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Zesty Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookie

Zesty Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies for Festive Joy

Zesty Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies combine buttery tenderness with vibrant flavor, making them a delightful holiday treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Opt for unbleached for enhanced flavor.
  • 3/4 cups Granulated Sugar Pure cane sugar is preferred.
  • 1/4 cups Cornstarch Creates a delicate texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Choose moist, plump berries.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Zest Use the outer layer for maximum flavor.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Select high-quality European-style butter.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar Sifted first for a smooth consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry Cutter
  • Sharp knife
  • wire rack
  • Parchment Paper
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed and airy.
  2. Cut cold unsalted butter into small cubes and incorporate them into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter until resembling coarse sand.
  3. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed, forming a soft dough.
  4. Transfer the dough onto parchment paper and knead gently. Roll into a rectangle approximately 4x12 inches.
  5. Wrap the shaped dough in parchment and refrigerate for about 20 minutes.
  6. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Slice the chilled dough into uniform sticks about 1 inch wide and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack, then drizzle with the glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 60mgSugar: 7gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For the best results, make sure to keep the butter cold and use fresh ingredients. Taste the dough and adjust flavors as needed.

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