The moment you bite into a cranberry shortbread cookie, your taste buds dance with delight as the buttery sweetness mingles with tart bursts of cranberry. Each crumb melts in your mouth, leaving behind a lingering whisper of vanilla and almond that makes you want to reach for another. Picture yourself cozying up on a cold winter evening, savoring these delightful treats with a steaming cup of cocoa, while your favorite holiday movie plays in the background.

These cookies are not just delicious; they hold a special place in my heart. I still remember the first time I made them for my family during the holiday season. The look on their faces as they took their first bites was priceless, sparking requests for more and more until the plate was empty. fun apple monster bites chocolate cake mix cookies Perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying at home, these cranberry shortbread cookies bring joy and warmth to any occasion. Halloween monster mash party mix. For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Chocolate Cake recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry shortbread cookies are easy to prepare and require simple ingredients
- Their sweet-tart flavor profile is irresistible and satisfying
- The vibrant red from cranberries adds visual appeal to your dessert table
- Perfect for holiday festivities or an everyday treat, they adapt well to various occasions
I remember serving these cookies at a family gathering last year, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar; it ensures a smooth dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness; adjust based on your preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it for lighter cookies.
- Cranberries: Fresh or dried can be used; ensure they are plump and flavorful.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; skip imitation for best results.
- Almond Extract: A touch adds depth; use sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness; don’t skip it!
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 helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until fluffy and light in color. This aerates the mixture for tender cookies.
Add Flavorings and Flour: Mix in vanilla and almond extracts until incorporated. Gradually add flour while mixing on low speed, ensuring no dry patches remain.
Incorporate Cranberries: Gently fold in chopped cranberries using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix; we want those tart little gems intact!
Scoop and Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart for even baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Cool Before Serving: Allow cookies to cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up without breaking apart.
Now that you know how to make these delightful cranberry shortbread cookies, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress! bat brownies for parties.
You Must Know
- These cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful balance of sweet and tart
- Their buttery texture melts in your mouth, making them the perfect treat for any occasion
- Expect your kitchen to fill with a warm, inviting aroma that will have everyone popping in for a taste!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, gradually incorporate flour and cranberries to achieve a smooth dough.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping cranberries for dried cherries or nuts for an exciting twist on flavor and texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious. No need to reheat—enjoy them as is! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Easter Cookies recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing
- Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender texture
- Chill the dough before baking to enhance flavors and prevent spreading
Sometimes, I bake these cookies just to watch my family devour them in seconds. Their smiles are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!
FAQ
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used but may alter the sweetness and texture slightly.
How long do cranberry shortbread cookies last?
Stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature.
Can I freeze cranberry shortbread cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to three months in an airtight container.

Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry shortbread cookies are a delightful blend of buttery sweetness and tart cranberry bursts, perfect for cozy winter evenings. With each melt-in-your-mouth bite, these treats evoke warm memories and festive cheer. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they add a vibrant touch to your holiday gatherings or serve as a sweet indulgence any day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Gradually add flour on low speed until combined.
- Gently fold in cranberries.
- Scoop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg





