Description
Delight in these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies, a perfect balance of buttery richness with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year, these slice-and-bake cookies offer a tender, crumbly texture with a hint of vanilla sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (chopped)
Optional
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, creating a light base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with its sweet aroma.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough without overworking.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Stir in the chopped dried cranberries and shelled pistachios evenly throughout the dough for bursts of flavor and texture.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each logs tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm for easy slicing.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Arrange Cookies: Slice the chilled dough logs into 1/4-inch rounds and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Optionally sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden, ensuring a delicate texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set perfectly.
Notes
- The dough logs can be frozen for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.
- White chocolate chips can be added for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
