Home » Cookies » Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Shortbread
posted by Liz Berg
on December 23, 2020 (updated 10/3/22)
If you’re a shortbread fan, thisHoliday Shortbread Recipe is perfect for the season with its festive pops of red and green!
The dried cranberries and green pistachios provide a pop of festive red and green to each cookie! These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are winners!
Table of Contents hide
1 Why You Must Make
2 Expert Tips
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 You May Also Like
5 Cranberry, Pistachio, White Chocolate Shortbread
Why You Must Make
- They’re super tasty and the red cranberries and green pistachios make them perfect for Christmas.
- Shortbread is very traditional for the holidays!
- These cookies freeze beautifully so you can make them up to 3 months ahead of time.
We used to gather for our neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange in the morning, sipping on a cup of tea or coffee with a few nibbles, then gathering a few cookies from each sweet laden platter before heading out to lunch. One year, we shook it up a bit and met later in the day with wine and appetizers (my kind of dinner!). This holiday shortbread recipe was my contribution in 2013.
2013 Cookie Exchange
Expert Tips
- Roll the cookie dough into two logs, each with a 2-inch diameter.
- Wrap them well in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. The dough can also be frozen.
- When ready to bake, pull the dough out of the fridge and gently roll the logs back and forth so there is no flat side.
- PRO-Tip: Storing the dough logs in an old paper towel tube helps keep the cylindrical shape.
- Since the dough is full of nuts and chocolate, a serrated knife works best for cutting.
- If your dough gets too warm, you may find your rounds get misshapen when slicing. Pop your logs back into the refrigerator or freezer if this happens to rechill the dough. If any of the dough slices need reshaping, feel free to nudge them into rounds again.
- PRO-Tip: Since this dough is packed full of add-ins, it may be hard to get it to come together. If needed, add up to 2 teaspoons of water to help moisten the dough (especially if there’s low humidity where you store your flour).
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Shortbread Differ from Sugar Cookies?
Shortbread Cookies have a higher butter-to-flour recipe, making them more delicate than roll-out sugar cookies. They also bake at a lower temperature and are very tender. These are more buttery than sweet.
Traditional Sugar Cookies have less butter than shortbread cookies, making them more sturdy and better for rolling and cutting. They contain more sugar than shortbread cookies, so they are sweeter. If packed correctly, your typical sugar cookies are better for shipping than the more crumbly shortbread cookies.
How Should You Store Shortbread Cookies?
Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. They’ll keep a few days longer if refrigerated. They’ll also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
You May Also Like
- Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies from Mom on Timeout
- Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Cookies
- Lebanese Shortbread
- Millionaire Shortbread AKA Ganache Topped Caramel Bars
- Plus, try these Cherry Pistachio Biscotti and these Danish Sugar Cookies
- More of the Best Cookie Recipes
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The Recipe:
Cranberry, Pistachio, White Chocolate Shortbread
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Yield4 dozen cookies
Shortbread cookies with holiday colors from the cranberries and pistachios.
Ingredients
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter at room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup pistachios, lightly toasted
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate, chopped into tiny pieces
- 1-2 teaspoons water, optional if dough does not hold together
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl and set aside.
- Using a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and stir till just mixed. Fold in the pistachios, cranberries, and white chocolate into the dough until well distributed.
- If your dough does not hold together, add a teaspoon or 2 of water and mix well.
- Shape the dough into 2 logs about 2 inches in diameter then chill for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
- Preheat oven to 325º and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the cookies ¼ to ½ inch thick and place about 1 inch apart on prepared pans. Bake for 16-20 minutes. The cookies are ready when they begin to brown around the edge.
Notes
Total time does not reflect chilling time.
Adapted from Grand Central Bakery.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
2 cookies
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 208Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 115mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 3g
HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?
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Christmas Cookies Desserts Holidays
posted by Liz Berg on December 23, 2020
54 Comments // Leave a Comment »
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Cheryl Schryer — Reply
Great recipe and love the paper towel roll tip!
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Liz Berg — Reply
Thanks, Cheryl!! I know I’m not the only one who wants their cookies to look as good as they taste. Merry Christmas!!!
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JoAnna M Knaffla — Reply
Is margarine ok vs butter for a Gagan option? Also, have you tried with all purpose gluten free flour.l?
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Liz Berg — Reply
Ususally gluten free flour works fine in cookies, but I haven’t tested these with it. Margarine will probably be OK, but again, I’ve never tested it. Please report back and let me know how it goes, JoAnna!
