Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars Delightful Treats

Name: Cranberry Orange Bliss Shortbread Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 0.5 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped; 1 large orange zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 0.25 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

by Scarlett on December 13, 2024

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat you won’t want to miss! With a perfect mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange, these bars are a tasty twist on classic shortbread. I’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make your bars truly shine. Whether for a cozy gathering or a special dessert at home, you’ll impress everyone with this easy recipe. Let’s jump right in!

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped - Zest from 1 large orange - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter. Just cut the added salt by half. For a sweeter taste, you can use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Dried cranberries can be replaced with raisins or cherries for a fun twist. Fresh zest can enhance the flavor, but you can skip the almond extract if you prefer. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh cranberries add a tart taste that dried ones can’t match. Fresh orange juice and zest provide a bright flavor. They make the bars taste lively and delicious. If your butter is soft, it mixes well and creates a light texture. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients. Fresh items lead to better results and a more enjoyable treat. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Grab a 9x9-inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps remove the bars easily later. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat this mix for 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Next, slowly add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until you see a crumbly dough form. Now, fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cranberries, the zest from 1 large orange, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract if you want. Ensure all ingredients blend well. The dough should feel moist but not sticky. If it seems too dry, a splash of orange juice can help. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Press the dough firmly in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or your fingers. This ensures even baking and a nice texture. To get the best texture in shortbread, use softened butter. This helps the dough mix well. Beat it with powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour slowly for a crumbly dough. Do not overmix; this keeps your bars tender. The dough should hold together but not be sticky. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for ten minutes. This makes them easier to remove. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out gently. Place them on a wire rack to cool fully. When they are cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into even squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. To boost flavor, add extra orange zest or almond extract. You can also mix in nuts or dark chocolate. For a beautiful look, serve the bars on a fancy plate. Add fresh cranberries and orange slices around them. This creates a fun and colorful display. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to press into the pan and help the bars maintain their shape while baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh orange juice and zest. The essential oils in the fresh zest add an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste of the bars. Uniform Baking: To ensure even baking, try to press the dough into the pan evenly. You can use a flat-bottomed glass or spatula to smooth the surface before baking. Storage Tips: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of these bars easily. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds crunch and richness. If you love chocolate, try mixing in dark chocolate chips or chunks. They pair great with the tart cranberries. You can also experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or cherries. If you need a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, almond flour, or tapioca. This helps keep the texture light and crumbly. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too! These bars shine in any season. In fall, add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. For summer, consider adding lime zest and juice instead of orange. This gives a fresh, zesty twist. To serve, arrange bars on a pretty plate. Garnish with fresh cranberries or citrus slices for a festive touch. To keep your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars can last up to a week at room temperature. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving. If you want to enjoy these treats later, freezing is a great choice. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To refresh your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crisp. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors all over again! Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars last about one week. Keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. The cold will help keep them tasty. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They are perfect for meal prep! Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This way, you can enjoy them later. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar before serving. You can serve these bars with many treats. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well. For a festive touch, add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh cranberries or orange slices make a colorful garnish, too. You learned how to make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars step by step. Using fresh ingredients is key for taste. I shared tips for perfect texture and cutting. Options like nuts and gluten-free choices add fun. Store these bars properly for lasting flavor, and enjoy them fresh. To maximize enjoyment, serve with tea or coffee. Explore variations and find your perfect match. With these tips, your baking will impress!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Buttery Bliss: The rich, buttery flavor of shortbread paired with the tartness of cranberries creates a delightful balance that melts in your mouth.
Festive Flair: With the bright orange zest and cranberries, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or any cheerful occasion.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant treat that’s great for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

List of ingredients for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped

– Zest from 1 large orange

– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Notes on ingredient substitutions

You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter. Just cut the added salt by half. For a sweeter taste, you can use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Dried cranberries can be replaced with raisins or cherries for a fun twist. Fresh zest can enhance the flavor, but you can skip the almond extract if you prefer.

