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Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • chill time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 20 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert / Holiday Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Festive
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Shortbread Cookies are a festive twist on a classic treat. Buttery, tender, and delicately sweet, they’re studded with tangy dried cranberries and a subtle hint of fresh rosemary for a sophisticated flavor combination. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, elegant gatherings, or cozy winter baking days.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
    In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  2. Combine Ingredients:
    Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in chopped cranberries and rosemary until evenly distributed.

  3. Chill the Dough:
    Shape the dough into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.

  4. Slice & Bake:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

  5. Bake:
    Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

  6. Serve:

    1. Prepare the Dough:
      In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
      In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

    2. Combine Ingredients:
      Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in chopped cranberries and rosemary until evenly distributed.

    3. Chill the Dough:
      Shape the dough into a log (about 2 inches in diameter), wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.

    4. Slice & Bake:
      Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
      Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

    5. Bake:
      Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

    6. Serve:
      Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a holiday gift!


    Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a holiday gift!


Notes

  • Rosemary adds a subtle, earthy contrast—use sparingly for a balanced flavor.
  • For an extra festive touch, drizzle with a simple orange glaze or dip one half in white chocolate.
  • Can be frozen before or after baking for convenience.