Our Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies have dried cranberries, fresh orange zest and juice, and just a hint of almond for the most delicious shortbread cookie around
10tablespoonsgranulated sugarplus extra for rolling cookies in
2tablespoonsbrown sugar
1cupsalted butterroom temperature (if you only have unsalted butter, add ¾ teaspoon of salt
1teaspoonalmond extract
Zest of 1 orange
1tablespoonorange juice
½cupdried cranberrieschopped
Instructions
Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the butter, sugars, and almond extract on medium-high till it’s super light and fluffy (3 to 5 minutes for a stand mixer; 6 to 8 for a hand mixer). This is really important, don't skimp on the time! Using a spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl every minute or so.
Mix in chopped dried cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest until thoroughly combined. Then add in the flour is just incorporated, you do not want to over mix the dough. If necessary, knead the dough with your hands to make sure the flour is totally incorporated.
Divide the dough in half, placing each half on a large piece of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic over so that it covers the dough to protect your hands from getting all sticky. Using your hands, form the dough into a log shape with a 1 ½-2 inch diameter; rolling it on the counter will help you smooth it out, but don’t worry about getting it totally perfect. Really push the dough together, shortbread is supposed to be dense. Chill until totally firm, about 2 hours.
Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with silpat mats or parchment paper. Using a large knife slice the log in to ¼ -½ inch slices and dip the cookie slice in granulated sugar. You can skip this part if you’d like, but it gives them a bit sparkle and crunch. If the slices fall apart when cutting, just push the dough back together. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart (they won’t spread much). Bake 12 to 15 minutes—do not over bake them. Cool completely before enjoying.