# Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies: The Perfect Treat for a Busy Season
The holiday season is upon us, and that means family, friends, and of course, *Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies*. These delightful treats are not just delicious; they’re the perfect way to add a bit of festive cheer to your gatherings without spending all day in the kitchen. If you’re like me and find yourself juggling holiday to-dos, from shopping to decorating, these cookies offer a sweet solution that's quick and easy!
### Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies
Let’s be honest—sometimes our holiday baking can go slightly awry. You know what I mean: flour everywhere, frosting that just won’t cooperate, and at least one unfortunate incident involving burnt cookies. But fear not! This recipe for *Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies* is designed for success. With vibrant red cranberries and crunchy pistachios, these cookies not only look festive but taste phenomenal! Plus, they’re versatile enough to please even the pickiest of eaters (you know, the little ones who only acknowledge cookies when they’re covered in chocolate).
### Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful batch of cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
### Steps to Bake Your Delicious Cookies
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). A warm oven is the key to perfectly baked cookies—like they tell me at least once a week!
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until you have a light and fluffy mixture. This is the moment you want to channel your inner pastry chef (or just a really enthusiastic home baker).
3. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. The odds of this ending up on your shirt are pretty high, but hey, it's the holidays!
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this into the butter mixture until just combined.
5. **Fold in the Goodies**: Gently stir in the cranberries and pistachios. Trust me when I say you may want to taste this batter—it’s totally acceptable (just don’t blame me for the cookie-less outcome).
6. **Scoop and Bake**: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
7. **Cool and Serve**: Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Enjoy the delightful aroma that wafts through your kitchen!
### Cooking Tips for the Perfect Cookies
- **Don’t Overmix**: When adding your dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—no one wants that.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this will help everything blend better and make your cookies extra soft.
- **Add a Splash of Color**: Consider sprinkling a few extra pistachios on top before baking for a pop of color!
### Personal Anecdote
These *Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies* have become a staple in my household, not just for the holidays but year-round! My sister Patricia and I often find ourselves whipping up a batch while catching up over a cup of cocoa. The laughter, the flour fighting, and the sweet smell of cookies baking—it’s one of those cherished traditions that brings us closer. Your family will love making memories over these delicious treats too!
### FAQs About Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies
**Can I substitute butter for margarine in this recipe?**
Yes, you can! Just remember that butter typically results in a richer flavor.
**How can I store leftovers?**
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Although, I can't promise they won't magically disappear before then!
**Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?**
You can! Just be aware that fresh cranberries are tart, so you might want to increase the sugar a bit to balance their flavor.
These *Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies* are the perfect treat to spread joy this holiday season and impress your guests with minimal effort. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some sweet memories together!
For more easy and delicious recipes, check out my other posts, and happy baking!
Meta Description:
Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies are quick, easy, and delicious! Bake these festive treats to delight your friends and family.
Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies
These vibrant Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Cookies are quick, easy, and perfect for adding festive cheer to your gatherings.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently stir in the cranberries and pistachios.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Baking
- Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Notes
Don’t overmix when adding dry ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.