Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Table of Contents

These holiday-perfect shortbread cookies combine buttery dough with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. They’re crisp at the edges, tender inside, and not overly sweet — just the right balance for a delightful Mediterranean-style dessert with festive flair.

⏱ Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: ~1 hr 30 min

Ingredients

Shortbread Dough

1 cup (226g) olive oil
½ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract (optional but delicious)
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup pistachios, chopped

Optional Topping

Melted white chocolate for drizzling
Extra chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

1. Add Flavors

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil and sugar until well blended.
Mix in vanilla and almond extract.

2. Add Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt.
Mix on low until the dough is crumbly at first, then comes together into a soft dough.

3. Add Cranberries & Pistachios

Fold in chopped dried cranberries and chopped pistachios until evenly incorporated.

4. Shape the Dough

Transfer dough onto a sheet of parchment paper.
Shape into either:

A log for round cookies, or
A rectangular slab for square cookies.
Wrap tightly to hold the shape.

5. Chill

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
(Overnight chilling works beautifully!)

6. Slice

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Slice chilled dough into ½-inch (1.2 cm) thick cookies.

7. Bake

Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.

8. Cool & Decorate

Allow cookies to cool completely.
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle extra pistachios if desired.

Tips

Don’t skip the chilling — it prevents spreading.
For brighter flavor, add ½ tsp orange zest to the dough.
Toast pistachios lightly for extra crunch.
If dough is crumbly while shaping, warm slightly with your hands and press together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze the dough log or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Should I chop the cranberries?
Yes — they distribute more evenly for perfect bites.

Why add almond extract?
It enhances the pistachio flavor beautifully.

Nutrition (per cookie)

Calories: 160
Carbs: 16g
Fat: 10g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 2g