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Lori — Reply
This will be my first time using this recipe, it looked so yummy and my husband loves pistachio’s. Do you have to use white chocolate? Not his favorite. But I don’t want to ruin the look or taste.
Thank you! Lori-
Liz Berg — Reply
Hi, Lori! No, you don’t have to use white chocolate. Milk chocolate might be the best sub since it has a similar sweetness. They won’t look the same, of course. You could always do half and half—use white choc in half the dough and milk in the other half. Hope you enjoy!
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Pam Jones — Reply
Great recipe! Can’t wait to try it! I don’t have a stand mixer though – which would give closest results – processor or hand mixer? Also, salted or unsalted butter? Thanks so much!
Pam
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Liz Berg — Reply
Hi, Pam, If you want to use a hand mixer, just mix on low so you don’t incorporate any air into the dough. You can mix with a wooden spoon, too, if you want. I used salted butter and cut back on the salt in the original recipe. If you use unsalted butter you might want to add just a touch more salt. Hope you enjoy!!
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Kristina — Reply
Thank you for the recipe! Perfect balance of the ingredients, and the batter is not too sweet, just how we like it. Will definitely do it again!
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Liz Berg — Reply
So glad it was a hit, Kristina!! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
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Andrea — Reply
Absolutely incredible. Unfortunately I had to switch out the pistachios for cashews, and the white for dark chocolate, but your proportions are perfect and these came out great!!
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Liz Berg — Reply
YUM! Thanks for reporting back and Merry Christmas, Andrea!
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mjskitchen — Reply
This cookie monster is hungry right now for a plate of these cookies. Pistachios, cranberry AND white chocolate? You can’t get better than that. Hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday season!
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Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina — Reply
Liz,
I have been looking for another shortbread cookie recipe to add to my files and I believe that I have just found it! The combination of cranberries with shortbread is irresistible! I hope you are having a blessed Christmas season!
xo
Roz -
Cakelaw — Reply
These are gorgeous cookies! And I love the photo of your 2013 cookie exchange group.
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Kim Lange — Reply
These shortbread cookies look incredibly delectable! Pinned for later & Happy Holidays to you Liz!!
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Ben | Havocinthekitchen — Reply
Shortbread is my favourite kind of cookies, and the combination of pistachio and cranberries is just so irresistible. Love the addition of white chocolate, too. Ben approves, and so will Santa 🙂 Happy holidays!
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Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness — Reply
These cookies look amazing. I love the cranberry, pistachio white chocolate combination. Perfect for the holidays.
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Eva Taylor — Reply
These are lovely; I just love shortbread. The tips are spot on as usual.
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Lynn@Happier than a pig in mud — Reply
Two words… Yes please:@) They sound like the perfect Christmas cookie! Merry Christmas Liz!
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Jeff the Chef — Reply
Those cookies are works of art, Liz. Happy Holidays!
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angiesrecipes — Reply
Shortbread cookies are my absolute favourite. I love the combo of white chocolate, red cranberries and green pistachios…so perfect for the holidays or everyday!
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wilhelmina — Reply
Love these buttery cookies! This is all of my favorite holiday flavors in one cookie! Rich and sweet and crunchy, YUM!
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Lisa — Reply
This recipe didn’t work for me at all. It was just a crumbly mess. I had to salvage the dough by adding more butter. Are the flour/butter proportions correct?
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Liz Berg — Reply
Ugh, so sorry that happened, Lisa. Was your butter at room temperature? Here is the link to the recipe I used, so it’s a tried and true bakery recipe and the proportion of ingredients is correct. https://www.grandcentralbakery.com/recipes/family-favorites/pistachio-cranberry-cookies/ (https://www.grandcentralbakery.com/recipes/family-favorites/pistachio-cranberry-cookies/)
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Nancy Long — Reply
would love to be able to post some of your recipes on my FB page, but there doesn’t seem to be a connection for that; though I Pin them.
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admin — Reply
Nancy, if you scroll to the bottom of the post, you should be able to like the post using the facebook icon! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Liz Berg — Reply
Hi, Nancy, you should be able to share them from my facebook fan page. Not sure what the problem is—I can check it out when i get home. We’re out of the country for a few more days. Happy New Year and thanks for your kind support!!!
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Nancy Long — Reply
Love shortbread and love any cookie that can be frozen and sliced and baked as you need them. have company coming for a few days at the end of the month and will add these to the cookies I have in the freezer for them. Have some Maple Pecan and Date-Nut Pinwheels in the freezer right now; along with a few small Kahlua Chocolate Cakes.
