Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Tender, crisp, and buttery – the perfect no-fuss holiday cookie!

• Colorful combo of green pistachios + red cranberries = Christmas in every bite

• No eggs, no leavening – just 7 simple ingredients

• Dough can be made ahead & frozen

• Elegant enough for gifting, easy enough for everyday

“I make these every December and they vanish instantly! The red and green bits make them look like Christmas in a cookie.”

Ingredients (makes ~36 cookies)

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

• ½ cup pistachios, chopped

‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream Butter & Sugar

• Beat softened butter + powdered sugar until light and fluffy (hand or stand mixer, medium speed).

2. Add Dry Ingredients

• Mix in vanilla and salt.

• Gradually add flour until a crumbly dough forms. Don’t overmix.

3. Fold in Cranberries & Pistachios

• Stir in by hand with a spatula. Dough should just hold together when pressed.

4. Shape & Chill

• Divide dough in half. Shape into 2 logs (~2″ diameter).

• Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hrs (or freeze 30 min).

5. Slice & Bake

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet.

• Slice logs into ¼-inch rounds.

• Bake 12–15 min, until edges turn lightly golden.

6. Cool & Serve

• Cool 5 min on sheet, then move to wire rack.

• Optional: drizzle or dip in melted white chocolate for bakery-style flair.

Flavor Twists

• Orange Zest – 1 tsp zest for a citrusy lift

• Rosemary Lemon – Swap pistachios for almonds + add lemon zest & tiny pinch of rosemary

• Chocolate Dip – Half-dip each cookie in dark or white chocolate

• Almond Extract – Swap vanilla for almond for a nuttier aroma

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Room Temp: Airtight container, up to 7 days

• Freezer (baked): Up to 2 months, thaw & re-crisp in oven 2–3 min

• Frozen Dough Logs: Slice & bake from frozen (+1–2 min bake time)

Festive Serving & Gifting

• Pack in holiday tins between parchment layers

• Pair with tea, truffles, or classic butter shortbread

• Add to dessert platters for color & crunch

Nutrition (per cookie)

• Calories: 130

• Fat: 9g

• Carbs: 12g

• Protein: 1g

• Sugar: 4g