Imagine biting into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, each morsel bursting with the sweet-tart tang of cranberries and the delightful crunch of pistachios. Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are not just treats; they are a celebration of flavor and texture, perfect for any occasion. Cranberry and Brie Tartlets As you indulge, you can almost hear the holiday bells ringing in the distance, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and joy.
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These cookies have always held a special place in my heart. I remember baking them with my grandmother on chilly winter afternoons, her laughter mingling with the sweet aroma wafting through our cozy kitchen. Grinch Sugar Cookies Whether for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, these shortbread delights promise to bring smiles and nostalgic memories to every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Prepare these easy-to-make cookies that combine rich buttery flavor with festive cranberries and crunchy pistachios
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Perfectly versatile for holiday parties or as a sweet treat anytime!
Baking these cookies has led to many happy moments—my family couldn’t resist devouring them right out of the oven. Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for a creamy consistency that blends well with other ingredients.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar adds sweetness and helps create that signature shortbread texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookies; go for quality flour for the best results. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor—don’t skimp on these!
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates your cookies with aromatic sweetness.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making everything pop just right.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Strawberry Shortcake Recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup helps prevent sticking while ensuring even baking.
Mixing it Up: In a large bowl, cream together room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You should see it transform into a pale yellow cloud of happiness.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender cookies, not tough ones!
Toss in Flavors: Gently fold in dried cranberries and chopped pistachios using a spatula. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough for balanced bites.
Scoop & Shape: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly by now!
Bake It Up!: Slide those trays into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; no one likes burnt cookies!
Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful treats with your favorite beverage!
Now you’ve got yourself some delicious Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies! Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here), these cookies are sure to impress everyone who tries them! Christmas Fruitcake Cookies.
You Must Know
- These delightful Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings
- Their buttery texture and sweet-tart cranberries create a delightful contrast, while the pistachios add a satisfying crunch
- Make sure to store these cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients for a uniform dough. Chill the dough before baking to achieve that perfect crumbly texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries with dried cherries or use walnuts instead of pistachios for different flavors. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances sweetness beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a bag once solid.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; it makes all the difference in shortbread cookies
- Roll the dough evenly for uniform baking and avoid over-mixing to keep them tender
- Keep extra flour handy for dusting your work surface when shaping the cookies
Creating these cookies reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where the smell of fresh baked goods always filled the air.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and enjoy.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a delightful combination of buttery goodness, tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. With their festive colors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they will surely impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1 cup pistachios (chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in cranberries and pistachios evenly into the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
