Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated

What can one say about Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies?

What can one say about the combo of cranberries, orange zest, almond extract all rolled up in an easy to make shortbread cookie dough. Well, I’m here to tell you what to say…GET BUSY!!

I apologize – I don’t mean to be pushy, but I NEED to be pushy.

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies are scrumpdilyicious delicious…and they are addictive…so be careful…be very careful…you don’t want to make too many at one time…so many there will be leftovers in the house…while you are there…alone. Just sayin’!

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated

These cookies are one of my all-time favorites.

With that said, I first made them in 2012 (or so). So, I guess I should say they have been one of my all-time favorite cookies since 2012. I first saw this recipe on Martha Stewart website – I think this is the link HERE.

Of course, I gave it my little tweaks, which in my most humble opinion, improved the recipe enormously (sorry Martha). I added coarse sea salt and honey roasted sliced almonds. YUM!!

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated

Others have been known to ice Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies with a white chocolate glaze.

Believe me, I have been tempted for two reasons. They would look adorable and they would be crazy delicious, but…I am on a diet for Pete’s sake.

One of the best things about these cookies is they freeze beautifully, and if you cook them frozen, just add a few minutes in baking. Voila! Within 30 minutes, you will have a perfect almond(y), cranberry(y), orange(y) cookie(y) sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth or serve your guests.

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated

Any-which-way you slice them, Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies are easy, darling and superb. You cannot go wrong having these gems just waiting in your freezer when guests drop by or just when you need a sweet treat.

I assure you, you will fall in love, just like I, with these little gems.

Enjoy!

Please take a moment to look around Simply Sated for other holiday favorites:

Rum-Glazed Soft Gingerbread Cookies

My Famous Chex Party Mix

Traditional Eggnog

A huge shout-out to Becky Hardin (aka: my daughter), The Cookie Rookie for taking these terrific photos.

Please check out her Sherbet Mimosas and Pepper Jelly Hogs in a Blanket.  Both recipes will make your next party THE gathering everyone raves over.

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated
3.61 from 124 votes
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Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat.
Course Cookie
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 40 cookies
Author Susie Gall

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 cup confectioner’s sugar powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon almond extract
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon table salt
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 cups flour sifted
  • 2/3 cup Fresh Gourmet Honey Roasted Sliced Almonds or toasted sliced almonds
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries chopped
  • Coarse turbinado or raw sugar optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325F.
  2. Line 2-3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  3. Place butter, confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, coarse salt and table salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat 3 minutes on MED-HIGH speed.
  4. Add orange zest and beat 1 minute on MED-HIGH speed.
  5. Add sifted flour, turn mixer to LOW and mix just until flour is incorporated.
  6. Fold in almonds and dried cranberries.
  7. Pat dough into a 1½ -inch diameter log and wrap in plastic wrap.
  8. Freeze dough until firm, at least 1 hour. *See note if wanting to freeze cookies for a later use.
  9. Remove dough from freezer and slice into ¼-inch thick slices.
  10. Place dough on parchment-covered baking sheet 1-inch apart.
  11. Sprinkle with coarse, decorator sugar, if desired
  12. Bake at 325F for 20-25 minutes or until edges turn golden.
  13. Remove cookies from oven and, after 2 minutes, transfer cookies to cooling rack.
  14. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

At this point, dough can be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, placed in a freezer bag and frozen for later use. When ready to use, slice and bake as directed. Note - The dough will need to thaw 10 minutes before slicing and an additional 5-10 minutes bake time.
The frozen dough will keep up to 3 months.

*For Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies:
Substitute almonds and cranberries for 1-cup mini, semi-sweet chips.
Add ¼ teaspoon orange extract.

Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies. Cranberries, oange zest, honey almonds all rolled up in an easy shortbread cookie dough. A perfect sweet treat. Simply Sated

 

 

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    Comments

    Kristi Aguilar
    These look SO good, momma! I can't wait to try these! I will have to make a gluten free attempt as I've had to go GF since May, but I think I can pull it off. These look worth trying!! I can't wait!
    Sandra
    Is it 2 cups flour before sifted or 2 cups after flour is sifted. The recipe sounds delicious. Can’t wait to try it. Thank you.
      Susie Gall
      Thank you for asking, Sandra, it is 2 cups flour, sifted. So, 2 cups before flour is sifted.
    Carrie
    Would it be possible To omit the almonds and Almond extract due to an allergy?
      Susie Gall
      Hello Carrie, One of the beautiful things about this recipe is its versatility. The cookies will be delicious without the almonds and almond extract. I think it would be a good idea to substitute vanilla extract to get a little added flavor. Just have fun with it and tweak the ingredients to your liking. Chocolate chips add a nice touch, too. Thanks and have a terrific day.
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