Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

Name: Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tsp pure vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour (sifted); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Published: November 28, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

This incredible Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies:

Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for a creamy texture; it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar sweetens your cookies perfectly without overpowering their natural flavors.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor—because who doesn’t love caramel?
Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract; it’s worth it for that rich, aromatic punch.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookies; sifted flour ensures no lumps!
Baking Powder: This little magic ingredient makes your cookies rise and gives them that fluffy texture.
Pistachios: Chopped pistachios add a lovely crunch and color—just don’t eat them all before they reach the dough!
Dried Cranberries: These bring a tart sweetness to balance out the richness of the butter.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy-peasy.

Step 2: Cream the Butters

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll want to do this for about three minutes because fluffy means fabulous!

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Add in pure vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. The aroma will have you swooning—seriously, take a moment to breathe it in.

Step 4: Dry Ingredients Unite

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into your buttery concoction until combined. Just be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies here.

Step 5: Stir in Goodies

Fold in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries with a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so each bite offers that delightful crunch and burst of flavor!

Step 6: Shape Your Wreaths

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Use your fingers to shape each portion into a wreath shape—don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; rustic is totally in right now!

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake in preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.

These Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are not just treats; they’re little edible masterpieces! Drizzle them with some icing or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an extra festive touch. Enjoy them over holiday movie marathons or share them at parties—you’ll be crowned the cookie queen or king!

You Must Know About Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

This showstopping Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, start by preheating your oven while you mix your dough. Shape the cookies into wreaths before chilling them briefly to enhance their texture. Bake until golden brown for a delightful crunch.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to customize your Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies by swapping out pistachios for walnuts or adding a sprinkle of orange zest for a citrusy twist. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like cherries or apricots to create your signature cookie.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness and fresh-baked aroma.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies

This professional-quality Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

When I first made these Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, my friends couldn’t believe I baked them at home! Their astonished faces as they took their first bites were priceless—definitely a moment I’ll cherish forever.

FAQs

What are Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies?

Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are delightful holiday treats that combine the rich flavors of pistachios and tart cranberries. These festive cookies are shaped like wreaths and often adorned with colorful icing or decorative sprinkles. The combination of buttery cookie dough, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies not only taste divine but also add a cheerful touch to your dessert table. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone during the holiday season.

How do I store Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies?

To keep your Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their texture and flavor for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Can I customize my Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of baking is the ability to customize recipes. For your Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies, you can experiment with different nuts such as almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios. You might also try adding white chocolate chips or other dried fruits for extra flavor and texture. Decorating with colored icing or edible glitter can make these cookies even more festive. Get creative and make these wreath cookies reflect your personal taste!

Are Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies make perfect gifts during the holiday season! Their beautiful wreath shape and vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that is sure to impress recipients. Place them in decorative tins or boxes, adding a personal touch with festive ribbons or tags. Not only are these cookies delicious, but they also convey thoughtfulness when shared with friends and family during celebrations.

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their unique combination of flavors and festive presentation, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Storing these cookies properly ensures they remain fresh for sharing or enjoying throughout the season. Don’t hesitate to customize your wreath cookies for a personal touch! Make this holiday season special by baking these charming treats that everyone will love.