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Cranberry Orange Pistachio Cookies

These delightful cookies combine the tartness of dried cranberries, refreshing orange zest, and the rich crunch of pistachios, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Keyword: Baking, Cranberry Cookies, Dessert Recipes, orange cookies, Pistachio Cookies
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

For the cookie dough

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened Should be creamy and at room temperature.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Use for sweetness.
  • 1 large egg Adds moisture to the dough.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest Use freshly grated for best flavor.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base for cookies.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder Helps cookies rise.
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda Helps cookies achieve a light rise.
  • 1/4 tsp salt Balances the sweetness.
  • 1 cup dried cranberries Provides tartness.
  • 3/4 cup chopped pistachios Adds crunch.
  • Optional extra sugar for rolling For a sparkly finish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light in color.
  • Add in the egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined.
  • Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pistachios until evenly distributed. Chill the dough if too soft.
  • Using a scoop or tablespoon, shape the dough into 1.5-inch balls and roll in extra sugar if desired.

Baking

  • Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and slightly flatten each ball.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  • Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the taste even more.