Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Name: Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped (unsalted); 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Published: September 19, 2025

by Dian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 15 minutes of prep time, making it simple enough for anyone to enjoy baking.
Deliciously Festive: The combination of cranberries and pistachios adds a vibrant color and flavor that embodies the festive spirit.
Perfect for Sharing: With 24 cookies in a batch, they’re ideal for holiday parties or as thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
Elegant Presentation: Their beautiful appearance makes them a standout addition to any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

To make these cookies successfully, you will need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Gathering everything beforehand can streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients, creating a smooth dough without too much effort.
Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking the cookies, ensuring they cook uniformly.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier by lining the baking sheets.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Mix-ins

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup pistachios, chopped (unsalted)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra crispness)

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The softened unsalted butter.
2. The powdered sugar.
3. Mix until light and fluffy using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Add the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Blend well until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the all-purpose flour,
2. The salt,
3. And optional cornstarch.
Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios

Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with your palm.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool

Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies as a sweet treat this holiday season!

How to Serve Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether at a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies can be enjoyed in various ways that enhance their festive charm.

On a Decorative Platter

Arrange cookies on a beautiful platter with festive garnishes like fresh cranberries and sprigs of mint.

With Hot Beverages

Serve alongside hot cocoa, tea, or coffee for a delightful pairing that warms the soul.

As Party Favors

Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons, perfect for holiday gifts.

At a Dessert Table

Include them as part of a dessert spread during celebrations, making them an eye-catching addition.

With Ice Cream

Crumble cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an exciting texture contrast.

How to Perfect Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Making these cookies perfectly requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies turn out great every time.

Use room temperature butter – This ensures better mixing and a smoother dough, contributing to a tender texture.
Chill the dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
Measure flour correctly – Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid overly dense cookies.
Don’t overmix – Mix until just combined to keep your cookies light and crumbly; overmixing can make them tough.
Keep an eye on baking time – Watch the cookies closely in the last few minutes; they should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

These shortbread cookies pair beautifully with other dishes that complement their flavors and elevate your holiday spread. Here are some excellent side dish options.

Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses, such as brie or gouda, to provide savory contrast against the sweet cookies.
Chocolate Fondue – Melted chocolate served with fruits and pretzels creates an interactive dessert experience that delights guests.
Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts offer a crunchy and flavor-packed complement that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s softness.
Mini Pastries – Bite-sized pastries filled with fruit or cream can round out a dessert table while providing variety in texture and flavor.
Herbal Tea Infusions – Offer a selection of herbal teas that enhance the cookie’s flavors and add comfort to any gathering.
Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cookies for an extra indulgent treat that will impress everyone!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cookies too thick: Thick cookies can end up chewy instead of crisp. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness for perfect shortbread.
Not chilling the dough: Skipping refrigeration may lead to cookies spreading too much in the oven. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Overbaking: Baking too long can result in hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them once the edges are lightly golden.
Using too much flour: Excess flour can make cookies dry. Measure flour accurately, using the spoon and level method for best results.
Forgetting to chop ingredients: Large chunks of cranberries or pistachios can affect texture. Ensure they are chopped finely for even distribution.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container: This keeps your cookies fresh and prevents them from absorbing odors from the fridge.
Duration: They will last about one week when stored properly.

Freezing Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Use freezer-safe containers or bags: Ensure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn.
Duration: Frozen cookies can be kept for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holidays

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating, as it may make them tough.
Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping occasionally to warm evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delightful cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries answered.

How do I make Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies?

To make these cookies, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar, then blend in vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt before folding in chopped cranberries and pistachios.

Can I customize Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add orange zest for a citrus twist or substitute almonds for pistachios if desired.

What is the best way to store Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to extend freshness.

Can I freeze Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies?

Yes! They freeze well when placed in freezer-safe bags or containers. Just ensure they are sealed tightly.

How long do Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies last?

They typically last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer when stored correctly.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are not only a festive treat but also versatile enough for various occasions. Their combination of tartness from cranberries and crunch from pistachios makes them truly irresistible. Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to create your unique version!

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