Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
These cookies are soft, buttery, and loaded with festive flavors from pistachios and cranberries. Their green-and-red colors make them look like Christmas wreaths! They are simple to make, pretty to serve, and perfect for holiday gifting or dessert tables.
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill Dough: 20 minutes
Bake: 12–14 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
Mix-ins
½ cup chopped pistachios
½ cup dried cranberries (finely chopped)
For Decoration
½ cup white chocolate (melted) – optional drizzle
Extra chopped pistachios & cranberries for the wreath look
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy (2–3 minutes).
Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract; mix again.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pistachios and cranberries.
2. Chill
Place the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes so it firms up and is easier to shape.
3. Shape the Wreaths
Scoop 1 tbsp dough.
Roll into a ball.
Use your finger or the end of a spoon to make a hole in the center.
Gently widen the hole to create a small wreath shape.
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Bake for 12–14 minutes — edges should be lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating.
5. Decorate
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Sprinkle a pinch of chopped pistachios and cranberries on top to make them look like colorful wreaths.
Notes
Don’t overbake — they stay soft inside.
Almond extract makes the cookie extra festive.
You can swap pistachios with almonds, or cranberries with raisins/cherries.
Dough can be made 24 hours ahead and chilled.
Tips
Chop pistachios and cranberries very small for a neat wreath.
If dough is too sticky, chill longer.
For greener cookies, you can add a tiny drop of green food coloring (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw 10 minutes before shaping.
Q: Can I skip white chocolate?
Yes. Cookies still look festive with just pistachios and cranberries.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110–130
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 8g