Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Bliss Shortbread Cookies?
Cranberry Bliss Shortbread Cookies are a buttery and lightly sweetened dessert treat studded with tangy dried cranberries, inspired by Martha Stewart's Holiday Cookies 2005.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Martha Stewart's Holiday Cookies 2005 collection.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately one dozen (12) cookies.
What is the oven temperature for baking these cookies?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The rack should be positioned in the center of the oven.
How should the cookie dough be mixed?
The dough should be mixed gently by hand until just combined.
Should the shortbread dough be creamy?
No, the dough should not be creamy; it should only be mixed until the ingredients are just combined.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
An 8-inch square baking pan is required to bake the shortbread slab.
How long should the shortbread bake?
The shortbread should bake for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are firm and the surface is a pale golden color.
How long should the shortbread cool in the pan?
Allow the shortbread to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.
How do I remove the shortbread from the pan?
Run a knife around the edges to loosen the shortbread, then carefully transfer it to a clean work surface, right side up.
What is the best way to cut the shortbread?
You can use a cookie cutter for specific shapes or a sharp knife to cut the slab into squares.
What type of butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened unsalted butter.
What kind of sugar is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sifted icing sugar.
How much flour is needed for the dough?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What type of salt should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt.
How should the dried cranberries be prepared?
The 1/2 cup of dried cranberries should be finely chopped before being folded into the dough.
How many calories are in one Cranberry Bliss Shortbread Cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 140 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each cookie contains 11 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in these cookies?
There is approximately 0.7 grams of protein per cookie.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: butter, icing sugar, vanilla extract, flour, salt, and dried cranberries.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe due to its simple hand-mixing method and minimal ingredients.
Are these cookies suitable for the holidays?
Yes, they are specifically described as a holiday treat and have a festive cranberry flavor.
Why must the flour and icing sugar be sifted?
Sifting prevents lumps and ensures the shortbread has a delicate, even texture.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a rich, buttery, and delightful shortbread texture.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried cranberries; fresh cranberries may release too much moisture and change the cookie's texture.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
The recipe instructions do not mention greasing the pan, as the high butter content in shortbread typically prevents sticking.