🍪🌿 Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
A Mediterranean-inspired buttery cookie with bright fruit & nutty crunch
These Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are delicate, buttery, and lightly sweet with bursts of tart cranberries and rich pistachios. While traditional shortbread has roots in Scotland, this version embraces Mediterranean flavors by using quality olive oil (optional twist), natural sweetness, and heart-healthy nuts.
Perfect for Eid gatherings, tea time, holiday trays, or gifting — they look elegant yet are wonderfully simple to make.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Buttery, crumbly texture
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Sweet-tart cranberry contrast
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Beautiful red & green festive look
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Easy slice-and-bake method
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Stores well for gifting
🛒 Ingredients
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1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup dried cranberries (chopped)
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½ cup shelled pistachios (lightly toasted & chopped)
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1 tablespoon orange zest (Mediterranean touch)
Optional Mediterranean Twist:
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Replace 2 tablespoons butter with extra virgin olive oil for subtle fruity depth.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter
In a bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Add vanilla and mix.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Fold in Cranberries & Pistachios
Gently fold in chopped cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest.
Step 4: Shape & Chill
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Form dough into a log (about 2 inches thick).
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Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap.
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Chill 45–60 minutes until firm.
Step 5: Slice & Bake
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Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
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Slice into ½-inch rounds.
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Place on lined baking tray.
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Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool completely before serving.
🥗 Mediterranean Ingredient Benefits
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Pistachios → heart-healthy fats, protein, antioxidants
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Cranberries → rich in vitamin C & polyphenols
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Olive oil (optional) → supports heart health
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Orange zest → natural citrus brightness
These cookies are indulgent yet made with wholesome Mediterranean ingredients.
🌟 Flavor Variations
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Dip half in dark chocolate
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Add a pinch of cardamom
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Use almonds instead of pistachios
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Add a light honey glaze
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
Q2: Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q3: Why did my shortbread spread too much?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough. Always chill before baking.
Q4: How long do they stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for 7–10 days.
Q5: Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce powdered sugar slightly, but too much reduction will affect texture.
🍵 Serving Suggestion
Serve with:
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Mint tea
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Arabic coffee
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Fresh orange slices
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A drizzle of honey for a Mediterranean touch
