Embrace the spirit of the season with Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies, a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and zesty flavors. This effortless recipe begins with a velvety mixture of butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, culminating in a soft dough that becomes the canvas for festive additions. Chopped dried cranberries and the vibrant zest of an orange infuse each bite with a burst of holiday cheer. Shaped into logs or adorned with seasonal cookie cutters, these treats bake into golden perfection, filling your home with the comforting aroma of Christmas. A final dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of snowy magic, making these cookies a charming addition to your festive table or a thoughtful gift that captures the essence of the season in every delicious bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• Zest of one orange
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

• Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prepare Cookie Dough:
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add Dry Ingredients:
  • Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
• Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest:
  • Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and the zest of one orange until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Shape the Cookies:
  • Shape the dough into a log or use cookie cutters to create festive shapes.
• Chill the Dough:
  • If you shaped the dough into a log, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. If you used cookie cutters, you can place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet and chill.
• Bake:
  • Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:
  • Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
• Serve:
  • Arrange these delightful Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies on a festive plate and share the holiday joy!

In conclusion, these Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are a delightful embodiment of the holiday spirit, effortlessly blending sweet, tart, and zesty flavors in every bite. With a simple yet elegant preparation, the velvety dough serves as the perfect canvas for the festive medley of chopped dried cranberries and vibrant orange zest. Whether shaped into logs or adorned with charming cookie cutters, these cookies bake into golden perfection, enveloping your home in the warm fragrance of Christmas. The final touch, a dusting of powdered sugar, adds a whimsical snowy charm. Share these treats at festive gatherings or gift them to loved ones – each cookie encapsulates the joy and magic of the season, making it a delightful and heartwarming addition to your holiday celebrations.