These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies combine buttery shortbread with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, making for a perfect treat for any occasion.
Author:Linda
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:12-15 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:24 cookies
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and light in texture.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Stir in the chopped cranberries, pistachios, vanilla extract, and orange zest (if using). The dough will be somewhat crumbly, but it will come together when pressed.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a ball. Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
Use a cookie cutter or a knife to cut the dough into your desired shape, such as circles or squares. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
If you want to prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking.
If using salted butter, omit the added salt in the dough.
The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Feel free to substitute pistachios with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
These cookies make excellent gifts when wrapped in a festive tin or box.