Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Fresh cranberries sparkle between two layers of the butteriest shortbread you’ve ever had! These Cranberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars impress with their vibrant flavor and beautiful presentation. They are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, making them a must-try dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal steps and time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and buttery shortbread creates an irresistible taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these bars warm with ice cream or at room temperature for a delightful snack.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party or an everyday dessert, these bars fit in anywhere.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Ideal size for evenly baked bars that are easy to cut and serve.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
• Parchment paper: Helps in removing the bars from the pan easily 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 (12-oz) bag fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)

How to Make Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray or grease 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, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Sugars and Vanilla

Add 1 and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. Then mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing until mostly incorporated. You may need to switch to hand stirring toward the end; don’t over mix!

Step 5: Form the Base Layer

Place about 2/3 of the dough into your prepared baking pan. Press it evenly across the bottom, reaching up about an inch along the sides.

Step 6: Prepare Cranberries

Wash your cranberries thoroughly, discarding any stems or shriveled berries. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 7: Add Cranberries to Base Layer

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

Step 8: Mix Remaining Dough with Walnuts

Incorporate 1/2 cup chopped walnuts into the remaining dough in your bowl. Use your hands to break off small chunks of this mixture.

Step 9: Top with Dough Chunks

Drop medium-sized chunks of dough on top of the cranberries in an even layer.

Step 10: Chill Before Baking

Refrigerate the assembled pan for about 20 minutes while preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 11: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 42-45 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!

Step 12: Cool and Serve

Let cool for at least 10-20 minutes before cutting into bars. Serve warm or at room temperature—bonus points if you add ice cream or caramel drizzle!

How to Serve Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Cranberry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their buttery texture and tart cranberry flavor make them a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve the bars warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

Drizzled with Caramel

• Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, decadent flavor to the bars.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these bars alongside your favorite coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up that balances sweetness with your beverage’s warmth.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an elegant presentation, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Served with Fresh Berries

• Accompanying the bars with fresh berries not only adds color but also complements the cranberries’ tartness perfectly.

How to Perfect Cranberry Shortbread Bars

To ensure your Cranberry Shortbread Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature. This helps in creating a creamy texture that incorporates air for lightness.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of tender shortbread.
• Chill before baking: Refrigerating the dough before baking helps maintain its structure and results in a better texture.
• Check for doneness: Keep an eye on the edges while baking; they should be golden brown but not too dark.
• Let them cool: Allow your bars to cool before cutting. This will help them set properly and make slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Shortbread Bars

Cranberry Shortbread Bars pair well with various side dishes to create a more rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
2. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which complement the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and additional fruits for a refreshing and light accompaniment.
4. Spiced Nuts
   A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and savory contrast, enhancing the sweet flavors of the dessert.
5. Chocolate Ganache
   Serve warm chocolate ganache on the side for dipping, adding an indulgent touch to each bite.
6. Herbal Tea
   Offering herbal tea helps cleanse the palate after enjoying these sweet treats, making it perfect for relaxing afternoons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Shortbread Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to bars that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least 20 minutes.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the bars tough. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour streaks.
• Ignoring oven temperatures: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bars and adjust baking time if needed.
• Not lining the pan: Skipping parchment paper or greasing can make it hard to remove the bars later. Always line or grease your baking pan.
• Cutting too early: If you cut the bars while they are still warm, they may crumble. Let them cool for at least 10-20 minutes before slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Cranberry Shortbread Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Shortbread Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Cranberry Shortbread Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Warm individual bars for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid 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 instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

How do I customize my cranberry shortbread bars?

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even orange zest for extra flavor!

What should I serve with cranberry shortbread bars?

They pair well with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added treat.

How long do cranberry shortbread bars last?

When stored properly, these bars can last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Shortbread Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; your friends and family will love it!