Cranberry Shortbread Bars

These cranberry shortbread bars are a delightful holiday treat, with a buttery shortbread base topped with sweet-tart cranberries. They’re perfect for holiday gifting or serving at a festive gathering.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Topping:

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Shortbread Base:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
   • In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until combined. The dough should be crumbly but stick together when pressed.
   • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Make the Cranberry Topping:
   • In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread the cranberry topping evenly over the baked shortbread base. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the edges are golden.
5. Cool and Slice:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.

Tips:

• Add a Drizzle: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little orange juice over the cooled bars for extra sweetness.
• Festive Garnish: Top with a few whole cranberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.

🎄 Enjoy these Cranberry Shortbread Bars! A perfect balance of buttery shortbread and zesty cranberries—ideal for holiday celebrations.