If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping treat this season, look no further: these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are truly A Festive Delight for the Holidays. Imagine buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread studded with jewel-bright cranberries and crunchy pistachios, all finished with a lacy drizzle of white chocolate. These cookies aren’t just beautiful to behold; their sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors are sure to light up any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or stocking up for your annual cookie swap, this recipe is your ticket to unforgettable holiday cheer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making A Festive Delight for the Holidays is the simplicity of the ingredients—each element brings something special, whether it’s texture, flavor, or a pop of color. Gather these pantry staples and watch them come together in a cookie that tastes as amazing as it looks.
- Unsalted Butter: Creamy and rich, this forms the backbone of that signature tender shortbread crumb.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t be tempted to swap for granulated sugar!
- Vanilla Extract: Just a hint boosts the complexity and warmth of the cookie flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while still letting the shortbread remain tender and buttery.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
- Dried Cranberries: Their tartness adds contrast and tiny bursts of color, perfect for A Festive Delight for the Holidays—or any special occasion.
- Shelled Pistachios: Nutty, bright, and slightly sweet, their crunch is a textural dream come true.
- White Chocolate (optional): For a winning finishing touch—drizzle or dip for an elegant, bakery-worthy look.
How to Make A Festive Delight for the Holidays
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating your softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until it’s wonderfully light and creamy. This step is key for that dreamy shortbread texture. Don’t rush: creaming properly ensures your cookies will have a delicate crumb, just right for a festive treat.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Mix in the vanilla to give your dough its signature aroma, then add the flour and salt. Stir gently, just until everything comes together. The dough should be soft and a little bit sticky—don’t worry, it’s perfect for folding in those add-ins next.
Step 3: Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios
Scatter your chopped cranberries and pistachios over the dough and fold them in gently. Each slice of cookie should be studded with a pretty mix of red and green. This is what makes A Festive Delight for the Holidays really live up to its name!
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, then shape each piece into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them snugly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, until firm. This step not only makes slicing easier but also helps the cookies hold their shape beautifully when baked.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
Once the dough is properly chilled, slice each log into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets about an inch apart. Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 12–15 minutes, just until the edges are golden. Let the cookies cool completely on wire racks—they’ll finish setting up as they cool.
Step 6: Finish with White Chocolate (Optional)
If you want to take your cookies to the next level, melt some white chocolate and either drizzle it over or dip each cookie partway. The white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness and gives these cookies a polished, festive finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve A Festive Delight for the Holidays
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle a few additional chopped pistachios or dried cranberries over the white chocolate before it sets—this makes every cookie look like a tiny holiday wreath! Pair them with a dusting of powdered sugar to add a gentle snowy effect, perfect for A Festive Delight for the Holidays.
Side Dishes
Cookies like these shine beside a mug of hot tea, spiced cider, or your favorite eggnog. Set them out after a big family meal or alongside other holiday treats; their sweet, nutty crunch is a welcome contrast to creamy desserts or fruity compotes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arranging these cookies on a decorative platter really lets their festive colors pop. Stack in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon for edible gifts, or create a tiered cookie tower for your dessert table’s centerpiece. However you serve, A Festive Delight for the Holidays is sure to charm everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh and flavorful by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay delightfully crisp for up to a week—ideal for baking ahead and nibbling whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Want to get a jump-start on holiday baking? These cookies freeze beautifully. Store the baked, cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough logs and simply slice and bake when you’re ready for A Festive Delight for the Holidays.
Reheating
If your cookies have been frozen, let them thaw at room temperature. For just-baked warmth and buttery aroma, pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes—your kitchen will instantly fill with the scent of holiday magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
For this recipe, dried cranberries work best because they lend chewy sweetness without adding extra moisture. Fresh cranberries could make the dough too wet, so stick with dried for perfect results in A Festive Delight for the Holidays.
What’s the best way to chop the pistachios and cranberries?
For even distribution throughout your cookies, aim for a rough chop—pieces about the size of small peas. A sharp chef’s knife or a quick pulse in a food processor does the trick in no time.
Can I skip the white chocolate drizzle?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious all on their own, but the white chocolate gives them a little extra special sparkle. If you prefer, dust with powdered sugar or leave them plain for an equally lovely A Festive Delight for the Holidays.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the shaped dough logs thoroughly before slicing and baking is the key to neat, round cookies. Don’t skip this step—it ensures your cookies keep their elegant shape and tender crumb.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses regular all-purpose flour, but you can try a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free to safely enjoy A Festive Delight for the Holidays, even if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies enough—truly, they’re a shining example of A Festive Delight for the Holidays. From their gorgeous presentation to that irresistible, buttery bite, they never fail to bring a little extra joy to the table. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to a batch this season—you’ll be hooked after just one bite.
Print
A Festive Delight for the Holidays Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Buttery shortbread studded with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, these cookies are a festive addition to any Christmas cookie platter.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted (optional, for drizzling or dipping)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the dried cranberries and pistachios.
- Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let cool completely on wire racks.
- If desired, drizzle or dip cookies in melted white chocolate before serving.
Notes
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- The combination of tart cranberries, buttery shortbread, and crunchy pistachios makes them a festive favorite for Christmas cookie platters.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
