Cranberry Sandwich Cookies

Name: Cranberry Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients: 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus 2 tablespoons at room temperature; 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon cranberry juice cocktail; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 8 drops red gel food coloring; 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 cup confectioners' sugar