Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: The Holiday Cookie That Actually Looks Fancy

Name: Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: The Holiday Cookie That Actually Looks Fancy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also add a touch of elegance to your holiday cookie platter.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2025-12-18T15:21:32.279Z

These cookies combine the tartness of cranberries with the nuttiness of pistachios, creating a delightful treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Their beautiful appearance makes them a wonderful gift or addition to any festive gathering.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        A beautiful contrast of colors with red cranberries and green pistachios
Buttery shortbread texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for gifting or showcasing on your holiday dessert table

      

Elevate Your Holiday Baking

During the holiday season, the kitchen becomes a hub of warmth and creativity. These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies not only taste divine but also add a festive flair to your cookie tray. The vibrant colors of the red cranberries and green pistachios create a stunning visual appeal that will impress your family and friends. Make these cookies a staple in your holiday baking repertoire, and watch them vanish from the platter!

Baking cookies during the holidays is more than just a tradition; it's a way to connect with loved ones. Whether you’re baking solo or inviting the family to join in, these shortbread cookies are simple enough for everyone to participate. Kids can help with the mixing, and older family members can take on the slicing and baking. It’s a fun activity that fosters togetherness while creating sweet treats for all to enjoy.

Perfect for Gifting

One of the best things about these cookies is their giftability. Pack them in a beautiful tin or box, and they make an elegant gift for neighbors, teachers, and friends. Imagine your loved ones’ delight when they receive this thoughtful, homemade present! You can also customize the packaging to enhance the holiday spirit, using festive ribbons and tags to give it a personal touch.

These cookies can also be a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Present them on a decorative platter alongside other treats, or make them part of a cookie exchange. Their unique flavor profile and appealing appearance will make them a standout item that everyone will be raving about. Your friends will certainly be asking for the recipe!

Storing and Enjoying

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture until fully combined.

Add Cranberries and Pistachios

Fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Slice and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the dough from the refrigerator and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your festive cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips for Success

To ensure your shortbread cookies turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is softened properly. It should be at room temperature, allowing for easy creaming with the powdered sugar. If your butter is too cold, it won’t blend well, and the texture of your cookies will suffer. Allowing the butter to sit out for about an hour before beginning the recipe is usually sufficient.

When mixing in the dry ingredients, be careful not to over-mix the dough. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in your cranberries and pistachios for a tender cookie that retains its buttery goodness.

Customizations and Variations

While the cranberry and pistachio combination is delightful, feel free to experiment with other ingredients. White chocolate chips can add a touch of sweetness, while orange zest can provide a refreshing citrus twist. You could also substitute walnuts or almonds for the pistachios if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling the cooled cookies with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk. This sweet glaze can complement the tartness of the cranberries and enhance the overall presentation, making your cookies even more festive for the holiday season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

It's best to use dried cranberries for sweetness and texture, but if using fresh, be sure to sweeten them slightly.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the rolled dough for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for pistachios?

You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut.