Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies - A Delicious Treat for Any Occasion
If you're looking for a sweet and tangy treat that's perfect for any occasion, look no further than these Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. Made with a combination of buttery shortbread, zesty orange, and tart cranberries, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients (makes 24 cookies):

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure your butter is softened before you start mixing your ingredients. This will help ensure that your cookies turn out light and fluffy.
- Use a microplane or fine grater to zest your orange. This will give you a fine, even zest that will distribute evenly throughout your dough.
- Don't overwork your dough. Shortbread is a delicate dough, and overworking it can result in tough, dry cookies.

Cooking Process:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour, orange zest, and dried cranberries to the bowl, and mix until just combined.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently until it comes together in a smooth ball.
5. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm), and cut out your cookies using a cookie cutter.
6. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove the cookies from the oven, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Appearance and Taste:
These Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a beautiful golden color, with flecks of orange zest and cranberries throughout. They have a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, and a sweet, buttery flavor that's perfectly balanced by the tartness of the cranberries and the zesty orange. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to afternoon tea.
Type of Dish: Dessert, Cookies

Main Ingredients:

- Butter
- Flour
- Orange zest