The Festive Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Recipe

Buttery, crumbly shortbread meets a delightful twist with these cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies that blend sweet and nutty flavors into one irresistible treat.

Festive colors dance across each delicate bite, making these cookies a stunning addition to any dessert spread.

The rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from carefully balanced ingredients that create a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

Bright red cranberries punctuate the golden shortbread, while green pistachios add a delightful crunch and subtle earthiness.

These elegant cookies work beautifully as a holiday gift or a special afternoon snack that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each batch promises a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

You won’t be able to resist the charm of these beautiful, flavor-packed cookies.

Why Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Are Special

• Master One-Pan Cooking: Prepare an entire meal using just one skillet, reducing cleanup and making dinner prep a breeze.
• Nutrition-Packed Plate: Combine lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from sweet potato, and nutrient-rich asparagus for a balanced, wholesome meal.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Create a restaurant-quality dinner in under an hour with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques perfect for busy families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap seasonings or vegetables based on personal preference or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients For Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

• Butter: A creamy foundation that provides rich flavor and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a delicate, tender texture in the shortbread cookies.
• Flour: The primary structure of the cookie that gives it a classic shortbread consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie's flavor profile.
• Cranberries, Chopped: Adds a tart burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color to the shortbread.
• Pistachios, Chopped: Provides a nutty crunch and distinctive green color to the cookies.

• Plastic Wrap: Used for shaping and chilling the cookie dough log.

Step-By-Step Cranberry Pistachio Cookies Preparation

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a mixing bowl and beat softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. The key is to create a smooth base that will make your cookies melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 2: Add Flavor Enhancers

Splash in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. This magical ingredient will give your cookies a warm, inviting aroma that fills the kitchen with happiness.

Step 3: Create Cookie Dough Base

Gently fold in flour and salt, stirring carefully until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The texture should be smooth and easy to handle.

Step 4: Incorporate Colorful Mix-Ins

• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped pistachios

Distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the dough for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Log

Roll the dough into a cylindrical log, approximately 2 inches in diameter.

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it’s completely sealed.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 1 hour.

This resting period helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to slice.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 8: Slice and Arrange

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.

Slice into thin rounds, about 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, watching carefully until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. The cookies will crisp up as they cool, developing a wonderful shortbread texture.

Serve with tea, coffee, or enjoy as a sweet afternoon treat.

Helpful Advice To Perfect Shortbread Cookies

• Use room temperature butter that's soft but not melting to ensure smooth, creamy cookie dough with ideal texture.
• Dice pistachios and cranberries into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the shortbread without disrupting the delicate cookie structure.
• Refrigerate the log for at least 1 hour to help cookies maintain shape, prevent spreading, and develop rich, concentrated flavors during baking.
• Cut cookies exactly 1/2-inch thick to guarantee consistent baking and a delicate, crisp texture that melts in your mouth.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their buttery, crumbly perfection.

Creative Twists To Try With Shortbread Cookies

• Gluten-Free Shortbread: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain the same butter, sugar, and mix-in ratios.
• Vegan Cookie Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based powdered sugar and add flax egg as a binding agent.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Version: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Nutmeg Orange Zest Option: Add orange zest and ground nutmeg to the dough for a warm, citrusy flavor profile that complements the cranberries and pistachios.

Best Pairings To Serve With Shortbread Cookies

Savor Delightful Pairings: Elevate Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

• Brew Complementary Tea: Steep earl grey or chai tea to balance the cookie's buttery richness and highlight the nutty pistachio notes.
• Pour Sweet Wine Companion: Select a moscato or late harvest riesling that matches the cookies' sweet-tart cranberry undertones and provides a luxurious dessert experience.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or mascarpone cream to enhance the shortbread's delicate texture and add a smooth, cool element.
• Craft Espresso Match: Prepare a doppio espresso or cappuccino to cut through the cookie's sweetness and provide a robust flavor counterpoint.

Tips To Store Cranberry Pistachio Cookies Properly

• Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper. Keep fresh for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack cookies flat in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for 2-3 months, maintaining crisp texture and flavor.
• Store in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Enjoy within 3-4 days at room temperature for optimal taste and crunch.
• Warm gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore slight crispness. Allow cookies to cool before serving to enhance their delicate texture.

FAQs

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough log and keep it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it perfect for advance preparation.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. Just a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and basic kitchen tools like a knife for slicing will work perfectly.

• How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges. The cookies should be set but not dark brown. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the wire rack.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the wrapped dough log for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Cranberry pistachio shortbread cookies bring festive cheer with their delightful blend of tangy berries and nutty crunch. Delicate, buttery, and elegant, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors that will charm guests and satisfy sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Cream butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy, ensuring a light, airy texture.
2. Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated and fragrant.
3. Gradually blend flour and salt into the butter mixture, creating a cohesive, soft dough that holds together easily.
4. Gently fold chopped cranberries and pistachios throughout the dough, distributing them evenly for maximum flavor in each bite.
5. Shape the dough into a cylindrical log approximately 2 inches wide, ensuring uniform thickness.
6. Tightly wrap the log in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and prevent moisture loss.
7. Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up.
8. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), creating an ideal baking environment for crisp, golden cookies.
9. Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into thin rounds, approximately 1/2 inch thick, using a sharp knife.
10. Arrange cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even baking.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown, indicating perfect shortbread texture.
12. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, letting them crisp up and develop their signature tender crumb.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly soft butter by letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, ensuring smooth and even incorporation.
• Use a sharp chef’s knife to create clean, uniform cookie slices that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Try alternative mix-ins like dried cherries or orange zest to customize the flavor profile and keep the recipe exciting.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend while maintaining the same delicate shortbread texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 126
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg