Here’s a delightful recipe for Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are buttery, crunchy, and packed with festive flavors, making them perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
- Optional: additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Vanilla:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
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Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios:
- Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hand.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
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Cool and Dust:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can include a teaspoon of orange zest in the dough.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or they can be frozen for longer storage.
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of pistachios, making them a perfect addition to your cookie platter. Enjoy!