These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies combine the richness of buttery shortbread with the delightful chewiness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pistachios. With their vibrant colors and festive flavors, they’re a perfect addition to any holiday spread, making them irresistible for both the eyes and taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
2. Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Then, fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
3. Shape the Dough
Form the dough into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to slice.
4. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
5. Slice and Bake
Once the dough has chilled, slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Variations: You can substitute cranberries with dried cherries or pistachios with chopped almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: For a fresh twist, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a hint of citrus flavor.
Helpful Tips
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving a firm texture and sharp edges when slicing. Don’t skip this step, as it ensures the cookies will hold their shape.
2. Uniform Slices
To ensure that all cookies bake evenly, slice the dough as uniformly as possible. A sharp knife will help you make clean cuts through the cranberries and pistachios.
3. Prevent Spreading
Place the cookies on a cool baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent them from spreading too much and sticking during baking.
4. Add a Festive Touch
For an extra sparkle and flavor, sprinkle coarse sugar or flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.
Substitutions and Variations
1. Fruit
- Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or apricots for a unique twist. Dried cherries add a tart punch, while apricots offer a sweet, chewy contrast.
2. Nuts
- Replace pistachios with pecans, almonds, or walnuts for different textures and flavors, while still maintaining that crunchy element.
3. Citrus Zest
- Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough to enhance the fresh and vibrant flavors of the cookies.
4. Vanilla Extract
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier flavor, or combine both for added depth.
5. Chocolate Twist
- Add a handful of white or dark chocolate chips to the dough to create a rich contrast with the cranberries and pistachios.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it chilled in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap the dough well and freeze it for up to 2 months.
2. Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough is essential to maintaining the cookie’s shape and preventing them from spreading too much while baking.
3. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Once baked, you can store the cookies in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a festive and delicious treat that adds a perfect blend of sweetness and crunch to any holiday gathering. With their simple ingredients and customizable flavors, they are sure to become a favorite addition to your holiday baking repertoire.