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Are you looking for a sweet and festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season? Look no further than Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies! These buttery, crisp, and flavorful cookies are perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or serving at holiday parties.
The Magic of Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic Scottish recipe that consists of just a few simple ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and salt. The key to making great shortbread is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the dough. This will ensure that your cookies are tender, crumbly, and full of flavor.
The Festive Twist
What sets Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies apart from traditional shortbread is the addition of dried cranberries and chopped pistachios. These ingredients add a burst of festive flavor and color to the cookies, making them perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped cranberries and pistachios.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
- To make the cookies more festive, you can add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough.
- If you want to make the cookies more crunchy, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- You can also add other ingredients to the dough, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to give the cookies a different flavor.
Conclusion:
Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are a delicious and festive treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their buttery, crisp texture and burst of festive flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds will thank you!