Description
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining a tender, buttery shortbread base with festive dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and a delicate white chocolate drizzle. These cookies are not only delicious but also look fancy enough to impress guests, making them ideal for holiday celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Drizzle
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prep Like a Pro: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Cream That Butter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until combined.
- Flour Power: Add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the shortbread tender.
- The Fun Part: Fold in chopped cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest if using. The dough should be colorful with the mix-ins.
- Press and Bake: Press dough evenly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down. Lightly score the top into squares or rectangles. Bake for 30 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center looks slightly underbaked. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting.
- Drizzle Drama: Melt white chocolate and coconut oil in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled shortbread in any pattern. Let set for about 15 minutes.
- Cut and Conquer: Use the parchment overhang to lift the shortbread out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
- For easy removal, make sure to leave overhang of parchment paper in the pan.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares.
- Orange zest is optional but enhances holiday flavors wonderfully.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of champagne for festive occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
