Homemade Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies with cranberries and orange zest

Quick Zesty Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies for Busy Bakers

22 décembre 2025 par Chef Hanna Zest

These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies are fast to assemble and perfect for a last-minute treat. The recipe focuses on simple steps and minimal hands-on time so you can prep, chill, and bake without fuss. Use fresh or dried cranberries depending on what’s on hand, and zest for a burst of citrus that keeps the cookies bright. If you love pairing citrus with fruit, check this festive sauce for inspiration here.

Why This Recipe Works

Shortbread is forgiving and the dough is sturdy, so it handles mix-ins like cranberries with ease. Room temperature butter creams quickly with sugar and zest, creating a soft base that traps the citrus oil for flavor. Adding vanilla and flour last prevents overworking the dough and keeps the texture tender. Chilling the log is the most important passive step — it firms the dough so slices hold shape and bake evenly. Using a food processor to chop cranberries saves time and gives even distribution without extra effort. Overall, this method gives bakery-style cookies with minimal fuss.

Flavor and Texture

The orange zest brightens each bite and cuts the shortbread richness so the cookies never feel heavy. Fresh cranberries add little bursts of tang and color; dried cranberries give concentrated sweetness and chew. The shortbread bakes pale on top with golden bottoms, so you get a tender top and slightly crisp edge. These cookies are buttery but clean-tasting, with citrus notes that come through on the finish. They pair well with tea or coffee for a quick snack.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange or tangerine
1 heaping cup fresh cranberries (or 1/2–2/3 cup dried cranberries)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Step by Step Instructions

Roughly chop cranberries in a food processor or by hand and set aside.
Cream together the butter, sugar, and orange zest until smooth and fluffy.
Add flour and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until the dough forms.
Fold in chopped cranberries just until evenly distributed.
Form the dough into a 10–12 inch log. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the chilled dough into 1/3-inch thick rounds and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the bottoms are golden and the tops are pale.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use a food processor to chop cranberries and to blitz zest into the butter-sugar mix for ultra-fast prep. If you forgot to chill the dough, briefly freeze the log for 30–40 minutes to firm it up before slicing. Swap in dried cranberries to skip chopping and reduce moisture variation. For faster cleanup, line the work surface with parchment while forming the log. For more orange-forward baking ideas, take a look at this bakery-size orange scone cookies recipe here.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop a few in a warm oven for a minute to refresh the texture. You can also freeze the chilled dough log, wrapped well, and slice-straight from frozen; add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Short Closing Note

This recipe is designed around quick moves and smart waits so busy bakers can still pull together something special. Minimal ingredients, simple technique, and a short chill make for reliably good cookies.

FAQ

Can this be made in under 30 minutes?

Yes, the recipe is designed to be quick and efficient.

Does it work for meal prep?

Most versions store well for one to three days.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Yes, simple swaps can be made for convenience or dietary needs.

Conclusion

For a full reference version and extra serving ideas, see the original recipe at Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies – Mom On Timeout. Enjoy quick baking and bright citrus flavors.