Buttery Cranberry White Chocolate Shortbread
A quick and easy homemade shortbread recipe featuring a buttery base with tart dried cranberries and sweet white chocolate chunks, perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (100 g) dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup (130 g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix just to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed or fold gently with a spatula until the dough just comes together.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if using.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are lightly golden and the center feels firm.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
- Lift the shortbread out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles. Optionally dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
Use softened (not melted) butter for best texture. Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid tough shortbread. Folding cranberries and chocolate gently preserves texture. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor. Let shortbread cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. If dough is too dry, add 1 teaspoon milk or cream to bring it together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One square (about 1/
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: shortbread, cranberry, white chocolate, buttery, easy dessert, homemade treats, holiday cookies