Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with toasted pistachios and cranberries for the perfect festive flavor. Made with just a few simple pantry ingredients, the dough comes together in minutes and slices beautifully after a quick chill. The cookies bake up soft, crumbly, and lightly golden, making them an easy and elegant treat for the holidays, gifting, or everyday baking.
Equipment
- 2 large baking sheets
- Stand Mixer or Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (113 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (240 grams) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 grams) shelled pistachios chopped
- ¾ cup (85 grams) dried cranberries chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, along with the milk and vanilla extract on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms and no flour streaks remain.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios.
- Divide the dough in half. On a piece of plastic wrap, shape each half into a tight, 1.5-inch diameter log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 3 days.
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (350°F). Slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch rounds and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
- Toasting the pistachios enhances their flavor and adds a delicious crunch.
- If dough feels too soft for slicing, chill longer until firm.
- For cleaner edges, rotate the dough log occasionally while chilling to help it stay round.
- Cookies will firm up as they cool, so avoid over baking.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 126kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 38mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 190IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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