It was a crisp December afternoon when the aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread wafted through my cozy kitchen. As I pulled the tray from the oven, the buttery scent mingled with the sweet-tart notes of the cranberries, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. You see, this Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread recipe has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, the holidays simply wouldn’t be complete without a platter of these delectable cookies. I can still picture my grandmother, her apron dusted with flour, meticulously rolling out the dough and carefully cutting each shortbread square. The anticipation would build as the cookies baked, the house filled with the irresistible fragrance. And the moment they emerged, still warm from the oven, my siblings and I couldn’t wait to take that first bite – the buttery crumbs melting on our tongues, the burst of tart cranberry, and the subtle crunch of toasted almonds. It’s a sensory experience I cherish to this day.
Why This Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
What makes this Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The rich, buttery shortbread provides a delicate base that lets the tart cranberries and crunchy almonds shine. And the simple glaze adds a glossy sheen and a touch of sweetness that ties it all together. But the real secret is in the technique – kneading the dough just until it comes together, chilling it thoroughly, and baking at the right temperature to achieve that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Follow this recipe, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that are truly worthy of any holiday spread.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted butter – The foundation of the shortbread, providing a rich, creamy flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create the classic shortbread texture.
- Egg yolk – Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – The structure-building ingredient.
- Dried cranberries – Provide the tart, festive flavor.
- Sliced almonds – Offer a delightful crunch and nutty aroma.
- Powdered sugar – The simple glaze that gives the cookies their glossy sheen.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
This Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few simple steps. The total time, including chilling and baking, is around 2 hours, and you’ll need a stand mixer, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet. Let’s dive in and create these irresistible holiday cookies!
1- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2- Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until well combined.
3- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix just until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
4- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days).
5- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6- On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch squares and transfer to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently press a few dried cranberries and sliced almonds into the top of each cookie.
7- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread is to handle the dough as little as possible and to chill it thoroughly before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, be mindful of the baking time – you want the edges to be lightly golden, but not too dark, as that can make the cookies taste bitter.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
These Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They pair beautifully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a robust cup of coffee. And they make a lovely addition to any holiday cheese board, offering a sweet contrast to savory cheeses and cured meats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature and then drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
Creative Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread Variations
While the classic Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread is a holiday staple, there are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on this recipe. Try swapping the cranberries for dried cherries or chopped candied ginger for a twist on the flavor profile. You could also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to complement the buttery shortbread.
Making Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread recipe. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. And for a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk or cream in the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries can work, but they tend to be more tart and juicy, which can affect the texture of the cookies. I recommend sticking to dried cranberries for the best results.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as that can make the cookies taste bitter.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield approximately 24-30 1-inch square cookies, depending on how you cut the dough.
Q: My cookies spread too much in the oven. What did I do wrong?
A: If the cookies spread excessively, it’s likely because the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days) before baking.
Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies infused with juicy cranberries and crunchy toasted almonds, creating a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. – Add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped cranberries and toasted almonds.
4. – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more intense cranberry flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cranberry juice or puree to the dough. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Almond Glazed Shortbread is a holiday classic that’s sure to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the most inviting aromas. With its perfect balance of buttery, tart, and nutty flavors, this recipe is a true showstopper that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your household, just as it has been in mine. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies – your family and friends will be grateful you did!
