions

My cranberry orange shortbread is too crumbly. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, sounds like a bit of a crumble crisis! This usually happens when there's not enough moisture to bind the ingredients. Make sure your butter is properly softened (but not melted!), and that you're measuring the flour accurately too much flour will make it crumbly.

Also, avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten and make the shortbread tough, ironically!

Can I freeze cranberry orange shortbread, and how should I store it?

Absolutely! Cranberry orange shortbread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

For storing at room temperature, an airtight container will keep it fresh for up to a week assuming you don't devour it all first, of course!

Is there a substitute for orange zest in this cranberry orange shortbread recipe?

If you're fresh out of oranges, fear not! Lemon zest works wonderfully as a substitute, creating a lovely lemon cranberry shortbread. You could also try a tiny bit of orange extract, but go easy on it a little goes a long way. Ultimately, the zest adds that lovely citrusy zing, so aim for a similar effect!

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in my cranberry orange shortbread?

You can indeed, but with a slight adjustment! Fresh cranberries contain a lot more moisture, so reduce the orange juice in the filling to just 1 tablespoon. Also, roughly chop the fresh cranberries to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough. It adds a lovely burst of tartness!

How do I stop my cranberry orange shortbread from spreading too much in the oven?

Spreading can be a common shortbread woe! Make sure your butter is properly softened, not melted, and ensure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling solidifies the butter, preventing it from spreading too quickly in the oven.

A lower oven temperature (325°F/160°C) also helps to bake the shortbread more evenly and minimise spreading.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? What gluten-free flour would you recommend for making cranberry orange shortbread?

You certainly can! For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. These blends usually contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, and often include a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Be sure to follow the package instructions, as some blends may require slight adjustments to the liquid in the recipe. Enjoy your gluten-free cranberry orange shortbread!