Indulge in the festivities of the holiday season with our delightful Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies! These buttery cookies come alive with the tartness of cranberries, the rich crunch of pistachios, and a snowy finish of powdered sugar that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Not only are they a feast for the eyes with their charming wreath shape, but they also deliver a burst of flavor with each bite. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or want to bake something special for friends and family, these cookies are the perfect choice. Their festive appeal and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a must-try!
These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are also fantastically simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, making them an excellent choice for both seasoned bakers and novices alike. The combination of buttery richness, nutty accents from the pistachios, and the tartness from the cranberries creates a cookie that is not only delicious but also memorable. Imagine placing a platter of these holiday cookies on your table—your loved ones will be drawn to them, eager to take a bite of this sweet treat that feels like a warm hug!
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
- Visual Appeal: Their wreath shape and festive decoration make them a perfect holiday treat.
- Flavor Combination: The blend of buttery cookies with tangy cranberries and crunchy pistachios creates an irresistible flavor.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, these cookies are quick and simple to prepare.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make lovely gifts wrapped in clear bags or placed in decorative tins.
- Versatile: They can be customized with different toppings or decorations based on your preferences.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the delight of baking Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Gather the necessary ingredients and ensure you have all the tools at hand. You will need a large mixing bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, a separate bowl for sifting the dry ingredients, and a spatula for folding in the pistachios and cranberries. Additionally, a measuring cup and spoons will help you achieve precise measurements for each ingredient.
Ensure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) will also be critical at this stage, allowing the cookies to bake evenly. With everything prepped and organized, you’ll be ready to whip up these festive cookies with ease and joy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra tenderness)
- Finely chopped pistachios, for decorating
- Whole or chopped dried cranberries, for decorating
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents the cookies from sticking and allows them to bake perfectly.
Step 2: Create the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix them thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step introduces air into your dough, contributing to the cookies’ light texture. Once fluffy, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch (if you choose to include it for extra tenderness). Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until they come together to form a cohesive dough.
Finally, fold in the finely chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. These ingredients not only add flavor but also a wonderful texture to the cookies, making each bite a delightful experience.
Step 3: Shape Your Wreath Cookies
With your dough ready, it’s time to shape the cookies. Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. To create the wreath shape, use your finger or a utensil to make a hole in the center of the dough ball. If you have a wreath-shaped cookie cutter, feel free to use it to achieve uniform shapes. Place the shaped cookies onto the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion while baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until you notice a light golden color at the edges. The center may remain a bit softer, which will maintain that delightful chewy texture once cooled. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Decorate Your Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled down, it’s time to add a festive touch! Top each cookie with additional chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for an elegant look and burst of flavor. To give them a snowy finish, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar, transforming them into holiday delights. For a rustic touch, you can press a whole pistachio or cranberry in the center of each wreath for added charm.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding finely chopped dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Vegetables: For a unique twist, consider incorporating finely grated orange zest or lemon zest for a citrusy aroma.
- Spices: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that’s great for the holidays.
Cooking Notes
- For perfectly shaped cookies, ensure your dough is well-chilled after mixing, as this makes it easier to handle when shaping.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; every oven is different, and slight variations in baking times can occur.
- If you find your dough too crumbly, a splash of milk can help bind the mixture together.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they can last for up to a week!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these lovely cookies with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Bring these cookies to holiday potlucks or cookie exchanges for a spectacular presentation and taste.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of your cookies, choose high-quality butter, as it forms the base of the dough.
- For added sweetness, consider swapping a tablespoon of powdered sugar with a splash of maple syrup in the dough.
- And if you’re in the mood to experiment, try out different nuts or dried fruits for various flavor profiles!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 140 per cookie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 60mg
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookies either before or after baking. For unbaked cookies, shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I make these cookies more festive?
To enhance their festive appeal, consider adding colored nonpareils or sprinkles to the tops before baking for a pop of color.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough becomes too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes, or dust your working surface lightly with flour while shaping.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Fresh cranberries can be too tart for this recipe, but you could chop them finely and include them if you prefer a more tart cookie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their buttery texture combined with the crunch of pistachios and the tang of cranberries makes each bite a wonderful experience. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying at home, this cookie recipe is sure to bring joy to your celebrations. We invite you to try them out, share your results in the comments, and perhaps even experiment with your unique twists! Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or stored in lovely tins, these cookies are bound to be a hit at any gathering.
Print
Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festivities of the holiday season with our delightful Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for extra tenderness)
- Finely chopped pistachios, for decorating
- Whole or chopped dried cranberries, for decorating
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Start your baking journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin by creaming together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until it forms a cohesive dough.
- Fold in the finely chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
- Roll approximately 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball and create a hole in the center. Place on a lined baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate with additional chopped pistachios and dried cranberries, and dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
For perfectly shaped cookies, ensure your dough is well-chilled after mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 140 per cookie
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Protein: 2 g