Citrus Shortbread Cookies

This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law, one of the best cooks I know...and given that we're from south Louisiana, that's saying something. With the chopped up dried cranberries, these are as pretty as they are tasty.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 153 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, or more to taste
• 2 cups sweetened dried cranberries, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside. Beat the butter and confectioners' sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts and orange zest. Mix in the flour mixture until just incorporated. Fold in the cranberries; mixing just enough to evenly combine.

Step 3

Divide the dough into 2 equal portions, then roll into logs about 7 inches long. Wrap each log in wax paper or plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 4

Remove wax paper, and cut the cookie dough into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until firm but not browned, about 10 minutes.