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Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and packed with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for the holidays or year-round snacking, these cookies are easy to prep ahead and even better with a white chocolate drizzle.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped

3/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for dipping or drizzling)


Instructions

1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Mix in vanilla extract and salt until well combined.

3. Gradually add flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

4. Gently fold in chopped cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed.

5. Shape the dough into a 2-inch diameter log, wrap in parchment, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

6. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

7. Slice dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place 1 inch apart on the sheet.

8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

9. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

10. Optional: Drizzle or dip in melted white chocolate and sprinkle extra pistachios before chocolate sets.


Notes

For clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife and let the dough sit out for 5 minutes after chilling.

You can make the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it.

The cookies are delicious plain, but dipping in white chocolate adds a festive, creamy finish.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: cranberry pistachio cookies, holiday cookies, shortbread, festive cookies