Festive Cranberry Pistachio Slice-and-Bake Cookies

By Jason Griffith · March 3, 2026

Cranberry Pistachio Snow Cookies

There’s something magical about holiday baking, and these Cranberry Pistachio Snow Cookies capture that festive spirit in every bite. Buttery shortbread dough is studded with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios, then sliced and baked into beautiful rounds that look like edible holiday ornaments.

They’re crisp on the edges, tender in the center, and perfectly balanced between sweet, tart, and nutty.

Why I Love This Recipe

As a food writer, I’m always drawn to recipes that are both visually stunning and easy to execute. These cookies are:

  • Perfect for holiday gifting
  • Make-ahead friendly
  • Beautifully festive in color
  • Rich and buttery
  • Simple slice-and-bake convenience

The red cranberries and green pistachios create that classic holiday look without any extra decorating required.

Cranberry Pistachio Snow Cookies

Cranberry Pistachio Snow Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies studded with tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, perfect for holiday baking.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: min

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
  • Sparkling sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.
  4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then fold in chopped cranberries and pistachios until a dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half and shape into logs. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
  6. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Slice chilled dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  7. Roll edges in sparkling sugar if desired and place on a lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150 calories
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Carbs: 16 g
  • Protein: 2 g

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Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped
  • Sparkling sugar (optional, for rolling)

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

  • Butter: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
  • Powdered sugar: Creates a tender shortbread texture.
  • Pistachios: Lightly salted pistachios can be used—just reduce added salt slightly.
  • Add citrus: A teaspoon of orange zest adds brightness.
  • Chocolate twist: Dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate for extra elegance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Vanilla

Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Combine

Gradually add flour mixture to the butter mixture. Fold in chopped cranberries and pistachios until a dough forms.

5. Shape & Chill

Divide dough in half and shape into logs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.

6. Slice

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Slice chilled dough into ½-inch thick rounds.

7. Optional Sugar Roll

Roll the edges in sparkling sugar for a snowy finish.

8. Bake

Bake for 14–16 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for Success

  • Chill thoroughly — this helps maintain clean slices.
  • Use a sharp knife for even rounds.
  • Don’t overbake; shortbread should be pale with lightly golden edges.
  • Let cookies cool fully before storing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These snow cookies shine on holiday platters or cozy brunch tables.

Serve alongside:

If you’re preparing a full holiday spread, balance sweet treats with something savory like Easy Classic Pasta Salad for Any Gathering.

For another cozy baked good, try Moist 1-Bowl Banana Bread – The Easy Recipe That Never Fails.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 2g

(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
  • Freeze unbaked dough logs and slice as needed for fresh cookies anytime.

These cookies are ideal for holiday prep because the dough can be made well in advance.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy festive baking and cozy treats, try:

Each one brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Pistachio Snow Cookies are buttery, festive, and perfect for holiday celebrations. With their vibrant colors and tender shortbread texture, they’re guaranteed to stand out on any dessert table.

If you bake a batch, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Share your thoughts, leave a comment, and follow along for more easy, seasonal recipes made for real kitchens.

Happy baking! ❄️🍪

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