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close up on a pile of Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies decorated with orange glaze.
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5 stars (8 ratings)

Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

These slice-and-bake Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are perfect for the holidays! They’re soft and buttery, filled with dried cranberries and fresh citrus zest, and decorated with a sweet orange glaze.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Chilling time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 27 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 20 cookies (approximately)
Calories: 178kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

Cookies

  • 1 cup vegan butter softened to room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries finely chopped

Optional Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened vegan butter and sugar for 1-2 minutes until creamy.
  • Add the vanilla and mix to combine.
  • Stop the mixer and add the flour. Mix on low speed until just combined. Now add the orange juice, orange zest and finely chopped cranberries and mix until combined. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky.
  • Shape the dough into a log about two inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours (or up to 2-3 days).
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Slice the dough into cookies about 1/4 inch thick and arrange on baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes, until very lightly browned on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  • Make the icing: Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth and drizzle over completely cooled cookies, if desired.

Notes

  1. The cookies will keep at room temperature for 5-6 days in a covered container. They also freeze well.
  2. For gluten free, use a quality all purpose gluten free flour mix.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 20 cookies | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 74mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 439IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg