Delicious Holiday Treat: Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining sweet and tart flavors with a delightful crunch.
These cookies are a festive delight that captures the essence of the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors
- Buttery texture that melts in your mouth
- Beautifully festive colors make them great for gifting
A Taste of the Holidays
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The combination of sweet, tangy cranberries and crunchy pistachios creates a flavor profile that is both festive and unique. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing.
The rich buttery texture of shortbread cookies melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more. These cookies encapsulate the essence of holiday baking, perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or as a thoughtful gift. Their vibrant colors also make them a wonderful addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Perfect for Gifting
Looking for a sweet gift idea this holiday season? Look no further! These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies make for an excellent homemade gift. Pack them in decorative boxes or jars, and they’re sure to impress anyone on your list. The combination of flavors and the beautiful presentation will show your loved ones just how much you care.
Whether you’re attending a holiday party or simply want to spread some cheer, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Their unique taste and festive colors make them an ideal choice for gift-giving, leaving a lasting impression that will delight recipients.
Tips for the Perfect Batch
To achieve the best texture for your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before you start mixing. This allows for proper creaming, which is essential for a light and airy cookie. If you want to enhance the flavors even more, consider toasting your pistachios before adding them to the dough.
Another key tip is to chill the dough thoroughly before baking. This not only helps the cookies maintain their shape but also intensifies the flavors. For a festive twist, feel free to experiment with additional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your cookies an extra holiday flair.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until combined.
Add Cranberries and Pistachios
Fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
Storage and Shelf Life
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, allowing you to enjoy them even after the holidays have passed.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They will taste just as delightful as when they were freshly baked!
Alternative Variations
While the cranberry and pistachio combination is a holiday favorite, feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Substitute dried cherries or apricots for cranberries for a different fruity twist. Similarly, almonds or walnuts can replace pistachios, offering a new texture and flavor to the cookies.
For a chocolate lover's version, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the dough. The rich chocolate will pair beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries, creating an indulgent treat that everyone will adore.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect on their own but can also be paired with a variety of beverages. Serve them with a warm cup of tea or coffee to enhance the flavors. A light, fruity tea complements the sweet and tart notes of the cranberries, while a robust coffee can balance the rich buttery taste of the shortbread.
For a festive touch, consider serving these cookies alongside a holiday cheese platter. Their unique flavors can add a delightful contrast to creamy cheeses, making them an exciting addition to your holiday entertaining.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart and juicy for this recipe. Dried cranberries work best.
→ How can I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough logs for up to 2 months. Just slice and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What can I substitute for pistachios?
You can use any chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds as a substitute.
Delicious Holiday Treat: Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining sweet and tart flavors with a delightful crunch.
Created by: Diana Brooks
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until combined.
Fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough into 1/2 inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2g