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To make delicious pistachio cranberry wreath cookies, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped - ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped into small pieces - 1 egg yolk (for egg wash) - Additional chopped pistachios and cranberries for garnish These ingredients create a festive treat that is both tasty and visually appealing. The butter gives the cookies a rich flavor. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and a lovely texture. The vanilla extract brings warmth to the cookies. The flour, baking powder, and salt work together to create the perfect dough. Pistachios and cranberries add crunch and tartness, making each bite special. When you mix these ingredients, remember to keep everything at room temperature. This step helps the butter blend well, creating a fluffy texture. Chopping the pistachios and cranberries into small pieces allows for even distribution in the dough. Each cookie will have a nice balance of flavors. Once you have your ingredients ready, you can start crafting these delightful wreath cookies. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the season! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. To make the dough, start with creaming. In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to make it fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything blends well. Now, take another bowl. In it, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pistachios and ½ cup of dried cranberries. Make sure they spread evenly in the dough. Lightly flour a clean surface. Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a rope shape. It should be about 6 inches long. Form this rope into a circle, sealing the ends to create a wreath shape. Place the wreath cookies on the lined baking sheets. Leave at least 2 inches between each cookie. This helps them not stick together. For a nice finish, brush the tops with an egg yolk. This gives them a shiny look after baking. Sprinkle additional chopped pistachios and cranberries on top for extra charm. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges but soft centers. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. To get the best texture, do not over-mix your dough. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps the centers soft and the edges lightly golden. To ensure this, watch the baking time closely. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be golden, while the centers stay soft. You can add more flavor to your cookies with simple swaps. Try adding orange zest for a bright twist. You might also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty taste. If you want more texture, consider including shredded coconut or white chocolate chips. These small changes can boost the overall flavor. For a festive look, arrange your wreath cookies on a colorful platter. Intermingle them with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. This creates a beautiful holiday display. You can also dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Adding a few edible glitter pieces can make them sparkle. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping the wreaths to make it easier to handle and to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh pistachios and cranberries for better flavor and texture. Dried cranberries should be plump and moist for the best results. Even Baking: Rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning and prevent any hot spots in your oven from affecting the cookies. Creative Variations: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or add white chocolate chips for a delightful twist on these festive wreath cookies. {{image_4}} If you want to make these cookies nut-free, try sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch. You can also use pumpkin seeds for a fun twist. If you want to swap out the dried cranberries, consider using raisins or chopped apricots. Both add sweetness and chewiness. Wreath cookies are fun, but you can try other shapes too. You could make stars or hearts. Use the same dough and just form it differently. For special events, adjust the wreath size. Smaller wreaths work great for parties, while larger ones can be a centerpiece. To make your cookies even more festive, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm flavor. You can also try colorful toppings to match the season. Red and green sprinkles work well for Christmas. For other holidays, use colors that fit the theme. This makes your cookies stand out on any table. To keep your pistachio cranberry wreath cookies fresh, use an airtight container. A metal tin or plastic container works well. Store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This keeps the cookies soft and tasty. Adding a slice of bread in the container can help maintain moisture. If you want to freeze the cookies, first let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months without losing flavor. When you are ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, take them out and let them sit at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, place them in the oven at a low heat for a few minutes. Serve them with a hot drink for a cozy snack! To stop cookies from spreading, chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps firm it up. Also, use parchment paper on your baking sheets. Make sure not to over-mix the dough. Over-mixing can lead to a thinner cookie. When you shape the wreaths, keep them thick. A thicker dough holds its shape better. Yes, you can make these cookies ahead. First, prepare the dough and shape the wreaths. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to bake, take them out and let them sit for 10 minutes. Bake as directed. You can also freeze the shaped dough for up to two months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Decorate these cookies with a simple icing. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk to create a glaze. Drizzle it on top after baking. You can also sprinkle more chopped pistachios and cranberries for color. For a festive touch, add edible glitter or silver sprinkles. Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter. Adding fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs makes a lovely display. Yes, you have gluten-free options! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum, as this helps with texture. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure everything is safe. Enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! These pistachio cranberry wreath cookies are sure to impress. We explored easy steps, key ingredients, and tips for the best results. Remember, perfect texture comes from mixing just right. Feel free to customize these treats with different flavors and shapes. Store them properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy baking and sharing these festive cookies with friends and family. You’ll create delightful memories with each bite.

Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Festive cookies shaped like wreaths, filled with pistachios and cranberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup pistachios, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped into small pieces
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • to taste additional chopped pistachios and cranberries for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and mix until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
  • Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough without overworking it.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and take about 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll it into a rope shape, roughly 6 inches long. Form the rope into a circle, carefully sealing the ends to create a wreath shape.
  • Place the formed wreath cookies on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  • For a beautiful finish, brush the tops of the wreaths with the egg yolk to give them a glossy appearance after baking.
  • Sprinkle the tops of each wreath with additional chopped pistachios and cranberries for added texture and visual appeal.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
  • Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a festive display, arrange the wreath cookies on a decorative platter. Enhance the presentation by interspersing the cookies with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, creating a delightful holiday centerpiece.
Keyword cookies, cranberry, holiday, pistachio