Description
Delicious shortbread cookies with a perfect blend of cranberries and almonds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Mix Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Cranberries and Almonds: Fold in the chopped cranberries and almonds (and orange zest if using) until evenly distributed.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Slice and Bake: Once chilled, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- Substitutions: You can substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts if preferred.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Flavor Variations: For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg