Here are more of my Christmas cookies that I made post Christmas. Oh well, I had some other issues going on and December was just not a baking month for me. I dearly love true shortbread cookies but wanted to dress them up a bit. And what could be better then a shortbread cookie laced with crushed pistachios and dried orange-flavored cranberries.
These cookies are just delicious!

Since I used a friend’s Shortbread Cookie recipe as my inspiration, I will post that recipe as well.
Shortbread Cookies
Recipe adapted from Ann’s Mom
1 lb. butter, soft
1/2 lb margarine, soft
6 1/2 c. flour
2 c. powdered sugar
Cream butter and margarine and add powdered sugar.
Gradually, add flour 1 cup at a time.
This is a true shortbread cookie so no vanilla is needed. It is also very SHORT and cracks easily.
Either roll out dough and cut cookies. Or roll into a log, refrigerate and with a very sharp knife, slice the cookies.
Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
Recipe developed by Big-Black-Dog
3 sticks of butter, softened
3 1/4 c. flour
1 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. chopped dried cranberries
1/2 c. chopped pistachios
Cream the butter and powdered sugar. Add the chopped cranberries. Gradually add flour. Roll dough into about a 2″ diameter log. On a piece of plastic wrap sprinkle the chopped pistachios. Roll the cookie log over the chopped nuts, gently pressing down so the nuts embed into the dough evenly. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. With a sharp knife, slice into 1/2″ slices.
Place cookie slices on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees until slightly brown on the bottom.
NOTE: These cookies do not rise. So the diameter of your log will be the diameter of the cookie.
All Rights Reserved 2008-9 © Big Black Dog







These look good! My hubby loves cookies. Kathy
They look delicious, Michelle!
I had several pistachio/cranberry or pistachio/cherry cookie recipes bookmarked and didn’t get to bake any of them! Now I’ll add your recipe to the pile – they look great, and I love that combination of colors and flavors in the winter.Nancy
these cookies sound absolutely delicious! i love the combination of the pistachios and cherries. i cannot, cannot wait to try these!