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fall cranberry orange shortbread bars - featured image

Fall Cranberry Orange Shortbread Bars

  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 servings 1x

Description

A quick, 10-minute active prep dessert featuring buttery, crumbly shortbread bars studded with tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest. Perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large fresh orange (zest and juice)
  • 1 cup (150g) dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (85g) white chocolate chips
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease the parchment.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and finely grated orange zest.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks remaining.
  4. Stir in the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract. Add the dried cranberries (and white chocolate chips or nuts if using). Mix gently until combined; the mixture will be sticky.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom using your hands or the back of a spoon to ensure the bars hold together.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
  7. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15-30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Cool completely before cutting for clean slices. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12
  • Sodium: 90
  • Fat: 9
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 24
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: shortbread bars, cranberry orange dessert, easy baking, fall treats, quick dessert, weeknight baking, pantry friendly

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Find it online: https://tableanddinner.com/fall-cranberry-orange-shortbread-bars-10-minute-easy-treat/