WHY MAKE IT

A little comfort, a lot of flavor.

Slice-and-bake butter cookies flecked with tart cranberries and green pistachios. This guide breaks the recipe into practical steps, with a few details that help you get the texture and timing right.

Before you start

Chop the mix-ins small so the logs slice cleanly. If a slice breaks, press it back together before baking.

THE RECIPE

Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread

24 servings · 20 minutes preparation · 18 minutes cooking · 130 minutes cooling, chilling or resting

Ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
  2. Stir in flour and salt just until a dough forms. Fold in cranberries and pistachios.
  3. Shape into two logs about 1½ inches wide. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
  4. Heat oven to 325°F (163°C). Slice into ½-inch rounds and arrange 1 inch apart on lined trays.
  5. Bake 14–18 minutes until edges are pale gold. Rest on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Kitchen notes

Chop the mix-ins small so the logs slice cleanly. If a slice breaks, press it back together before baking.

Storage & make-ahead

Allow 2 hours chilling beyond the active time. Store airtight up to 5 days or freeze unbaked dough up to 1 month.

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An original recipe guide inspired by themes in our Pinterest research. Recipe has not been independently kitchen-tested. AI-generated image is illustrative; your finished dish may look different.