Festive Cranberry Pistachio Cookies for Your Holiday Cookie Platter

What kind of recipe is it?

Festive Cranberry Pistachio Cookies are delightful holiday treats that combine the tartness of cranberries with the crunchy nuttiness of pistachios, making them a perfect accompaniment for seasonal celebrations.

These chewy cookies aren’t only visually appealing with their vibrant colors but also boast a unique flavor profile that excites the palate.

Ideal for baking enthusiasts and those looking to impress guests during holiday gatherings, these cookies can charm anyone, from families to gourmet-food lovers, creating warm memories during the festive season.

Sale

Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper - Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, Food Chopper with Container,...

The Original Pro Chopper – TikTok’s favorite veggie slicer and one of the top-rated kitchen gadgets of the season! Simple to use, set up, and...

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks), softened
Granulated sugar	3/4 cup
Brown sugar	3/4 cup, packed
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Large eggs	2
Dried cranberries	1 cup
Shelled pistachios	1 cup, coarsely chopped
White chocolate chips	1/2 cup (optional)

These ingredients come together to create the chewy and festive cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy...

Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged cheese! Only turn the handle for several times and get fresh shredded cheese, cutting the food...

Cooking Steps

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and position the oven rack in the center to guarantee even baking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (227 g) of softened unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (150 g) of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup (165 g) of packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, mixing on low speed until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms and no flour is visible. Don’t overmix; stop as soon as combined.
Gently fold in 1 cup (150 g) of coarsely chopped shelled pistachios and 1 cup (150 g) of dried cranberries using a spatula, guaranteeing even distribution throughout the dough.
Line a baking sheet (approximately 33 x 46 cm or 13 x 18 inches) with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough, placing balls 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared sheet.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly soft. The aroma should be rich and inviting.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing residual heat to firm up the cookies.
Let the cookies cool for at least 15 minutes on the wire rack; they should be set and chewy in texture, perfect for enjoying or gifting.
If desired, melt 1/2 cup (90 g) of white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth, and drizzle over the cooled cookies for added flavor and decoration.
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, guaranteeing they remain moist and delicious.

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food (Vacuum Sealer Machine + 30 Reusable Vacuum Bags)...

💰 REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY: Chef Preserve keeps FOOD FRESH 5 TIMES LONGER than non-vacuum storage methods. Never worry about spoilage ever...

Variations

Chocolate Chip Cranberry Pistachio Cookies: Replace half of the dried cranberries with semi-sweet chocolate chips (75 g) for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free Cranberry Pistachio Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (280 g) to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Vegan Cranberry Pistachio Cookies: Use 1/2 cup (120 ml) of coconut oil instead of butter, and replace the eggs with 1/4 cup (60 g) of unsweetened applesauce, making it a plant-based treat.
Spiced Seasonal Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor perfect for the holiday season.

Sale

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for...

Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast

Tips on plating and presentation

While I know you’re excited to share your festive cranberry pistachio cookies, taking a moment to focus on their presentation can truly elevate your dessert.

I like to arrange them on a decorative platter, overlapping slightly for a fuller look. Adding sprigs of fresh mint and a dusting of powdered sugar enhances their visual appeal.

Don’t forget to include festive napkins for that extra touch!

Sale

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Ideal for Lunch Meal Prep &...

100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches

What other dishes can I pair it with?

To create a delightful holiday spread, I love pairing my festive cranberry pistachio cookies with a variety of complementary dishes.

Consider adding creamy brie topped with honey, spiced nuts for crunch, or a fresh fruit platter featuring citrus and berries.

Each of these items enhances the cookie’s flavors while offering a colorful presentation that guests will adore.

It’s all about balance and variety!

Sale

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and...

𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units (oz/lb:oz/fl'oz/g/mL), tare function, and includes 2 AAA...

What drinks can I pair it with?

Finding the perfect drink to accompany your festive cranberry pistachio cookies can elevate your holiday experience.

I love pairing them with spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy vibe.

If you’re looking for something more invigorating, a sparkling cranberry lemonade works wonders too.

Even a nice cup of green tea can balance the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully!

Enjoy experimenting!

Sale

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking and Grilling...

Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced, highly accurate technology with 1-2 seconds...

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, you can make these cookies gluten-free! I recommend using a gluten-free flour blend for the best results. Just confirm all other ingredients are also gluten-free, and you’ll have delicious cookies everyone can enjoy!

How Long Do the Cookies Stay Fresh?

The cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. I usually store them in an airtight container to keep them tasty, but I’ve noticed they disappear much faster around friends and family!

Yes, I can freeze the cookie dough! I usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three months, and it’s easy to bake when I’m ready!

What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Are These Cookies Suitable for Vegan Diets?

No, those cookies aren’t suitable for vegan diets since they typically contain eggs and butter. If you’re looking for vegan options, I’d recommend trying recipes that use coconut oil and flaxseed as substitutes instead.