Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars Simple and Tasty Treat

ByAisha
To make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars, you will need a few key ingredients that create a wonderful flavor. Here’s a simple list: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Each ingredient plays a big role. The butter gives richness, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness. The flour forms the base, and the salt enhances all the flavors. Dried cranberries provide a tangy bite, and the orange zest brightens everything up. Fresh orange juice adds moisture and more flavor. Finally, the granulated sugar on top gives a sweet crunch. These ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. With just a few steps, you can create these tasty bars. If you want to impress your friends or family, this recipe is perfect. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and sharing! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. Grab a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. This makes your bars soft and tasty. Now, slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your bars from getting tough and chewy. It’s time to add some fun flavors! Gently fold in the finely chopped cranberries, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula for this. Avoid breaking down the cranberries too much. You want to keep some texture. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Aim for a smooth and flat surface. This ensures your bars bake evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown color on the edges. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. This means your bars are ready! To make soft bars, do not overmix your dough. When you add flour, stir on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of tender. For great texture and flavor, use room-temperature butter. This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sugar. It also traps air, which makes your bars light and flaky. Adding orange zest and juice gives a fresh taste. The dried cranberries add a sweet, chewy surprise. When serving your bars, arrange them on a nice plate. You can cut them into neat squares for a tidy look. Place a few whole cranberries and an orange slice on top. This adds color and makes the bars look festive. For an extra touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look even more appealing. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top for added flair. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer texture, chill the shortbread mixture for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps to enhance the flavor and makes it easier to handle. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice when possible. This will elevate the flavor profile of your shortbread bars significantly. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Store Properly: To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This swap keeps the texture light and crumbly. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum, which helps bind the bars. If you need vegan substitutions, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. This will help bind your bars without using animal products. Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Adding nuts can give your bars a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. If you're a chocolate lover, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits. Try lemon or lime zest instead of orange. Each fruit will give a unique taste, brightening the bars in its own way. Mixing different citrus will add layers of flavor that make these bars even more exciting! To keep your cranberry orange shortbread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. I recommend using a container with a tight lid. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. - Keep the bars at room temperature for 3-4 days. - For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. - They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. - To thaw, move the bars to the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy them fresh! Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars stay fresh for about one week if stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. However, the taste and texture will change. Fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. This can make the bars a bit more sour. If you choose fresh, chop them coarsely and add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. Since fresh cranberries contain more moisture, the bars may also be slightly softer. Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars with a warm drink like tea or coffee. They pair well with a sweet beverage to balance the tart flavor. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, add a slice of orange on the side. This will enhance the orange flavor and make the dish look pretty! You’ve learned how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for success. You can customize the recipe with different flavors or dietary needs. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. These bars are perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this treat with others. Happy baking!

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If you’re craving a sweet, tangy treat that’s easy to make, look no further! My Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars are a perfect blend of buttery goodness and vibrant flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dessert that’s sure to impress. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, from mixing to baking, while offering tips for storage and variations. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Buttery Goodness: The combination of unsalted butter and powdered sugar creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible.
  2. Festive Flavors: With the addition of cranberries and orange zest, these shortbread bars bring a delightful holiday spirit to any gathering.
  3. Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe allows even novice bakers to create delicious treats without any fuss or complicated techniques.
  4. Perfect for Sharing: With 16 bars in one batch, these are ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying with family and friends.

Ingredients

To make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars, you will need a few key ingredients that create a wonderful flavor. Here’s a simple list:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice

– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

– Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Each ingredient plays a big role. The butter gives richness, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness. The flour forms the base, and the salt enhances all the flavors. Dried cranberries provide a tangy bite, and the orange zest brightens everything up. Fresh orange juice adds moisture and more flavor. Finally, the granulated sugar on top gives a sweet crunch.

These ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. With just a few steps, you can create these tasty bars. If you want to impress your friends or family, this recipe is perfect. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and sharing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, take an 8×8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. This makes your bars soft and tasty.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now, slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your bars from getting tough and chewy.

Mix in Flavorful Additions

It’s time to add some fun flavors! Gently fold in the finely chopped cranberries, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula for this. Avoid breaking down the cranberries too much. You want to keep some texture.

Press into Baking Pan

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Aim for a smooth and flat surface. This ensures your bars bake evenly.

Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown color on the edges. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. This means your bars are ready!

Tips & Tricks

Common Baking Tips

To make soft bars, do not overmix your dough. When you add flour, stir on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of tender.

For great texture and flavor, use room-temperature butter. This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sugar. It also traps air, which makes your bars light and flaky. Adding orange zest and juice gives a fresh taste. The dried cranberries add a sweet, chewy surprise.

Presentation Tips

When serving your bars, arrange them on a nice plate. You can cut them into neat squares for a tidy look. Place a few whole cranberries and an orange slice on top. This adds color and makes the bars look festive.

For an extra touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look even more appealing. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top for added flair.

Pro Tips

  1. Chill the Dough: For a firmer texture, chill the shortbread mixture for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps to enhance the flavor and makes it easier to handle.
  2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice when possible. This will elevate the flavor profile of your shortbread bars significantly.
  3. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
  4. Store Properly: To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Variations

Dietary Variations

You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This swap keeps the texture light and crumbly. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum, which helps bind the bars.

If you need vegan substitutions, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. This will help bind your bars without using animal products.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Adding nuts can give your bars a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. If you’re a chocolate lover, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

You can also experiment with different citrus fruits. Try lemon or lime zest instead of orange. Each fruit will give a unique taste, brightening the bars in its own way. Mixing different citrus will add layers of flavor that make these bars even more exciting!

Storage Info

How to Store

To keep your cranberry orange shortbread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. I recommend using a container with a tight lid. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

– Keep the bars at room temperature for 3-4 days.

– For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing Shortbread Bars

You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container.

– They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

– To thaw, move the bars to the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy them fresh!

FAQs

How long do Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars stay fresh?

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars stay fresh for about one week if stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries for dried?

You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. However, the taste and texture will change. Fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. This can make the bars a bit more sour. If you choose fresh, chop them coarsely and add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. Since fresh cranberries contain more moisture, the bars may also be slightly softer.

What are some serving suggestions for these bars?

Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars with a warm drink like tea or coffee. They pair well with a sweet beverage to balance the tart flavor. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, add a slice of orange on the side. This will enhance the orange flavor and make the dish look pretty!

You’ve learned how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for success. You can customize the recipe with different flavors or dietary needs. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. These bars are perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this treat with others. Happy bakin

To make Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars, you will need a few key ingredients that create a wonderful flavor. Here’s a simple list: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional) Each ingredient plays a big role. The butter gives richness, while the powdered sugar adds sweetness. The flour forms the base, and the salt enhances all the flavors. Dried cranberries provide a tangy bite, and the orange zest brightens everything up. Fresh orange juice adds moisture and more flavor. Finally, the granulated sugar on top gives a sweet crunch. These ingredients come together to form a delightful treat. With just a few steps, you can create these tasty bars. If you want to impress your friends or family, this recipe is perfect. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and sharing! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. Grab a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. This makes your bars soft and tasty. Now, slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your bars from getting tough and chewy. It’s time to add some fun flavors! Gently fold in the finely chopped cranberries, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula for this. Avoid breaking down the cranberries too much. You want to keep some texture. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Aim for a smooth and flat surface. This ensures your bars bake evenly. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a lovely golden brown color on the edges. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. This means your bars are ready! To make soft bars, do not overmix your dough. When you add flour, stir on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make your bars tough instead of tender. For great texture and flavor, use room-temperature butter. This helps the butter blend smoothly with the sugar. It also traps air, which makes your bars light and flaky. Adding orange zest and juice gives a fresh taste. The dried cranberries add a sweet, chewy surprise. When serving your bars, arrange them on a nice plate. You can cut them into neat squares for a tidy look. Place a few whole cranberries and an orange slice on top. This adds color and makes the bars look festive. For an extra touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This makes them look even more appealing. You can also drizzle a bit of melted chocolate on top for added flair. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer texture, chill the shortbread mixture for about 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. This helps to enhance the flavor and makes it easier to handle. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice when possible. This will elevate the flavor profile of your shortbread bars significantly. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other mix-ins such as chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Store Properly: To keep the bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life. {{image_4}} You can easily adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. This swap keeps the texture light and crumbly. Just make sure your blend has xanthan gum, which helps bind the bars. If you need vegan substitutions, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes to thicken. This will help bind your bars without using animal products. Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Adding nuts can give your bars a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. If you're a chocolate lover, fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits. Try lemon or lime zest instead of orange. Each fruit will give a unique taste, brightening the bars in its own way. Mixing different citrus will add layers of flavor that make these bars even more exciting! To keep your cranberry orange shortbread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and tasty. I recommend using a container with a tight lid. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. - Keep the bars at room temperature for 3-4 days. - For longer freshness, store them in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. - They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. - To thaw, move the bars to the fridge overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. Enjoy them fresh! Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars stay fresh for about one week if stored correctly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. However, the taste and texture will change. Fresh cranberries are more tart than dried ones. This can make the bars a bit more sour. If you choose fresh, chop them coarsely and add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. Since fresh cranberries contain more moisture, the bars may also be slightly softer. Serve Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars with a warm drink like tea or coffee. They pair well with a sweet beverage to balance the tart flavor. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness. For a festive touch, add a slice of orange on the side. This will enhance the orange flavor and make the dish look pretty! You’ve learned how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for success. You can customize the recipe with different flavors or dietary needs. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. These bars are perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this treat with others. Happy baking!

Cranberry Delight Orange Shortbread Bars

Delicious shortbread bars infused with orange zest and dried cranberries, perfect for a festive treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
  • optional additional powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some excess to hang over the edges for easy removal later.
  • Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, utilize an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed mixture. Stir on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Mix in Flavorful Additions: Gently fold in the finely chopped cranberries, fresh orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract using a spatula.
  • Press into Baking Pan: Spoon the shortbread mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to evenly press the mixture down.
  • Add a Sweet Crunch: Sprinkle the granulated sugar liberally over the top of the pressed shortbread mixture.
  • Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
  • Cool and Set: Allow the baked bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment to lift the bars out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Finish and Serve: After the bars have cooled, sprinkle with additional powdered sugar if desired before slicing into 16 evenly sized squares.

Notes

Arrange the shortbread bars on a decorative plate and garnish with a few whole cranberries and an orange slice for an eye-catching holiday treat.
Keyword cranberry, dessert, holiday, orange, shortbread

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