During the holiday season, when the air is crisp and fragrant with the promise of festivities, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. Picture this: a cozy kitchen adorned with twinkling lights, laughter harmonizing with the sounds of mixing bowls and the oven humming its merry tune. It’s in this scene of familial joy that Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies find their rightful place, becoming the stars of our baking rituals.

As you gather the ingredients—a symphony of butter, flour, sugar, and the quintessential flavors of cranberries, oranges, and almonds—the anticipation heightens. The dough, velvety and malleable, is a canvas for the flavors to intertwine and create a tantalizing dance on your taste buds.

As the scent of freshly grated orange zest fills the room, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These cookies embody the essence of the holiday season—a harmonious blend of tangy cranberries teasing your palate, the subtle citrusy embrace of oranges, and the rich nuttiness of almonds, all encapsulated within the buttery crumble of shortbread.

Each cookie, meticulously cut and lovingly placed on the baking sheet, bears the promise of sheer delight. The anticipation grows as they transform into golden treasures in the oven, the edges delicately browning, releasing an aroma that beckons even the most stoic of passersby.

The moment of truth arrives as the cookies cool, their scent mingling with the anticipation of that first delightful bite. The tender crumb, adorned with jewel-like cranberries and toasted almond slivers, unveils a symphony of flavors. The tang of cranberries dances alongside the bright citrus notes, while the crunch of almonds adds a delightful textural contrast.

Sharing these delectable creations with loved ones elevates the joy of the season. Whether enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of cocoa or gifted in festive packaging, these Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies are more than a treat; they’re an embodiment of cherished moments spent baking and savoring the delights of the holiday season.

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookie Recipe: Classic Christmas Cookies

2.87 from 75 votes

During the holiday season, when the air is crisp and fragrant with the promise of festivities, there's nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the house. Picture this: a cozy kitchen adorned with twinkling lights, laughter harmonizing with the sounds of mixing bowls and the oven humming its merry tune. It's in this scene of familial joy that Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies find their rightful place, becoming the stars of our baking rituals.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 24

Course: Dessert

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

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• 1 cup salted butter softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp orange extract
• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries finely chopped
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup white chocolate chips melted

Method

 

1. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the almond and orange extract.
3. Add in the flour little by little until just combined.
4. Mix in the chopped cranberries and orange zest and beat until combined.
5. Roll the dough into a long log (about 12 inches long and 2-3 inches thick)
6. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
7. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Unwrap the plastic from the dough and slice 1/2 inch pieces. Place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake for 9-10 minutes and then cool on a baking rack.
10. Melt the white chocolate in a small bowl.
11. Dip the cookies half way into the white chocolate dripping off the excess chocolate. Allow to set at room temperature.

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