Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars Delicious and Easy

by Elizabeth on June 27, 2025

Looking for a simple yet scrumptious treat? You’re in the right place! These Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars are easy to make and bursting with flavor. With just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll create a delicious dessert that brightens any day. Join me as we explore the steps to bake your new favorite sweet and learn tips to make it even better. Let’s get started!

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting Unsalted butter works best for these bars. It gives you control over salt levels. You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter if needed. Just skip the added salt. For dried cranberries, look for good quality ones. You can also use other dried fruits if you prefer. Chopped nuts can add a nice crunch, too. Almond extract is optional but adds a nice touch. Fresh orange zest and juice are key. They bring bright, bold flavors to the bars. Zest adds oils that create a strong orange flavor. Fresh juice balances the sweetness with a bit of tartness. Using fresh ingredients will make your shortbread bars taste much better. Always choose ripe oranges for the zest and juice. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 large orange - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional) - Powdered sugar for dusting First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look light and fluffy. Next, gradually add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. You want a crumbly dough. Now, stir in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. If you like, add the almond extract for more depth. Make sure everything blends well into the dough. Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to smooth the top. Now it's time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You know they are done when the edges turn lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After cooling, slice into bars. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch. Serve them on a decorative platter. You can garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive look. Enjoy your lovely cranberry orange shortbread bars! To get the right texture in your bars, start with soft butter. Cream the butter and sugar well. This step adds air and makes the bars light. Mix until fluffy for about three to four minutes. When you add the flour, mix slowly. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Your dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Another mistake is skipping the cooling step. Let the bars cool in the pan for ten minutes. This helps them firm up before cutting. Finally, avoid baking too long. Check for golden edges and a clean toothpick for doneness. For a great finish, wait until the bars are cool. Use a fine mesh sieve to dust the sugar. This gives an even coat without clumps. If you want a fun twist, mix in a bit of orange zest with the sugar. This adds flavor and makes the bars even more festive. Enjoy the bright touch of sweetness! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest will give your bars a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives. Don't Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center for the best texture. Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in your cranberry orange shortbread bars! Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips. Dark chocolate pairs well with orange and cranberry. It adds a rich taste that many will love. You can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it works well in baking. For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a powdered sugar that is free from animal products. You can also skip the eggs since this recipe does not need them. Feel free to change the fruits based on the season. In the summer, use fresh blueberries or raspberries. They add a burst of flavor and color. In the fall, try using diced apples with cinnamon. This will give your bars a warm, cozy taste. Each fruit brings its own charm to the bars, making them special for every occasion. To keep your cranberry orange shortbread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb moisture. This helps maintain the bars' crisp texture. If you plan to eat them within a week, store them at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigeration is best. Freezing is a great way to keep these bars for later. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cranberry orange shortbread bars are best eaten within a week when stored at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last up to two weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms it up without losing its texture. Enjoy your delicious treats warm or at room temperature! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well. Bake them, cool them, and cut them into bars. Place them in an airtight container. They last for about a week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. You can use various fruits if you lack dried cranberries. Dried cherries work well. Raisins or dried blueberries are other great options. You can even try chopped apricots for a unique taste. Each fruit brings a different flavor, so choose what you like best. The bars are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Do not overbake, as this can make them dry. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. Cranberry orange shortbread bars are a delicious treat. We covered their ingredients, like unsalted butter and fresh zest. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. I shared detailed steps for prep, baking, and cooling. You learned tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect texture. Variations allow for creativity with flavors and dietary needs. Storing and reheating tips help keep the bars fresh. Enjoy making and sharing these bars. They'll be a hit!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart flavors of cranberries paired with the bright citrus notes of orange create a delightful taste experience.

Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.

Perfect for Any Occasion: These shortbread bars are versatile enough to be served at holiday gatherings, parties, or as an everyday treat.

