Mediterranean Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

🍪 Mediterranean Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, nutty, and perfectly festive

These Mediterranean-style shortbread cookies combine olive oil–friendly butter balance, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and a hint of citrus for an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth treat.

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🫒 Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• Zest of 1 orange or lemon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped

• ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Optional Finish

• Extra powdered sugar for dusting

• Melted dark chocolate for drizzling

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🍋 Instructions

1. Cream the Base
   In a bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
   Mix in citrus zest and vanilla.

2. Add Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add flour and salt. Mix just until combined.

3. Fold in Add-Ins
   Gently fold in cranberries and pistachios.

4. Shape the Dough
   Divide dough in half. Roll each into a log about 5 cm (2 inches) thick.
   Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 1 hour.

5. Slice & Bake
   Preheat oven to 170°C / 340°F.
   Slice logs into 1 cm (½ inch) rounds.
   Place on lined baking sheet.

6. Bake
   Bake 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool & Finish
   Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with dark chocolate if desired.

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🌿 Mediterranean Touch

• Citrus zest for brightness

• Pistachios for healthy fats

• Cranberries for natural sweetness & antioxidants

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🍽️ Serving Tips

• Perfect with tea or espresso

• Great for holidays or gifting

• Store in an airtight container up to 1 week