Description
Cranberry Shortbread Bars are pure comfort wrapped in a buttery, crumbly crust with tangy cranberry filling that makes your taste buds dance. Grab a warm cup of tea and savor each delightful bite of this simple yet elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Warm your oven to precisely 350°F (175°C). Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Blend 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Whip these ingredients until they transform into a pale, airy mixture that looks light and fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt into the butter mixture. Stir carefully until the dry ingredients integrate smoothly without creating lumps.
- Gently fold 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries into the dough. Distribute the berries evenly to ensure each bar will have consistent fruit flavor.
- Transfer the entire dough into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread the mixture uniformly, creating an even layer that reaches all corners.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for exactly 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that signal the shortbread is perfectly cooked.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Allow the shortbread to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour before cutting into square portions.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother texture.
- Chop cranberries roughly to distribute them evenly throughout the shortbread base.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Press the dough gently into the pan to create an even layer that bakes consistently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg