Cranberry Shortbread Bars
Delicate and buttery shortbread layered with sweet-tart cranberry filling, creating an irresistible bar dessert. These easy-to-make bars are perfect for gifting or serving at festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar (for cranberry filling)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in flour until a dough forms.
- Press half of the dough into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Cook cranberries, orange juice, and sugar until thickened.
- Spread cranberry mixture over the baked crust.
- Top with remaining shortbread dough and bake for another 25 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Chill bars before cutting for clean edges.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Add chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Use raspberry jam instead of cranberry filling for variation.
- Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Shortbread originated in Scotland, known for its rich and crumbly texture. The addition of cranberry filling adds a festive touch, making these bars a modern and flavorful holiday favorite.