Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

These delightful Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are perfect for cozy evenings by the fire or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios adds a delightful twist to the classic shortbread cookie, making them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter.

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
– 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Cream the butter and sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes, but it’s key to the texture of your cookies.

3. **Add the vanilla and salt:** Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, combining well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. **Incorporate the flour:** Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix – you want the dough to just come together.

5. **Fold in the cranberries and pistachios:** Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and pistachios until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pops of red and green will give your cookies a festive look.

6. **Shape the cookies:** Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

7. **Flatten the cookies:** Using the bottom of a glass or your fingers, gently flatten each cookie to about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them bake evenly and give them that classic shortbread shape.

8. **Bake to perfection:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember that shortbread tends to be a delicate cookie, so keep a close eye on them as they bake.

9. **Cool and enjoy:** Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or pack them up as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Indulge in the buttery, crumbly goodness of these Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies that are perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy nights at home. The tangy cranberries and nutty pistachios add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making each bite a heavenly experience. So, whip up a batch of these festive cookies and savor the joy they bring to your home!