Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Fresh cranberries sparkle between two layers of the butteriest shortbread you’ve ever had! These Cranberry Shortbread Bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. With their irresistible flavor and delightful texture, they’re a treat everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed warm with ice cream or served at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Buttery: The buttery shortbread combined with tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as-is, warm with ice cream, or drizzled with caramel for an indulgent treat.
• Great for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or holiday gatherings, these bars are sure to impress your guests.
• Sturdy Yet Soft: They hold up well when cut into squares but remain soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Cranberry Shortbread Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your baking process and enhance your results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth mixture.
• Baking pan: A sturdy pan provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked bars.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan cleanly without sticking.

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Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base

• 2 cups butter (softened) (4 sticks)
• 1 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 4 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
• 1 (12-oz) bag fresh cranberries (3 cups)

How to Make Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or grease it with butter. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl or stand mixer, add 2 cups of softened butter. Beat until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Sugars

Mix in 1 and 1/4 cup granulated sugar along with 1/3 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt

Add in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Gradually add in flour one cup at a time, mixing until incorporated but don’t over mix. Switch to hand-stirring if necessary as you approach the last cup of flour.

Step 6: Press Base into Pan

Place about two-thirds of the dough into your prepared baking pan. Press it evenly across the bottom and slightly up the sides.

Step 7: Prep Cranberries

Wash your fresh cranberries thoroughly. Remove any stems or shriveled berries before patting them dry.

Step 8: Add Cranberries

Spread all the cleaned cranberries evenly over the dough in the pan.

Step 9: Combine Remaining Dough

Mix in chopped walnuts to the remaining dough that’s left in your bowl until well distributed.

Step 10: Top Cranberries with Dough

Take chunks of dough about the size of a quarter and place them on top of the cranberries evenly across the surface.

Step 11: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the entire pan for about 20 minutes before baking to achieve a great texture.

Step 12: Preheat Oven

While dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 13: Bake Bars

Once chilled, bake in your preheated oven for about 42-45 minutes. Look for golden brown edges as an indicator that they are done.

Step 14: Cool Before Serving

Allow cooling for at least 10-20 minutes before cutting into bars. Enjoy warm or at room temperature! Add ice cream or caramel drizzle for extra indulgence!

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Cranberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them warm, at room temperature, or with an added touch, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of warm bars creates a delicious contrast between the hot and cold elements.

Drizzled with Caramel

• A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense shortbread, making each bite even more indulgent.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh slices of strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing touch and vibrant color to your serving presentation.

Served with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these bars with a cup of coffee or herbal tea provides a cozy, comforting experience, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Perfecting your Cranberry Shortbread Bars involves attention to detail and a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use softened butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing, which will lead to a creamy texture in your dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

• Chill before baking: Refrigerate your assembled bars for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and contributes to a better texture.

• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden brown. Remove from the oven promptly to avoid overbaking.

• Cool before cutting: Allow the bars to cool for at least 10-20 minutes before slicing. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Cranberry Shortbread Bars can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing that adds creaminess and richness alongside tart cranberries.

2. Fresh Berries Salad
   A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries offers freshness and balances sweetness with tartness.

3. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling this sweet sauce over the bars heightens their flavor and adds an appealing visual element.

4. Chocolate Sauce
   Rich chocolate sauce brings decadence that contrasts beautifully with the tart berries in the shortbread.

5. Nutty Granola
   A crunchy granola topped alongside provides texture contrast and additional flavors like honey or maple.

6. Citrus Sorbet
   The refreshing qualities of citrus sorbet cleanse the palate between bites of rich shortbread.

7. Herbal Tea
   A soothing cup of herbal tea complements dessert while providing warmth and comfort after a meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Shortbread Bars can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not using softened butter: It’s crucial to let your butter reach room temperature. Cold butter won’t mix well, leading to a dense texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can create tough bars instead of the desired crumbly texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough before baking is key. It helps the bars hold their shape and enhances the buttery flavor.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your oven! Baking too long can dry out the bars. Look for golden edges instead of relying solely on a timer.
• Using stale cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for flavor and texture. Check for any shriveled or spoiled ones before use.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For best freshness, separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing Cranberry Shortbread Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cranberry Shortbread Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Shortbread Bars.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

How do I know when the bars are done?

Look for golden brown edges and a firm top. The center may look slightly soft but will set as it cools.

Can I substitute walnuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether if preferred.

How should I serve Cranberry Shortbread Bars?

These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with ice cream or whipped cream!

What’s the best way to cut these bars?

For clean cuts, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Shortbread Bars are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Their buttery texture complements the tartness of fresh cranberries beautifully. Feel free to customize them by adding different nuts or spices for your unique twist!

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Cranberry Shortbread Bars

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Cranberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the tartness of fresh cranberries. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family dinners. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, they are sure to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars can be served warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups softened butter
• 1 & 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
4. Mix in vanilla extract and kosher salt until well combined.
5. Gradually add flour one cup at a time; mix until just incorporated.
6. Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan evenly across the bottom.
7. Spread fresh cranberries over the dough, then mix chopped walnuts into the remaining dough and scatter on top.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 42-45 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
10. Let cool for at least 10-20 minutes before cutting into squares.

• Author: Emmeline
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating orange zest into the dough or using pecans instead of walnuts. Serve warm with ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.