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Cranberry orange thumbprint cookies topped with orange icing arranged on a plate as festive biscuits.

Cranberry Orange Thumbprint Cookies – Iced Shortbread Joys for Christmas


  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

These cranberry orange thumbprint cookies are buttery iced shortbread bites filled with tart cranberry jam and drizzled with zesty orange glaze. They make a festive treat perfect for gifting or serving at holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
  • 1/2 cup cranberry jam
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

  • Instructions

    1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

    2. Beat in the vanilla extract and grated orange zest until combined.

    3. Whisk the flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually mix into the butter mixture until just combined.

    4. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

    5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    6. Roll tablespoon sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared sheet.

    7. Press each ball gently with your thumb to form a small well.

    8. Spoon cranberry jam into each indentation without overfilling.

    9. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

    10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

    11. Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest to a smooth glaze consistency.

    12. Drizzle or fill each cooled cookie with the orange glaze and allow it to set before serving.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 14 minutes
    • Category: cookies
    • Method: baking
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 cookie
    • Calories: 120
    • Sugar: 8
    • Sodium: 30
    • Fat: 7
    • Saturated Fat: 4
    • Unsaturated Fat: 2
    • Trans Fat: 0
    • Carbohydrates: 15
    • Fiber: 0
    • Protein: 1
    • Cholesterol: 30

    Keywords: cranberry orange thumbprint cookies, iced shortbread, orange christmas cookies, festive biscuits, fruity christmas cookies, small christmas cookies, holiday cookies