Beautiful Presentation: With a dusting of powdered sugar and garnishes, these bars look as good as they taste, making them a showstopper on any dessert table.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

– Powdered sugar for dusting

Notes on Ingredient Options

Unsalted butter works best for these bars. It gives you control over salt levels. You can swap unsalted butter for salted butter if needed. Just skip the added salt. For dried cranberries, look for good quality ones. You can also use other dried fruits if you prefer. Chopped nuts can add a nice crunch, too. Almond extract is optional but adds a nice touch.

Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Fresh orange zest and juice are key. They bring bright, bold flavors to the bars. Zest adds oils that create a strong orange flavor. Fresh juice balances the sweetness with a bit of tartness. Using fresh ingredients will make your shortbread bars taste much better. Always choose ripe oranges for the zest and juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps for Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need:

– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

– 1/2 cup powdered sugar

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

– Powdered sugar for dusting

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should look light and fluffy.

Next, gradually add the flour and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. You want a crumbly dough. Now, stir in the chopped cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. If you like, add the almond extract for more depth. Make sure everything blends well into the dough.

Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to smooth the top.

Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines

Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You know they are done when the edges turn lightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Cooling and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

After cooling, slice into bars. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch. Serve them on a decorative platter. You can garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive look. Enjoy your lovely cranberry orange shortbread bars!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

To get the right texture in your bars, start with soft butter. Cream the butter and sugar well. This step adds air and makes the bars light. Mix until fluffy for about three to four minutes. When you add the flour, mix slowly. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Your dough should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Another mistake is skipping the cooling step. Let the bars cool in the pan for ten minutes. This helps them firm up before cutting. Finally, avoid baking too long. Check for golden edges and a clean toothpick for doneness.

Tips for Dusting with Powdered Sugar

For a great finish, wait until the bars are cool. Use a fine mesh sieve to dust the sugar. This gives an even coat without clumps. If you want a fun twist, mix in a bit of orange zest with the sugar. This adds flavor and makes the bars even more festive. Enjoy the bright touch of sweetness!

Pro Tips

Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that’s easier to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest will give your bars a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center for the best texture.

Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Variations

Alternative Add-ins and Flavorings

You can switch up the flavors in your cranberry orange shortbread bars! Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips. Dark chocolate pairs well with orange and cranberry. It adds a rich taste that many will love.

Gluten-Free or Vegan Options

You can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it works well in baking. For a vegan version, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a powdered sugar that is free from animal products. You can also skip the eggs since this recipe does not need them.

Seasonal Variations

Feel free to change the fruits based on the season. In the summer, use fresh blueberries or raspberries. They add a burst of flavor and color. In the fall, try using diced apples with cinnamon. This will give your bars a warm, cozy taste. Each fruit brings its own charm to the bars, making them special for every occasion.

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Shortbread Bars

To keep your cranberry orange shortbread bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb moisture. This helps maintain the bars’ crisp texture. If you plan to eat them within a week, store them at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigeration is best.

How to Freeze Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

Freezing is a great way to keep these bars for later. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Shelf Life and Reheating Tips

Cranberry orange shortbread bars are best eaten within a week when stored at room temperature. If refrigerated, they may last up to two weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms it up without losing its texture. Enjoy your delicious treats warm or at room temperature!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store well. Bake them, cool them, and cut them into bars. Place them in an airtight container. They last for about a week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

You can use various fruits if you lack dried cranberries. Dried cherries work well. Raisins or dried blueberries are other great options. You can even try chopped apricots for a unique taste. Each fruit brings a different flavor, so choose what you like best.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the edges turn a light golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. Do not overbake, as this can make them dry. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes.

Cranberry orange shortbread bars are a delicious treat. We covered their ingredients, like unsalted butter and fresh zest. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste.

I shared detailed steps for prep, baking, and cooling. You learned tips to avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect texture. Variations allow for creativity with flavors and dietary needs.

Storing and reheating tips help keep the bars fresh. Enjoy making and sharing these bars. They’ll be a hi