Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are the little bites of happiness that make your taste buds dance. Picture buttery, crumbly cookies studded with tart cranberries that burst with flavor in every bite. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a holiday elf on a sugar high.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How do I make my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies more festive?
- Can I freeze Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?
- What’s the best way to serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let’s be honest—these cookies aren’t just for the holidays. Whether it’s a cozy winter afternoon or a summer picnic, these delightful treats are perfect for any occasion. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked, dreaming of cookie bliss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all levels
- Their sweet and tangy flavor profile offers a delightful contrast that will impress anyone who tries them
- Visually appealing with their vibrant red bursts, they look stunning on any dessert platter
- Versatile enough to enjoy with tea or as a holiday gift, these cookies are sure to please!
I remember the first time I made these cookies; my friends devoured them so quickly that I barely got to eat one myself. The laughter and joy they brought were unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming, which gives the cookies their rich texture.
- Granulated Sugar: This classic ingredient sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of cranberries. For more inspiration, check out this classic strawberry shortcake recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to avoid clumps and ensure a light texture.
- Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for a chewy texture and tart flavor; they add a lovely pop of color.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the flavor beautifully; opt for pure extract if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale. You want this mixture to feel like clouds—light and airy!
Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in vanilla extract first for an aromatic boost. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour while mixing until just combined—a little flour explosion never hurt anyone!
Stir in Cranberries: Gently fold dried cranberries into the mixture using a spatula. Try not to overmix—you’re aiming for beautiful pockets of cranberry goodness.
Scoop and Shape the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between them; they need room to spread out!
Bake Until Golden: Place the trays in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Watch closely until they turn golden brown around the edges but remain soft in the center—tantalizing!
Once baked, cool on wire racks before indulging in these heavenly Cranberry Shortbread Cookies. Your friends will think you’re a baking genius (I won’t tell if you don’t!). For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
Enjoy making these delightful treats that combine sweetness with just the right amount of tanginess!
You Must Know
- Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat, combining buttery richness with tart cranberries
- The aroma of baking cookies fills the house, creating a cozy atmosphere
- These cookies are perfect for holidays or any day you need a little sweetness in your life
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add flour and cranberries for even mixing. This ensures each bite is full of flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. You can also infuse the dough with vanilla extract for a richer flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a fresh taste, reheat them in the oven for just a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always chill your dough before baking to prevent spreading and achieve that perfect shortbread texture
- Use high-quality butter for richer flavor and ensure cranberries are chopped evenly
- Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for unique twists on this classic recipe
Baking these cookies always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of sweet treats filled the air and laughter echoed around us.
FAQ
How do I make my Cranberry Shortbread Cookies more festive?
Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies.
Add festive sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a fun touch. Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies.
Can I freeze Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
What’s the best way to serve Cranberry Shortbread Cookies?
Pair them with tea or coffee; their buttery richness complements warm beverages perfectly.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery richness and tart cranberries, creating a delightful treat for any occasion. These crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are quick to make and provide a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack, they will have everyone reaching for seconds. With their vibrant red cranberries, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert platter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- 3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour until just combined.
- 4. Gently fold in dried cranberries with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- 5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- 6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown around the edges but soft in the center.
- 7. Cool on wire racks before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg





