Cranberry & Orange Shortbread - Day 3
The festive season is filled with opportunities to create and enjoy delightful treats, making it the perfect time to try new recipes. Cranberry and orange shortbread brings a unique blend of tart and zesty flavours, encased in buttery goodness. The process of baking at home not only fills your space with comforting aromas but also allows you to add a personal touch to your Christmas offerings. This recipe caters to all skill levels, whether you’re an experienced baker or just beginning your culinary journey.
The combination of cranberries and oranges is a true celebration of the season. Dried cranberries provide a slightly sweet and tangy bite, while orange zest introduces a refreshing citrus twist. This pairing is particularly suited for the holidays, offering a pleasant contrast to richer, heavier bakes typically found during this time.
Creating homemade shortbread is a rewarding endeavour, as the simple yet rich dough forms the perfect canvas for festive flavours. The addition of high-quality ingredients like unsalted butter and caster sugar ensures that each bite is a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Paying attention to details such as the quality of your cranberries and the aroma of your oranges can significantly elevate your final product.
Baking these shortbreads can also become a cherished tradition, bringing warmth and joy to your household year after year. Imagine sharing these lovingly made treats with family and friends, each piece carrying the essence of the festive season. The act of baking itself can be a delightful way to slow down and embrace the holiday spirit, creating moments of happiness and connection amidst the seasonal hustle and bustle.
To create these delicious shortbreads, you'll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 250g plain flour
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g caster sugar
- 50g dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Pinch of salt
Pay special attention to the cranberries and oranges when sourcing your ingredients. Opt for high-quality dried cranberries that are plump and slightly sweet. For the oranges, look for ones with a firm, shiny peel and a strong citrus aroma to ensure your shortbread is bursting with flavour.
The choice of butter and sugar also plays a crucial role in the final texture and taste. Unsalted butter provides a pure, rich base, while caster sugar gives the shortbread a fine, melt-in-the-mouth crumb. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting, as this will make it easier to cream with the sugar and achieve the desired lightness.
Additionally, a pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavour profile of your shortbread. Don't overlook this small but significant ingredient.
Having all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing will streamline the process and help ensure that your shortbread turns out perfectly. Proper preparation is key to successful baking, so take a moment to gather everything you need and organise your workspace. This way, you can focus entirely on creating your festive treats without any interruptions.
Method
- Begin by ensuring your oven is preheated to 160°C (fan)/180°C/gas mark 4 and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, are at room temperature. If the butter is still cold, cut it into smaller pieces to speed up the softening process. This step is crucial as it ensures the butter blends smoothly with the sugar, creating a light and fluffy base for your shortbread.
Having your kitchen tools and equipment ready will make the process smoother. Ensure you have a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, a spatula, a rolling pin, a round cookie cutter or a knife for shaping, and a wire rack for cooling. A clean, lightly floured surface will be necessary for rolling out the dough.
By organising your workspace and gathering all necessary tools and ingredients beforehand, you’ll create an efficient and enjoyable baking experience.
- Start by placing the softened butter and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on a medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for creating a smooth, well-incorporated base for your shortbread.
- Next, sift the plain flour and a pinch of salt directly into the bowl. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the butter and sugar, either by using a low speed on your electric mixer or by folding with a wooden spoon. Take care not to over-mix, as this can lead to a tougher texture in the final shortbread.
- Once the flour is mostly incorporated, add the dried cranberries and the zest of one large orange. Using a spatula, gently fold these ingredients into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The cranberries should be evenly dispersed throughout, and the orange zest should give the dough a fragrant, citrusy aroma.
- The dough should have a soft consistency without being sticky. If you find the mixture too crumbly to hold together, you can add a teaspoon of milk to help it bind. Conversely, if the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle a small amount of flour and gently knead until you achieve the desired texture.
- When the dough is properly mixed, shape it into a ball and wrap it in cling film. Let it rest in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling period helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes later on. By allowing the dough to rest, the flavours have a chance to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your shortbread.
Once your dough is ready, it's time to shape and bake:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1cm. This thickness ensures that your shortbreads have a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your shortbreads, or shape them into rectangles with a knife if you prefer a more rustic look. Gather the remaining dough, re-roll it, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
- Place the shapes on your prepared baking tray, ensuring there's enough space between each piece to allow for even baking. The shortbreads should not touch each other, as this can cause them to merge during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are a light golden colour. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary, and you don't want your shortbreads to become too dark. The golden edges indicate that they are baked to perfection, with a tender crumb inside and a slightly crisp exterior.
- During baking, the shortbreads will spread slightly, so ensure you leave adequate space between each piece on the tray. Rotating the tray halfway through the baking time can help to ensure even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
- Once baked, carefully remove the tray from the oven and let the shortbreads cool on the tray for a few minutes. This initial cooling period helps them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer to a wire rack without breaking. Use a spatula to gently lift the shortbreads onto the wire rack, where they can cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents condensation from forming on the bottoms, keeping them crisp.
If you wish to add an extra festive touch, you can drizzle the shortbreads with white chocolate or dust them with icing sugar once they are completely cool.
To give your shortbreads a truly festive finish, consider adding some decorative touches once they have completely cooled. A drizzle of melted white chocolate adds a touch of elegance and complements the citrus and cranberry flavours wonderfully. Simply melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, then use a spoon to drizzle it over the shortbreads in a zigzag pattern. Allow the chocolate to set before serving.
Alternatively, a light dusting of icing sugar can add a snowy appearance that’s perfect for the holiday season. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle the sugar evenly over the shortbreads, creating a delicate and appealing look.
When presenting your shortbreads, choose a decorative plate or a festive tin to enhance their visual appeal. Lining the tin with a piece of parchment paper or a decorative doily can add an extra touch of charm. These shortbreads also make lovely gifts, especially when wrapped in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon.
Storing your shortbreads in an airtight container will help maintain their freshness and keep them tasting their best. They can be enjoyed as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for sharing with guests or as part of your holiday dessert table.
Consider including a handwritten note with your homemade shortbreads if giving them as a gift. Sharing the story behind your baking or including the recipe can add a personal touch that will be appreciated by the recipient. Whether you're serving them at home or gifting them to loved ones, these Cranberry and Orange Shortbreads are sure to bring joy and festive cheer.
If you make this dish, why not send me a picture on Instagram using the #acountrygirlskitchen so I can go over and show it some love.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
*Chefs Kiss*
