If you’re a shortbread fan, this Holiday Shortbread Recipe is perfect for the season with its festive pops of red and green!

The dried cranberries and green pistachios provide a pop of festive red and green to each cookie! These Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies are winners!

Holiday shortbread in a white bowl.

Why You Must Make

  • They’re super tasty and the red cranberries and green pistachios make them perfect for Christmas.
  • Shortbread is very traditional for the holidays!
  • These cookies freeze beautifully so you can make them up to 3 months ahead of time.

We used to gather for our neighborhood Christmas cookie exchange in the morning, sipping on a cup of tea or coffee with a few nibbles, then gathering a few cookies from each sweet laden platter before heading out to lunch. One year, we shook it up a bit and met later in the day with wine and appetizers (my kind of dinner!). This holiday shortbread recipe was my contribution in 2013.

Chocolate Shortbread cookies on a square white plate.
Neighborhood Cookie Exchange group photo

2013 Cookie Exchange

Expert Tips

  • Roll the cookie dough into two logs, each with a 2-inch diameter.
  • Wrap them well in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. The dough can also be frozen.
  • When ready to bake, pull the dough out of the fridge and gently roll the logs back and forth so there is no flat side.
  • PRO-Tip: Storing the dough logs in an old paper towel tube helps keep the cylindrical shape.
  • Since the dough is full of nuts and chocolate, a serrated knife works best for cutting.
  • If your dough gets too warm, you may find your rounds get misshapen when slicing. Pop your logs back into the refrigerator or freezer if this happens to rechill the dough. If any of the dough slices need reshaping, feel free to nudge them into rounds again.
  • PRO-Tip: Since this dough is packed full of add-ins, it may be hard to get it to come together. If needed, add up to 2 teaspoons of water to help moisten the dough (especially if there’s low humidity where you store your flour).

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Shortbread Differ from Sugar Cookies?

Shortbread Cookies have a higher butter-to-flour recipe, making them more delicate than roll-out sugar cookies. They also bake at a lower temperature and are very tender. These are more buttery than sweet.
Traditional Sugar Cookies have less butter than shortbread cookies, making them more sturdy and better for rolling and cutting. They contain more sugar than shortbread cookies, so they are sweeter. If packed correctly, your typical sugar cookies are better for shipping than the more crumbly shortbread cookies.

How Should You Store Shortbread Cookies?

Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. They’ll keep a few days longer if refrigerated. They’ll also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

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3 Cranberry Pistachio White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies on a square white plate

Cranberry, Pistachio, White Chocolate Shortbread

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Yield 4 dozen cookies

Shortbread cookies with holiday colors from the cranberries and pistachios.

Ingredients

  • 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter at room temperature
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup pistachios, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup white chocolate, chopped into tiny pieces
  • 1-2 teaspoons water, optional if dough does not hold together

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the flour and salt in a bowl and set aside.
  2. Using a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla.
  3. Add the dry ingredients and stir till just mixed. Fold in the pistachios, cranberries, and white chocolate into the dough until well distributed.
  4. If your dough does not hold together, add a teaspoon or 2 of water and mix well.
  5. Shape the dough into 2 logs about 2 inches in diameter then chill for at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
  6. Preheat oven to 325º and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Slice the cookies ¼ to ½ inch thick and place about 1 inch apart on prepared pans. Bake for 16-20 minutes. The cookies are ready when they begin to brown around the edge.

Notes

Total time does not reflect chilling time.

Adapted from Grand Central Bakery.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

2 cookies

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 208Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 115mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 3g

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