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Let me share my favorite holiday cookie recipe that never fails to impress! These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are absolutely magical combining buttery shortbread with bright orange and tart cranberries. I discovered this recipe years ago and have perfected it into the most wonderful treat. The aroma while they're baking just fills your home with holiday cheer!
Why These Cookies Are Special
There's something extraordinary about how these simple ingredients come together! That hint of almond extract was my grandmother's secret touch and it makes all the difference. When those sugar coated edges catch the light they look like little jewels on your cookie plate. And the best part? You can make the dough ahead when holiday preparations get busy.
Ingredients for Perfect Shortbread
- Almond Extract: Just a touch creates such wonderful depth of flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: I chop mine slightly for better distribution.
- Fresh Orange: The zest and juice bring such brightness!
- Butter: Please use real butter it's crucial for that melt in your mouth texture.
- Flour: Measure carefully it's the key to perfect cookies.
- Sugar: Both in the dough and for that sparkly finish.
Let's Bake Together
- Creating Our Dough
- Start by creaming that butter and sugar until it's light as clouds. The magic happens when you add the almond extract and orange zest your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Time to Chill
- This is crucial for perfect cookies! Shape your dough into a log wrap it well and let it rest in the fridge.
- The Fun Part
- Slice those perfect rounds and give them a sparkly sugar coating they'll look so festive!
- Baking to Perfection
- Watch them carefully they should be just set but not browned. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!
My Best Tips
- Watch the Time: These cookies are perfect when just set.
- Patience Pays Off: Don't skip the chilling step it's worth the wait!
- Quality Matters: Fresh zest and good butter make such a difference.
- Make Them Yours: Feel free to play with different extracts or add nuts.
Keep Them Fresh
These cookies stay wonderful for a week in an airtight container. I often make extra dough to freeze it's such a treat to have fresh baked cookies whenever you want them! Just wrap it well and slice when needed.
Perfect for Sharing
These cookies have become my signature holiday gift! They're beautiful enough for gifting yet simple enough to make plenty for sharing. Every time I bring them to a gathering people beg for the recipe. They're truly a little piece of holiday magic!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can refrigerate the dough log for up to 72 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for planning ahead.
- → How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The cookies should be set but not over-baked, typically around 12 minutes. They won't brown much due to the low baking temperature.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months in an airtight container. You can also freeze the dough log and slice when ready to bake.
- → Why is the butter cold?
- Cold butter is essential for shortbread's characteristic texture. It creates a flaky, tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
- → How thick should I slice the cookies?
- Slice the cookies about ¼ inch thick for the best texture and even baking. Try to keep the slices consistent.