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carol | a cup of mascarpone — Reply
Liz, these are such lovely cookies, and already added to my must make cookie list. I love any kind of shortbread, but these flavors together not only make them scrumptious, but beautiful to look at too! Happy New Year!
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Dee — Reply
Want to try your recipe, but wondering if I could substitute icing sugar for white sugar ?
Thanks ????
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Liz Berg — Reply
Hi, Dee, that’s a great question. I did a little research but didn’t get a definitive answer. There are shortbread cookies made with powdered sugar, so it does work. But powdered sugar would be sweeter cup for cup, so you might want to cut back. One site suggested 1 3/4 cup for every 2 cups (though you’d probably have to approximate when adjusting the 2/3 cup). I haven’t tested this, though, so I can’t guarantee the results. Please let me know if you give it a try as I’m interested in how it goes.
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Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet — Reply
I LOVE these for 3 reasons: cranberries, pistachios, white chocolate. YUM!
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Vijitha Shyam — Reply
That looks a perfect holiday treat. I popped in to wish you a very happy new year. May this year bring you a lot of happiness. God bless!
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Bree {Skinny Mommy} — Reply
That not only looks tasty, but it is beautiful too!
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anne — Reply
Love the flavor combo ! And white chocolate is always a must for me 😀
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Kim Bee — Reply
I want a dozen of these. Or two. They are gorgeous. Happy New Year Liz. Hope to see you in the spring.
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Bonnie Banters — Reply
Perfect holiday colors and I’ll bet they taste incredible! Like you, appetizers are a favorite meal of mine also!
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The Café Sucré Farine — Reply
I love all of the above! I think you are really trying my New Year’s will power Lizzy! These sound and look scrumptious!
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Words Of Deliciousness — Reply
Yum, these look really really delicious. I love shortbread cookies and the pistachio and the white chocolate make them even more delicious.
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Jennifer Eloff — Reply
Totally gorgeous photo of your shortbread. Love the photo of you and your friends too.
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carol ann — Reply
These cookies look delish! I’m just wondering about the garland in the pic, It looks like felted wool? just wondering if anybody knows how to make it. I love it.
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admin — Reply
Carol, yes, the garland is made of felt, but it wasn’t hand felted. I purchased it at Crate and Barrel this year for our Christmas tree…but instead it stayed in my photo studio for holiday pictures. I just love it!
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Ramona — Reply
Incredible combination of flavors!!! I would love to try this shortbread. 🙂
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Paula @ Vintage Kitchen — Reply
Isn´t shortbread one of the best things ever? The possibilities are endless, and pistachio with white chocolate is my type of sweet!
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Debra — Reply
Pinning this into my “Next Christmas” board! 🙂
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gloria — Reply
Amazing Lizzy I love pistachos and look delicious!!xo
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Blackswan — Reply
OMG, this is killing me! I like my cookies to have a lot of ingredients & this is just perfect. Lucky u to be in such a wonderful neighbourhood 🙂 Happy 2013, Liz!
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Eva Taylor — Reply
What a great photo Liz, you must live in a wonderful neighbourhood. I would love to do that in my hood, but not too many people bake, but it actually sounds like a fun thing to do among friends and not just neighbour friends (my friend Barb of Profiteroles and Ponytails would go for it, I’m sure).
This looks like my kind of cookie, and I bet you can even put the logs into the freezer for another time! Or even slice them up into a baggie and bake them off individually as needed; fresh cookies out of the oven are a slice of heaven.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that you and your lovely family will have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Thank you kindly for your support throughout the year, you have made it for me. XO -
claudia @Whats Cookin Italian Cuisine — Reply
Another gorgeous photo… your photos are getting better each time.. new camera? just beautiful!
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DWei — Reply
I haven’t had shortbread in such a long time that I’ve forgotten what it tastes like.
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The Ninja Baker — Reply
White chocolate, shortbread cookies and clinking glasses of wine with a fine group of friends – sounds divine to me! Great group picture…Oh! And scrumptious-looking cookie photos, too.
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Laura (Tutti Dolci) — Reply
Beautiful shortbread, I love these flavors!
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Ella-Home Cooking Adventure — Reply
Wow, love cookies and these white chocolate ones looks irresistible. I love the fact that the dough can be kept in the freezer for any unexpected occasion .
