Mediterranean Pistachio Cranberry Cookies
Delicate, melt-in-the-mouth cookies with chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, olive oil–butter richness, and a hint of citrus. These cookies combine Mediterranean nuts, fruit, and aroma for a bright, festive flavor.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 20–30 minutes
Bake: 12–14 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
⭐ Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil (adds Mediterranean flavor)
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange or ½ lemon (Mediterranean citrus note)
Mix-ins
½ cup chopped pistachios
½ cup dried cranberries (roughly chopped if large)
🍪 Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat butter + olive oil + sugar until creamy.
3. Add egg, vanilla, and orange zest. Mix well.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in pistachios and cranberries.
2. Chill
Cover the dough and refrigerate 20–30 minutes (helps cookies hold shape).
3. Shape
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment.
Gently press the tops slightly to flatten.
4. Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack.
💡 Tips & Variations
For softer cookies → reduce baking time by 1 minute.
For a richer texture → add 1 tbsp honey.
For crunchier cookies → toast pistachios beforehand.
Add ¼ tsp cardamom or cinnamon for warm Mediterranean flavor.
Replace cranberries with chopped dried apricots or dates if you want a more Middle-Eastern taste.
❄️ Storage
Keep in an airtight box for 1 week.
Freeze dough balls for 2 months — bake directly from freezer +2 minutes
🍽 Nutritional Information
Calories: 105
Protein: 2 g
Carbs: 11 g
Fat: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g