Melt in the mouth Cranberry Shortbread Squares
Sweet and crumbly biscuit-like squares that just melt in your mouth is what these cranberry shortbread squares are all about. Semolina creates a unique crumbly shortbread that is hard to resist and cranberry adds that hint of sweet and sour altogether. Made with simple and easy ingredients these take five minutes to mix and needs no special tools or equipment.
For me, it’s the season of shortbread. Throughout the year I make lots of cookies but during fall I tend to make more shortbreads, bars, squares, and barks. Is it just me or do these just make you feel so much like Christmas?
Perhaps it’s because growing up mom took orders for these during the Christmas season so she made more of these and you know I tend to do the same. I don’t take orders but I do give a lot of holiday treats as gifts.
These cranberry shortbread squares are sweet and crumbly with a biscuit-like texture and are the easiest gifts you can make when you are short on time. You don’t need any fancy mixers or pans. Just a bowl and a spatula are all it takes to mix all ingredients and bake for 30 minutes. Now, I must warn you that these are extremely addictive so if you like shortbread, make extra or you won’t have any to add to the gift bags. Don’t ask me how I know that.
Yup, there is a reason why I always put on a few extra pounds this time of the year. All these shortbread squares, bars, brownies, cookies, truffles, and holiday treats are too difficult to resist. But hey, it’s Christmas. Right?
Holiday Gifts for the season (Save/Pin)
These do make simple, easy and wonderful gifts for the holidays to family and friends. Last year I gave a few of these to the kids’ teachers as gifts and they loved it. The second package below is my ginger shortbread with molasses bars which I shared with you last week as well.
Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- Semolina – is the coarse purified wheat middlings of durum wheat used to make pasta and couscous. These days it is available in most supermarkets in the baking aisle. If you can’t find semolina you may also use rice flour. The rice flour gives a more crispy texture to the squares while the semolina has a crumbly texture. Both are equally delicious.
- Unsalted butter – I always use unsalted butter for baking but if salted butter is all you have – use it and just omit the salt in the recipe.
- Vanilla – A good quality vanilla goes a long way especially in recipes like this where its flavor really shines thru.
- Cranberries – I love using dried as well as semi-dried plump cranberries. You can also use other dry fruits of course. Try dates, figs, and apricots. Just chop them into small pieces.
- Powdered sugar – this works great because it instant is absorbed into the butter enhancing that crumbly texture.
How to Make Semolina Cranberry Shortbread Squares (Save/Pin)
- Preheat oven to 170C / 340 F
- Cream sugar and powdered sugar
- Add the egg and combine well.
- Followed by the semolina, salt, and vanilla
- Lastly, add the flour – combine well.
- Spread evenly into a parchment-lined 8 x 8 square pan
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges start to get slightly golden
- Remove and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- While still warm – cut into 16 squares as shown in the video
- Enjoy!
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You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Semolina Cranberry Shortbread Squares
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Ingredients
- 150 grams (0.66 cups) Unsalted butter
- 90 grams (0.75 cups) Powdered sugar
- 1 (1 ) Large egg
- 40 grams (0.24 cups) Semolina
- 170 grams (1.36 cups) All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (1 tsp) Vanilla
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Salt
- 100 grams dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 170C / 340 F
- Cream sugar and powdered sugar
- Add the egg and combine well.
- Followed by the semolina, salt, and vanilla
- Lastly, add the flour – combine well.
- Spread evenly into a parchment lined 8 x 8 square pan
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the edges start to get slightly golden
- Remove and let cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- While still warm – cut into 16 squares as shown in the video
- Enjoy!
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Quyen
I cannot believe how easy these were to make. I made three batches of these to give as gifts – In one I made the exact recipe. I added cocoa powder to the second for a chocolate version and in the third, I added nuts. It was perfect.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much, Quyen. So happy you had success with this recipe and that you enjoyed making these so much. Your chocolate and nuts version sounds wonderful. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much. I love hearing from those who try my recipes.
Denay DeGuzman
These cranberry shortbread squares look so delicious! A perfect recipe for the holidays.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Denay.
Marisa Franca
We always have semolina in our house and these cranberry shortbread squares would be great to serve at Thanksgiving along with the other desserts. I like individual servings and I could put some in a gift bag so the guests could take some home. Great recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Marisa
Camilla Hawkins
I bet these shortbread square taste amazing and very short! Love the addition of semolina and the cranberries!
Veena Azmanov
Very amazing Camila.
April
I can imagine how light and tasty these squares are! They look perfect for various occasions, especially considering the time needed to fix them.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, April. yes very light and tasty
Dianna
These cranberry shortbread squares look amazing! I am going to make a bunch of batches this year.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Diana.
Eileen Kelly
I only a few years ago started making shortbread during the Holidays. I love this cranberry shortbread. The fact that your Mom was also baking this is a great Holiday memory. I give cookie gifts and I am adding these to the list that we bake and give!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Eileen. Yes, my mom loved baking very much.
Kylee
Oooh, I’m a sucker for a good shortbread! I love the way you made it for the holidays – so good! ( great video too)
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Kylee
Catherine
Veena, your shortbread squares look absolutely perfect! So soft and I love the addition of the cranberries. I would love one right now with a cup of tea. XO
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Catherine
Cheese Curd In Paradise
I love shortbread and the addition of cranberry sounds like a perfect holiday treat to me! I haven’t used semolina before, but I always enjoy learning to use new ingredients!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks – I hope you try it with semolina.
Lauren Vavala
I am loving all the cranberry dessert recipes this year and this bars look absolutely amazing! What a great recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Me too, Lauren. Love cranberry recipes
Dan Zehr
I think this is a great Christmas recipe. I have to try this! Looks amazing! Perfect. This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing this great recipe. LOVE
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Dan.
Claudia Lamascolo
I love how you combine gift giving and these are so festive they really are the perfect holiday shortbread cookie!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Claudia. Definitely very festive
Karyl Henry
I’m always looking for new ways to use cranberries this time of year. This shortbread looks fantastic, and I love that you use semolina flour for a crumbly texture
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Karyl. yes, I do love cranberries this time of the year.
Kelly Anthony
These cranberry shortbread squares will make the most perfect teacher and neighbor gifts. Thank you for sharing!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Kelly. Definitely perfect for Christmas Gifts
Danielle Wolter
Ooooh these do sound just like christmas! Plus, I’m all about anything shortbread, it’s the best kind of cookie. Great recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Danielle. Me too, love shortbread
Jacqueline Meldrum
It’s looks lovely but I can’t help notice how different it is from Scottish shortbread which is very buttery and short. We make ours with flour sugar and butter (no eggs) and you gently rub in the butter with your fingers being careful not to overwork it, then bring it together and roll. It makes for the most melt in the mouth shortbread. Isn’t it funny how recipes change as they travel around the world.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Jacqueline. Yes, these are different from Scotish Shortbread cookies. My mom made those for years. Still my absolute favorite. It’s nice to add variations and create new recipes from old ones. Don’t you think? The semolina and egg add to a wonderful crumble that just melts in your mouth. I think you will like this one. Try it.
Cliona Keane
These are perfect for this time of year! They’d make a great homemade Christmas gift too!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Cliona. Definitely perfect for this time of the year.
Amy
A perfect festive treat, can’t wait to try these!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Amy.