Creating these delicious Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies is simple! Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla and Orange: Incorporate the vanilla extract, orange zest, and fresh orange juice into the mixture. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped dried cranberries into the cookie dough.
7. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. This helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.
8. Roll the Dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
9. Cut Out Cookies: Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes or simply cut into squares. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

These step-by-step instructions are designed to help you easily recreate this delightful cookie!