Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s radiantly bright, joyously buttery, and downright unforgettable, let me introduce you to Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins. These dainty rounds are the perfect harmony of golden butter, zesty orange, and tart cranberries, each bite offering that magical just-crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They sparkle prettily on holiday trays, make a swoon-worthy edible gift, and best of all, let their citrusy sunshine personality steal the show at any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins is delightfully straightforward, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—each component is essential in building layer upon layer of flavor and texture. Trust me, every choice matters in this dreamy cookie!

• Unsalted Butter (226g/1 cup): The soul of these cookies! Use a good-quality butter for unmatched richness and a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Granulated Sugar (100g/½ cup): Provides sweetness, structure, and helps those buttery edges bake up crisp.
• Orange Zest (zest of 1 large orange): This is where the magic happens—a pop of citrus perfume in every bite. Zest only the colorful peel for max flavor!
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the citrus and butter with warmth and depth; don’t skimp here.
• All-Purpose Flour (250g/2 cups): Gives the coins their tender body; measure carefully for perfect texture.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and brings balance to the sweetness and richness.
• Dried Cranberries (100g/¾ cup, finely chopped): Tart, chewy specks nestled into every slice add color and dazzling bursts of fruity flavor.
• Extra Sugar (for rolling, optional): A sweet, sparkly edge for a little extra crunch and visual pop.
• Extra Orange Zest (for garnish, optional): A final flourish that smells as fresh as it looks—highly recommended if you have extra zest!

How to Make Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Orange Zest

Start with room-temperature butter—this ensures your dough will be smooth and your cookies delightfully tender. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and orange zest until it’s pale, creamy, and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step infuses the entire base with sweet orange essence and aerates the dough for a perfect, light bite.

Step 2: Mix In Vanilla Extract

Once your creamed mixture is light and billowy, beat in the vanilla extract. This subtle step rounds out the flavors, bringing warmth and depth to the Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins, and complementing every bit of citrus and cranberry.

Step 3: Add Flour and Salt

With a gentle hand, add the flour and salt to the bowl. You can do this in two or three stages to prevent a floury snowstorm. Mix just until a soft dough forms—no more! Overmixing can toughen your coins, and we want pure, buttery tenderness.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Sprinkle in those finely chopped dried cranberries and fold gently to distribute. Their ruby flecks not only make the cookies beautiful but give every bite a sweet-tart sparkle that’s truly the signature of Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins.

Step 5: Shape into Logs and Chill

Divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a log about 5 cm wide. The chilling step is non-negotiable: wrapping the logs tightly and refrigerating for at least 2 hours ensures your cookies hold their shape and slice cleanly. The wait is worth it!

Step 6: Slice, Roll in Sugar, and Arrange

Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and line trays with parchment. Slice each log into ½ cm thick rounds. If you’re feeling extra fancy, roll the edges of each slice in sugar—this gives the Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins an irresistible sparkle and a hint of extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Arrange the slices on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each. Bake for 12–15 minutes; you want barely golden edges, not browned. Let them cool on the tray for five minutes before moving to a wire rack. Once completely cool, they’re ready to enjoy—or stash for later!

How to Serve Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins

Garnishes

Take your Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins to the next level by sprinkling a little fresh orange zest over the still-warm cookies or dusting with extra sugar for festive sparkle. If you’re feeling creative, a drizzle of white chocolate zigzagged on top also looks and tastes fantastic!

Side Dishes

Pair these coins with a pot of fragrant Earl Grey tea, a robust coffee, or a flute of bubbly for a celebration. Their bright, buttery notes also shine alongside a bowl of seasonal fruit or a scoop of sorbet for a light, elegant dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins in a cheerful tin lined with parchment for irresistible gifting. Stack and tie with ribbon for a sweet favor, or set them in rows on a wooden board dotted with dried cranberries, orange slices, and herbs for a bakery-worthy cookie platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week (if you can resist them for that long!), maintaining their crisp-yet-tender texture and vivid citrus aroma with every bite.

Freezing

Short on time? The dough logs freeze spectacularly—wrap tightly in plastic and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before slicing and baking. The baked cookies themselves can also be frozen, layered between parchment and sealed in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To revive the just-baked crispness, pop a few Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins on a baking tray in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 3–4 minutes. Let them cool for a couple of minutes—they’ll taste as if they’re fresh from the oven, citrus fragrance and all.

FAQs

Can I use lemon or lime zest instead of orange?

Absolutely—you can swap in lemon or lime zest for a tangier twist. Each citrus brings its own unique character, so feel free to experiment, or even use a blend to tailor your Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins to your taste!

Do I really need to chill the dough for so long?

Chilling is crucial! It helps the cookies keep their beautiful coin shape and allows the flavors to meld. Plus, it ensures your Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins bake up with those tender, crisp edges.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Definitely. In fact, this recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. Keep the dough logs chilled for up to three days or freeze for even longer. When guests drop by, you’ll have fresh cookies in minutes.

My cookies spread too much—what went wrong?

This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or if your butter was too soft to begin with. For tidy, uniform Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins, be sure to chill thoroughly and slice cold dough just before baking.

Can I leave out the cranberries or use other fruit?

Yes, you can swap the cranberries for other dried fruit like cherries or apricots, chopped fine. Or leave them out for a classic citrus shortbread—the base recipe is wonderfully versatile!

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a cookie that could bring sunshine to your kitchen year-round, it’s these Citrus-Kissed Shortbread Coins. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and share it with friends and family—you just might start a new tradition with every bright, buttery bite!

Print