Cranberry & Pistachio Refrigerator Cookies
Servings
About 24–28 cookies
🛒 Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar (gives that soft, pale look like in the image)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Mix-ins
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries (chopped)
- ½ cup (60 g) pistachios (unsalted, shelled, roughly chopped)
Optional (recommended for this exact look)
- 1 tsp almond extract (enhances bakery flavor)
- ½ tsp orange zest
🔪 Instructions
1. Cream butter & sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add egg & flavor
Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using) until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt.
Gradually mix into the dough until just combined.
4. Fold in cranberries & pistachios
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios so they’re evenly distributed.
5. Shape into logs
- Divide dough into 2 portions
- Roll into logs about 2 inches (5 cm) thick
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
6. Chill (key step!)
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
This helps achieve the clean slice and thick cookie shape like in the photo.
🔥 Baking
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F)
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper
- Slice logs into ¼–½ inch thick rounds (slightly thicker = softer centers like pictured)
- Place on tray with space between
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until:
- Edges are just set (not browned too much)
- Centers stay pale for that soft, bakery look
❄️ Cooling
Let cool on tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
They will firm up slightly as they cool.
✨ Pro Tips (to match the image exactly)
- Don’t overbake—keep them pale and soft
- Use powdered sugar → smoother texture
- Slice thick → gives that chunky, soft cookie look
- Chill thoroughly → cleaner slices and better shape
- Lightly press extra pistachios/cranberries onto slices before baking for a prettier finish
🍫 Optional upgrade
Dip half in melted white chocolate for a festive version.
