Best White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread
A buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie studded with tart dried cranberries, crunchy pistachios, and pockets of melted white chocolate. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or a comforting homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (130g) white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 3/4 cup (100g) dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup (70g) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3 to 5 minutes on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add vanilla and salt: Mix in vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
- Incorporate the flour: Gradually add all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and combine until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add one teaspoon of cold water at a time.
- Melt the white chocolate: Heat white chocolate chips in 20-second increments in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold melted white chocolate, dried cranberries, and chopped pistachios into the dough without overmixing.
- Shape the dough: Press dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking sheet or form into a log shape on parchment paper and chill before slicing.
- Chill: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until edges are lightly golden and center is set but tender.
- Cool and slice: Allow shortbread to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars with a sharp knife.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, for best texture. Chill dough to prevent spreading. Toast pistachios lightly for extra flavor. Melt white chocolate for even distribution. Dough can be formed into logs and sliced after chilling. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/16 of rec
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 2
Keywords: white chocolate, cranberry, pistachio, shortbread, cookies, holiday treats, easy baking, homemade, festive, nutty