Name: Delicious Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies for the Holidays
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Provides rich flavor and tenderness); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Adds sweetness); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Increases moisture); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can be swapped for gluten-free flour); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Helps create a light texture); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness); 1 cup Chopped Pistachios (Gives a lovely crunch); 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Adds sweet-tart bursts); 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adds a beautiful snowy finish); Whole Pistachios (Optional for decoration); Whole Cranberries (Optional for decoration)

As I sift through my holiday baking essentials, the sight of bright green pistachios and crimson cranberries sparks a wave of nostalgia. There’s something truly special about crafting Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies—they not only wrap up delightful flavors but present a charming, festive touch that lights up any dessert table. These cookies are a wonderful indulgence, transforming simple ingredients into a soft, buttery treat that’s quick to whip up and sure to impress family and friends. Plus, with options for gluten-free swaps, there’s no reason our loved ones with dietary preferences can’t enjoy them, too! Ready to spread some holiday cheer? Let’s dive into this recipe together!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Festive and Fun: These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies add a whimsical touch to your holiday gatherings, immediately catching the eye with their charming shape and colors.

Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you’ll have a delightful batch ready to share!

Flavorful Combination: The mix of buttery goodness, nutty pistachios, and tangy cranberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Versatile Options: You can easily customize these cookies by swapping ingredients, like trying almonds for pistachios or using fresh cranberries for a twist!

Perfect for Gifting: These cookies not only taste amazing but also make a beautiful gift. Just wrap them up, and you’re ready to spread some holiday cheer!

Don’t forget to explore more festive ideas like Cider Whoopie Pie or Pumpkin Pie Cookies to complement your holiday cookie tray!

Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Provides rich flavor and tenderness, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness while helping to achieve that lovely golden-brown color.
Brown Sugar – Increases moisture and adds a hint of caramel goodness.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base structure of the cookies; you can swap this with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Baking Powder – Helps to create a light and airy cookie texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Chopped Pistachios – Gives a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
Dried Cranberries – Adds delightful sweet-tart bursts in every bite.

For the Decoration

Powdered Sugar – A light dusting adds a beautiful snowy finish, perfect for that festive vibe.
Whole Pistachios and Cranberries – Optional for additional texture and festive appeal when decorating.

This Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies recipe is not only simple but also invites creativity with its ingredient options, making it a holiday favorite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring that your cookies don’t stick while baking. This is the perfect start to creating your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, as the warm oven will help them rise beautifully. Gather your mixing tools—like a large mixing bowl and a hand mixer—for a smooth workflow.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In your mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies. Keep an eye on the texture; it should be pale and creamy before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the creamy mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the cookie’s texture. The dough will be slightly thick but still manageable. Visualize a soft consistency that will hold together well when you shape your wreaths.

Step 4: Fold in the Flavors
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries using a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds delightful flavor and texture, making each bite of your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies a holiday treat. You’ll want to see pops of green and red speckled throughout the dough for that festive look.

Step 5: Shape the Wreaths
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the dough into small wreaths on the prepared baking sheet, about 2-3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Press the centers slightly to create a wreath shape, making them visually charming. The arrangement should be neat, reflecting the lovely holiday spirit of these cookies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. As the aroma fills your kitchen, this will be the time to eagerly watch for that perfect golden hue, signaling that your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are almost ready.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This is essential as it helps them firm up. Once cooled completely, dust them generously with powdered sugar. For an extra festive touch, feel free to decorate with whole pistachios and cranberries, creating a beautiful presentation for your holiday gatherings.

Expert Tips for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Cream Carefully: Ensure you cream the butter and sugars thoroughly to achieve light and fluffy cookies. This step is key for a tender texture.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent dense cookies. A gentle fold preserves their soft quality.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent wreath sizes. This helps them bake evenly and ensures everyone gets a perfectly shaped cookie.
Mind the Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting, maintaining that delightful visual appeal.
Experiment Flavor: Feel free to swap chopped pistachios for other nuts and use fresh cranberries for a fun twist in your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to simplify their holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance. Simply shape the dough into wreaths and store them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container. This not only saves valuable time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, place the chilled wreaths on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven as directed. They’ll come out just as delicious and festive, perfect for your holiday gatherings!

Variations & Substitutions for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these cookies to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Nut-Free: Replace pistachios with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that still adds crunch.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delightful cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly adaptation.
Flavor Boost: Enhance the cookie’s flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or vanilla for a subtle twist.
Texture Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a delectable chewiness and tropical flair.
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top after dusting with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Fresh Fruit: For a zesty variation, substitute dried cranberries with chopped fresh cherries or blueberries—just adjust the moisture accordingly!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm, holiday spice that complements the flavors wonderfully.

Explore other amazing festive treats like Chocolate Oat Cookies or enjoy a delightful twist with Cider Whoopie Pie for your holiday celebrations!

Storage Tips for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Airtight Container: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out.

Refrigeration: If you’d like to extend their shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in sealed bags for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid absorbing odors.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or briefly reheat in the microwave. They’ll taste just as delightful as your freshly baked Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies!

What to Serve with Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Indulging in these delightful cookies is just the beginning; pair them with complementary flavors to create a memorable holiday spread.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A buttery side dish that balances sweet flavors, making it perfect for holiday feasts alongside your cookies.
Spiced Apple Cider: The warm spices enhance the cookies’ flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere with every sip.
Rich Hot Chocolate: Luxuriously paired with the soft cookies, decadent chocolate elevates your dessert experience to festive heights.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter crunch cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, bringing a delightful contrast to your meal.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Combining salty and sweet, these treats add a fun twist, perfectly complementing the nutty pistachios and cranberries.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop beside your cookies creates a delightful creamy texture, making each bite even more indulgent and satisfying.

Embrace the holiday spirit with vibrant flavors, allowing your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies to shine even brighter at your gatherings!

Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of pistachios should I use?
Absolutely! When selecting pistachios for your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, go for shelled, unsalted ones. This will ensure that the nutty flavor shines through without overwhelming saltiness. You can find them in the baking aisle or specialty nut shops.

How should I store my cookies?
For best results, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them in sealed bags for up to 2 weeks—just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid any odor absorption from your fridge.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies for up to 3 months. To do this, start by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After that, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheating.

What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough seems too sticky, don’t worry! It could be that your butter was too warm or you may have measured the flour incorrectly. To fix this, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the dough is manageable. Ensure your work surface and hands are lightly floured when shaping the wreaths to prevent sticking.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
It’s important to note that Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies contain nuts, so they are not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you could try substituting the pistachios with seeds like sunflower seeds or simply omit them altogether. Always check for other allergy triggers when serving to others.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes! You can absolutely use fresh cranberries, but you’ll need to chop them finely to avoid excess moisture in the dough. Fresh cranberries will give your cookies a tart kick, enhancing the flavor profile. Just be cautious to not overload the dough, as it can affect the cookie’s texture!