Some cookies just feel like the holidays, and these Cranberry & Orange Shortbread Cookies are one of them. They’re buttery, lightly sweet, and filled with cozy citrus flavor and little pops of tart cranberry. No fancy decorations, no complicated steps — just a simple, classic cookie that tastes like Christmas.
This cookie has been on my list for a long time now. I must say thank you to my friends daughter who brought up making cookies with her mom at my place and that’s when I decided lets make a few different types of cookies this holiday season.
This is the kind of cookie you bake when you want something easy but still special. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea while the house smells like butter and orange zest.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Soft, tender shortbread with crisp edges
- Fresh orange zest adds bright, cozy flavor
- Tart cranberries balance the buttery richness
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- Great for gifting, sharing, or snacking
Ingredients Used:
Shortbread is all about letting simple ingredients shine, especially the butter. Most of the ingredients are from your pantry and they are pretty basic including all purpose flour, butter, sugar, vanilla or orange extract etc. The only thing I didn’t have was cranberries.
Can You Freeze the Cookie Dough
Absolutely, you can!! Once your dough is ready, make logs and roll it in the serene wrap once and then with your aluminum foil. Place the logs in a freezer bag and seal it.
Once you are ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight and bake it at 350 degrees for 12 mins.
Fun Ways to Switch Them Up
- Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate.
- Light Orange Glaze: A simple drizzle makes them extra festive.
- Slice-and-Bake Logs: Perfect for stress-free holiday baking.
- Nutty Add-In: Pistachios or almonds work beautifully here.
Easy Tips for Best Results
- Use good butter — shortbread depends on it.
- Don’t overmix once the flour goes in.
- Chop cranberries small so every bite has a little pop.
- Want more orange flavor? Add extra zest, not juice.
Other Cookie Recipes from my Blog to try:
Equipment Used
Pin It for Later:
If you’re looking for an easy holiday cookie that still feels special, these Cranberry & Orange Shortbread Cookies are a must-bake. Simple, cozy, and full of festive flavor — they’re the kind of cookies you’ll find yourself making every December.
When you give the recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment down below to let me know how it turned out – your feedback means the world to me!
Your thoughts, likes and even dislikes are super valuable to me – they help me create content that truly resonates with you. Thanks a million for taking the time to stop by! Your support fuels my passion for sharing amazing recipes with all of you. 🥰👩🍳🙏
Happy holiday baking! 🎄
Cranberry & Orange Shortbread Cookies | Simple Holiday Baking Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
- Cream butter & sugar in your kitchen aid using the paddle attachment.
- Add your vanilla or orange essence along with the orange zest
- Add this time, add your flour slowly and mix well slow in the mixer slightly and you will get a crumbly texture.
- To this mixture, add your chopped cranberries and mix well with your hands.
- Your dough will start coming together. If you feel the dough is dry and not coming together then add 1 teaspoon of milk to it.
- Take half of the dough and roll it in a log and do the same for the rest of the dough. You will have 2 logs ready to go.
- If you don't want to make a log, then you can roll the dough and use cookie cutter as well. The choice is yours
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 45 mins
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the cut cookies a little apart and bake it for 12 mins.
- Once the cookies are baked, let it sit on the tray for another minute and then move it with the help of the spatula on to the cooling rack.
- Let me cool completely before storing them into a airtight container.