My favorite dessert in the entire world is cookies, which might be part of why I like Christmas so much. Everywhere you look this time of year there are dozens of cookies of all different kinds!
While the kids are perfectly content with sugar cookies over and over, Justin and I like to switch it up and try different variations.
These Cranberry Pistachio Cookies are perfect because they use a basic cookie dough {get it below} and then just take a few extra steps to make these fancier, more “grown up” cookies -although the kids do like these too!
What is the best basic cookie dough recipe to use with this?
If you don’t already have your own go-to recipe for basic cookie dough, you can use the one below. It’s delicious on it’s own but also works great as a base for all kinds of cookie recipes!
If you have picky eaters at your house, do what I do- make a double batch of this basic cookie dough recipe and then only turn one of them in these Cranberry Pistachio Christmas Cookies. Then everyone gets the cookies they want- and you don’t have to do extra work!
Basic Vanilla Cookie Dough
This basic cookie dough recipe is delicious on it's own, but also works great as a base for other recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat the butter until fluffy.
Add sugar and salt and beat until well combined and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combine.
Gradually add the flour and beat until well combined.
If using as a base for other recipes, stop here and follow the other recipe.
If baking as is, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Roll cookies into balls and place on prepared sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden brown.
Remove to wire rack and cool completely.
Are these cookies good for you?
I mean, they’re cookies- BUT they do have some benefits! Pistachios contain healthy fats and protein, so in addition to giving you some nutrients they’ll also help fill you up.
And cranberries are so good for you, some people even consider them a “super food”! They contain antioxidants, and have been linked to health benefits ranging from anti-cancer properties to reducing the risk of a UTI.
While I’m definitely not saying eating these cookies is a substitute for proper nutrition and exercise, I am saying that if you happen to eat more of these than anticipated then you can rest easy knowing you got extra antioxidants and protein. *wink*
Can the Kids Help Bake These Cranberry Pistachio Cookies?
Kids can ALWAYS help in the kitchen! For this recipe, I’d suggest having them help with:
- Measuring and adding ingredients
- Mixing ingredients
- Rolling cookies into balls and placing on baking sheet
- Drizzling cookies
I’d also suggest that you help a little extra with steps that include the oven and knives, including chopping the pistachios {those buggers tend to roll around!}, putting the baking sheet in the oven and removing it, and even removing the cookies from the baking sheet and putting them on the wire rack.
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Cranberry Pistachio Cookies?
To make Cranberry Pistachio Cookies, you’ll need:
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- Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
- Mixing Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Smaller microwave safe bowl
- Wire rack
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious Christmas cookie recipes? Try these:
- Nutella Monster Cookies
- Gingerbread Man Cookies
- Red Velvet Cookies
- Coconut Almond Cookies
- Mint M&M’s Cookies
- Coffee Infused Crinkle Cookies
- Hot Cocoa Cookies
- Blue Crinkle Cookies
Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
These delicious cookies add a little bit of festive flavor to your basic cookie recipe! With heart-healthy pistachios and antioxidant rich cranberries, these cookies are a gift that keeps on giving!
Ingredients
- 1 recipe basic cookie dough
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 2-3 blocks white almond bark or 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
- Add cranberries and pistachios to basic cookie dough and mix well
- Roll into balls and place on prepared baking sheet
- Bake for 8-10 or until edge are set and slightly golden brown
- Remove to wire rack and cool completely
- Melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl
- Drizzle cookies with chocolate
- Let set for 5-10 minutes to harden
- Store in airtight container
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