Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the scent of fresh cookies wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the warmth of the holiday spirit surrounding me. These Festive Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration of flavors and colors, perfect for festive gatherings or thoughtful gifts. The combination of nutty pistachios and tart cranberries creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite unforgettable. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up and can be made gluten-free if needed! Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth or spreading cheer with homemade goodies, these cookies are sure to impress. Are you ready to add a little festive flair to your baking? Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try? Festive Flair: These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies bring vibrant colors and flavors to your holiday table, making them an eye-catching addition. Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful treats, ensuring that everyone gets to join in on the fun! Endless Variety: Not only do you have options for ingredient substitutions, but you can experiment with flavors like almond extract for an extra twist. Gift-Worthy: Perfect for holiday gifting, these cookies can be beautifully packaged, making your loved ones feel special. Gluten-Free Friendly: Worried about dietary restrictions? This recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free, ensuring all guests can indulge. Cozy up with these cookies and delight your family with their vibrant flavor—don’t forget to check out other festive recipes like Homemade Samoas Cookies for more holiday inspiration! Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base • Butter – Provides richness and flavor; opt for unsalted for better control over saltiness. • Sugar – Sweetens the cookies; can be replaced with brown sugar for extra moisture and depth. • Flour – Gives structure; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation. For the Mix-Ins • Pistachios – Adds crunch and nut flavor; substitute with almonds or pecans if preferred. • Dried Cranberries – Contributes sweetness and tartness; fresh cranberries can be used but may alter the texture. For the Finishing Touch • Powdered Sugar – For dusting, adds a whimsical touch; no direct substitution necessary. These ingredients come together to create the delightful Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies that are sure to bring festive cheer to your holiday season! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This setup will ensure your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet easily when it’s time to enjoy them. Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it turns light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is vital as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a delightful texture that will melt in your mouth when baked. Step 3: Add Flour Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Blend on low speed until the flour is just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. This forms a light dough that will hold together beautifully, providing the perfect base for your festive cookies bursting with pistachios and cranberries. Step 4: Fold in Mix-Ins Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dried cranberries using a spatula. Ensure the nuts and fruits are evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating a colorful mix. This delightful medley will be the star of your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, adding flavor and texture in every bite. Step 5: Shape the Wreaths Take small portions of the cookie dough and shape them into wreaths by rolling them into a circle and pinching the ends together. Place each shaped wreath on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for spreading. This step adds the festive touch that makes them so appealing during the holiday season. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake the wreath cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges and a firm center. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly, ensuring your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies emerge perfectly baked, with a lovely golden hue. Step 7: Cool and Decorate Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle your beautiful wreaths with powdered sugar and add extra chopped pistachios and cranberries for an eye-catching final touch that enhances their festive charm. How to Store and Freeze Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and delicious for everyday snacking. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months and are perfect for future cravings. Reheating: To enjoy these cookies warm, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will revive their melt-in-your-mouth texture while still leaving the festive flavors intact. Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it before shaping into wreaths. When ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the fridge and proceed with shaping and baking as directed. What to Serve with Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Set the stage for a delightful holiday gathering with these charming cookies that promise to steal the show. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly buttery mashed potatoes add a comforting element, creating a beautiful contrast to the sweet cookies. Festive Green Salad: A mix of arugula and spinach, topped with pomegranate seeds adds freshness and balances the cookies’ sweetness beautifully. Hot Chocolate Station: Rich hot chocolate, with whipped cream and sprinkles, creates a cozy atmosphere that pairs wonderfully with these sweet treats. Sparkling Cider: Crisp and refreshing, sparkling cider adds a festive touch to your holiday spread while complementing the cookie’s flavors perfectly. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cookies provides a creamy texture that elevates the holiday experience. Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses like brie and gouda to offer a savory contrast, enhancing the tasty nutty flavors in the cookies. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate create a romantic touch that pairs well with the nutty cookie base, adding a bit of decadence. Experience the joy of sharing these flavorful delights, and let the laughter of loved ones fill your kitchen! Expert Tips for Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies • Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft and at room temperature; this is crucial for properly creaming with sugar and achieving a light texture. • Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience you want with these Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies. • Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close watch as cookies bake; your preferred cookie softness may vary. A longer baking time results in crispier cookies, while shorter leads to a softer texture. • Fancy Presentation: For that extra special touch, consider adding edible glitter or colored sugar along with the powdered sugar for a festive sparkle on your wreath cookies. • Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be enjoyed for up to a week, but they’re bound to disappear quickly! • Sample Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try mixing in orange zest for a citrusy punch or swap pistachios with walnuts for a different nutty flair. Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative with these delightful cookies; there are so many fun ways to customize them! Nut Options: Substitute pistachios with walnuts or hazelnuts for varied textures and flavors. Each nut brings its unique taste, ensuring delightful surprises with every bite. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Your cookies can remain just as scrumptious without any gluten! Sweetness Boost: Consider adding white chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness. This twist combines perfectly with the tart cranberries, making each cookie a little sweeter. Zesty Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick. The zesty notes brighten the flavor profile, making these cookies even more festive. Almond Extract: A splash of almond extract enhances the nutty flavor, adding depth to your cookies. This subtle addition can elevate each bite into something extraordinary. Heat Levels: For a spicy twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough. The warmth from the spice complements the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully. Dried Fruits: Swap dried cranberries for other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cherries. Each choice will introduce a different flavor note, making the cookies uniquely yours. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a rich finish. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and extra indulgence to your festive treats. Explore these variations as you bake, and don’t forget to check out the wonderful textures in Peanut Butter Cookies or the rich flavors of Browned Butter Cookies for even more inspiration! Happy baking! Make Ahead Options These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked treats with minimal fuss! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months—simply shape the wreaths and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply pop the frozen wreaths in the preheated oven and bake as directed, ensuring your cookies are just as delicious as the day they were made! Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best pistachios for the cookies? Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for unsalted, shelled pistachios that are vibrant green and have no dark spots. If you can find roasted pistachios, they’ll add an even richer taste to your cookies. How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh? To keep your Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to soft cookies. Can I freeze Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies? If so, how? Yes, you can freeze these delightful cookies! First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until hard. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain that freshly baked taste. What if my dough is too crumbly? Very good question! If your cookie dough is crumbly, it might need a bit more moisture. You can add a teaspoon of milk or water, one at a time, until the dough holds together well. Remember to mix gently to maintain that light texture! Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies? These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies do contain nuts, so they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, feel free to replace the pistachios with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch and flavor profile without the allergens. Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! To adapt these cookies to a gluten-free recipe, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to achieve the right texture that’s just as delightful as the original! Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies: A Festive Delight These Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are a colorful and flavorful addition to your holiday gatherings, perfect for gifts or simply indulging. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Unsalted Butter softened3/4 cup Granulated Sugar2 cups All-Purpose Flour can substitute with gluten-free flour blendFor the Mix-Ins1 cup Chopped Pistachios can substitute with almonds or pecans1 cup Dried Cranberries can use fresh but may alter textureFor the Finishing Touch1 cup Powdered Sugar for dusting Equipment Electric MixerMixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperSpatulawire rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.Gradually add all-purpose flour and blend on low speed until just incorporated.Gently fold in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.Shape cookie dough into wreaths and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure butter is softened to room temperature for best results. Monitor baking time to achieve your preferred cookie softness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