Importance of using fresh ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh cranberries add a tart taste that dried ones can’t match. Fresh orange juice and zest provide a bright flavor. They make the bars taste lively and delicious. If your butter is soft, it mixes well and creates a light texture. Always check the expiration dates on your ingredients. Fresh items lead to better results and a more enjoyable treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating the oven and preparing the baking pan

First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan. You can grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps remove the bars easily later.

Step-by-step mixing and combining of ingredients

In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat this mix for 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. Next, slowly add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix on low speed until you see a crumbly dough form. Now, fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cranberries, the zest from 1 large orange, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract if you want. Ensure all ingredients blend well.

Tips for achieving the perfect dough consistency

The dough should feel moist but not sticky. If it seems too dry, a splash of orange juice can help. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Press the dough firmly in the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula or your fingers. This ensures even baking and a nice texture.

Tips & Tricks

How to achieve the ideal texture in shortbread

To get the best texture in shortbread, use softened butter. This helps the dough mix well. Beat it with powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour slowly for a crumbly dough. Do not overmix; this keeps your bars tender. The dough should hold together but not be sticky.

Best practices for cooling and cutting the bars

After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for ten minutes. This makes them easier to remove. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out gently. Place them on a wire rack to cool fully. When they are cool, use a sharp knife to cut them into even squares. Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.

Enhancements for flavor and presentation

To boost flavor, add extra orange zest or almond extract. You can also mix in nuts or dark chocolate. For a beautiful look, serve the bars on a fancy plate. Add fresh cranberries and orange slices around them. This creates a fun and colorful display.

Pro Tips

Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to press into the pan and help the bars maintain their shape while baking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh orange juice and zest. The essential oils in the fresh zest add an aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
Uniform Baking: To ensure even baking, try to press the dough into the pan evenly. You can use a flat-bottomed glass or spatula to smooth the surface before baking.
Storage Tips: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Variations

Alternative flavors and mix-ins

You can change the flavor of these bars easily. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds crunch and richness. If you love chocolate, try mixing in dark chocolate chips or chunks. They pair great with the tart cranberries. You can also experiment with other dried fruits like apricots or cherries.

Gluten-free adaptations

If you need a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, almond flour, or tapioca. This helps keep the texture light and crumbly. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, too!

Seasonal variations and serving suggestions

These bars shine in any season. In fall, add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. For summer, consider adding lime zest and juice instead of orange. This gives a fresh, zesty twist. To serve, arrange bars on a pretty plate. Garnish with fresh cranberries or citrus slices for a festive touch.

Storage Information

Best storage practices for freshness

To keep your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars can last up to a week at room temperature. If you plan to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing tips for longer preservation

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freezing is a great choice. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

How to reheat or refresh bars before serving

To refresh your Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This will make them warm and slightly crisp. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy the delightful flavors all over again!

FAQs

How long do Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars last?

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars last about one week. Keep them in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. The cold will help keep them tasty.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They are perfect for meal prep! Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This way, you can enjoy them later. Just remember to dust with powdered sugar before serving.

What can I serve with these bars?

You can serve these bars with many treats. A cup of tea or coffee pairs well. For a festive touch, add whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh cranberries or orange slices make a colorful garnish, too.

You learned how to make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars step by step. Using fresh ingredients is key for taste. I shared tips for perfect texture and cutting. Options like nuts and gluten-free choices add fun.

Store these bars properly for lasting flavor, and enjoy them fresh. To maximize enjoyment, serve with tea or coffee. Explore variations and find your perfect match. With these tips, your baking will impres

Cranberry Orange Bliss Shortbread Bars

Deliciously buttery shortbread bars infused with cranberry and orange flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
0.5 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
2 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1 large orange zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined, resulting in a crumbly dough.
Carefully fold in the chopped dried cranberries, the zest of the orange, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if desired). Ensure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and evenly. Use a spatula or your fingers to smooth the surface nicely.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The shortbread will be done when the edges turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, carefully lift the bars out using the edges of the paper. Then, let them cool completely on a wire rack.
After the bars are fully cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles. To finish, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar, adding a sweet, delicate touch.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, arrange the bars on a decorative platter and embellish with fresh cranberries and slices of orange.

Keyword bars, cranberry, dessert, orange, shortbread