Go Back
–+ servings
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: The Holiday Cookie That Actually Looks Fancy

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: The Fancy Holiday Treat

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are beautiful, easy-to-make holiday treats that add a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cookie Platter, Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies, Fancy Cookies, festive baking, holiday cookies, Homemade Treats
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 cookies
Calories: 120kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • spatula
  • Oven

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract adds aromatic sweetness
  • 1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract optional, enhances flavor
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour backbone of the cookies
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt balances sweetness

For the Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries adds tartness
  • 3/4 cup Pistachios chopped for crunch
  • 1 teaspoon Orange Zest optional for brightness

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup White Chocolate for drizzling

Instructions

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  • Carefully fold in the dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and orange zest if using.
  • Pack the dough evenly into the prepared pan and lightly score the surface.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan.
  • Melt the white chocolate with a bit of coconut oil and drizzle on top of the cooled cookies.
  • Use the parchment to lift the cookies out of the pan and cut into squares or bars.

Notes

Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.5mg