Cranberry Lemon Shortbread Cookies

These delicious shortbread cookies are the perfect combination of tart cranberries and refreshing lemon, all wrapped in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread. They make a great treat for the holidays or any time you want a sweet and tangy bite!

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy and smooth.
   • Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
   • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but should hold together.
2. Add the Cranberries:
   • Fold the chopped dried cranberries into the dough using a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Use a fork or your fingers to gently flatten each ball into a disc shape, creating a crisscross pattern on top if desired.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as shortbread cookies should remain pale.
5. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Variation: For a fun twist, you can drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled cookies.
• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Gift Idea: These cookies make a great gift when packaged in a festive tin or jar.

🎄 Enjoy your Cranberry Lemon Shortbread Cookies! A perfect balance of sweet and tart, these cookies will add a refreshing flavor to your holiday treat spread!