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: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making them an elegant addition to any dessert table.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2025-12-18T16:14:39.258Z

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are perfect for the holiday season, combining the tartness of cranberries with the nutty crunch of pistachios. They not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any cookie platter.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich buttery flavor complemented by tart cranberries
Crunchy pistachios add a delightful texture
Elegant presentation that impresses guests

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking. Their vibrant colors and unique flavor profile make them an impressive addition to any festive gathering. The combination of sweet cranberries and crunchy pistachios creates a delightful contrast that will have your guests coming back for more. Not only are they delicious, but they also look stunning on a dessert table, making them the perfect gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

These cookies are versatile enough to be served at a variety of occasions, from holiday parties to cozy family gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, adding a touch of elegance to your everyday moments. The rich buttery flavor of the shortbread is enhanced by the tartness of the cranberries, creating a balanced taste that is sure to please everyone.

A Simple Yet Impressive Recipe

One of the best things about Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies is how easy they are to make. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a stunning batch of cookies. The use of pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar makes this recipe not only accessible but also a great option for last-minute baking.

Chilling the dough is a crucial step that ensures the cookies maintain their shape while baking. This process also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste. Once baked, these cookies are not only delicious but also hold up well, making them an ideal choice for gifting or sharing during the holiday season.

Customizing Your Cookies

Feel free to get creative with your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies! While this recipe calls for dried cranberries and pistachios, you can easily substitute them with other nuts or dried fruits based on your preference. For a tropical twist, consider adding chopped dried mango or macadamia nuts. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, try incorporating white chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.

Additionally, the cookie dough can be rolled out and cut into festive shapes, making them perfect for holiday celebrations. Dusting the cookies with a little extra powdered sugar before serving can add an elegant touch, making them look even more inviting. Remember, the key to a successful batch is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Add Cranberries and Pistachios

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

Shape and Chill

Divide the dough into two logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.

Slice and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the logs from the fridge and slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Serve

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

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies come out perfectly, start with softened butter. This allows for better incorporation of the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy dough. If you're in a hurry, cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften more quickly.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing the dough. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Remember, the goal is to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is characteristic of shortbread.

Storing Your Cookies

Once your Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are baked and cooled, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy them, allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature. This method preserves their texture and flavor, ensuring that each bite is just as delightful as the first.

Serving Suggestions

These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make great additions to holiday dessert platters, complementing other festive sweets like peppermint bark or gingerbread cookies.

For an elegant presentation, consider serving the cookies on a tiered stand with some decorative elements like fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also creates a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are much more tart; it's best to use dried cranberries for this recipe to maintain sweetness.

→ How do I store the 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 unbaked cookie logs for up to three months. Just slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What can I substitute for cornstarch?

You can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour as a substitute for cornstarch, but the texture may be slightly different.