Cozy Spiced Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Cozy Spiced Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are delightful, buttery treats infused with warm spices and citrusy orange flavors. These cookies bring warmth to any gathering and evoke memories of family traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamo
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon zest of an orange
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl to combine everything evenly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack and dusting with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Ensure butter is softened, not melted. Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly for the right texture. Don't skip the chilling step! Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.