Desserts > Baked Goods > Cookies > Shortbread

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line the cake pan with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest.
4. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Stir in the cranberries.
6. Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into wedges.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10 wedges

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- For the butter, you can use vegan butter or margarine.
- For the cranberries, you can use dried cherries or blueberries.

Variations:
- For a sweeter shortbread, add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the mixture.
- For a spicier shortbread, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you cut it into cubes.
- Use a light touch when pressing the mixture into the pan.

Storage Instructions:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Candied orange peel

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the shortbread is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the mixture holds together.
- If the shortbread is too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter at a time until the mixture is moist.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Wash your hands before and after handling food.

Food History:
Shortbread is a type of biscuit that has been around since the 12th century. It was originally made with oats and was known as a "biscuit bread". Over time, the oats were replaced with flour and butter, and the biscuit became known as shortbread.

Flavor Profiles:
This shortbread has a sweet and buttery flavor with a hint of orange and tart cranberries.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Buttery, Citrusy