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2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Vanilla:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The butter should be soft and light in color, but not too melted.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture into the creamed butter, mixing at low speed to avoid flour spilling everywhere. Continue to mix until the dough just comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
5. Fold in the Cranberries and Pistachios:
Once the dough is formed, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios using a spatula. If you’re using orange zest, fold that in at this point as well for a refreshing citrus twist.
6. Shape the Dough:
You can shape the cookies in two ways:
- Slice-and-Bake Method: Roll the dough into a log (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cut-Out Method: If you prefer cut-out cookies, roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes (round, square, or even festive shapes like stars or trees). Place the cut-out shapes on the baking sheet.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too much, as shortbread cookies are best when they remain a pale golden color.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still hot.
9. Optional Garnish:
For an extra touch of flair, you can sprinkle the cooled cookies with a little extra powdered sugar or drizzle them with a thin glaze of white chocolate to enhance the festive look.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
- Use room temperature butter: It’s crucial to use softened butter for this recipe to ensure the cookies have the proper texture. Cold butter will make the dough too hard to mix, while melted butter will make the cookies spread too much while baking.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they hold their shape during baking.
- Customize the mix-ins: If you’re not a fan of pistachios or cranberries, you can swap them out for other ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cherries, or walnuts.
- Don’t overbake: Since these cookies are shortbread, they can easily dry out if baked too long. Bake them just until the edges start to turn golden to ensure they’re tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Make-ahead tip: You can freeze the dough for up to a month. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge before slicing or cutting.
Why You Should Make Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are the ideal combination of festive flavors and textures. The buttery shortbread is a perfect backdrop for the tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, while the cookies’ beautiful color makes them an eye-catching treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, looking for a sweet gift, or just craving a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Conclusion: A Festive Favorite
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a holiday classic with a fresh, flavorful twist. Their delicate, buttery texture paired with the chewy cranberries and crunchy pistachios makes them irresistible to anyone who takes a bite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your holiday baking tradition. So, grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake up a batch of these festive treats—your taste buds will thank you!
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