Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: Buttery, Festive & Irresistible

Cookies lovers, rejoice! If you’re searching for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year, these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are exactly what you need. Combining the richness of shortbread, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of pistachios, this recipe delivers an unforgettable flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re making them for a festive cookie platter, a homemade gift, or just a sweet indulgence, these buttery and crisp shortbread cookies are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Plus, with only a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Let’s get baking!

Introduction

Shortbread cookies are a timeless classic known for their buttery, crumbly texture and rich flavor. Adding cranberries and pistachios takes them to the next level, giving each bite a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are ideal for:

Holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges
Homemade gifts for friends and family
Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
Anytime snacking for a little indulgence

With their beautiful color contrast of red cranberries and green pistachios, they also make a stunning addition to any dessert table. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored for days, making them a convenient treat for busy schedules.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup pistachios, chopped

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and tender cookie texture.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warm sweetness.

3. Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios

Gently mix in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will ensure that every cookie has a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

4. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results). This helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a rich, buttery flavor.

5. Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and slice it into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and buttery.

7. Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them as they are, or pair them with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookies

Use High-Quality Butter – Since butter is the main ingredient, using high-quality butter makes a big difference in flavor.
Chill the Dough Well – This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Slice Evenly – For uniform baking, ensure all cookies are the same thickness when slicing the dough.
Don’t Overmix the Dough – Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we want.
Store Properly – Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Cooking Tips

Take your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies to the next level with these simple tricks:

Dip in White Chocolate – For a gourmet touch, dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and let it set before serving.
Add a Citrus Twist – A teaspoon of orange zest or lemon zest enhances the flavors beautifully.
Experiment with Different Nuts – Swap pistachios for almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different texture.
Make it Extra Festive – Sprinkle cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar for a holiday-ready look.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery shortbread cookies pair perfectly with:

Coffee or espresso for a morning pick-me-up
Tea or hot chocolate for a cozy treat
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert
Holiday dessert platters alongside other festive cookies

Nutritional Information

Each Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookie contains approximately:

Calories: 140
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 50mg

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate Dough: The cookie dough can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
Freeze for Later: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Store Baked Cookies: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried cranberries, as fresh ones contain too much moisture and can alter the texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to bake.

What other flavors can I add?
Try adding almond extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

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Conclusion

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, they’re ideal for the holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence. Try them today and enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth treat that will have everyone coming back for more! 🍪✨