Cranberry & Pistachio Refrigerator Cookies

These buttery slice-and-bake cookies are filled with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pistachios. The dough can be prepared ahead, chilled in the refrigerator, and sliced whenever you are ready to bake. They are simple, festive, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, optional

Instructions

1. Beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and creamy.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in the dried cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest if using.
5. Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a firm log about 2 inches in diameter.
6. Wrap the log tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm.
7. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice the chilled dough into rounds about ¼ inch thick.
9. Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
10. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Related Questions & Answers

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The wrapped dough can be kept refrigerated for several days before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Wrap the dough very tightly and freeze it. Thaw it in the refrigerator until firm but sliceable before baking.

Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work best because they provide sweetness without adding excess moisture to the dough.

Can I substitute another nut for pistachios?
Yes. Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts are good alternatives.

How do I get clean, even slices?
Use a sharp knife and rotate the dough slightly after every few cuts. Keeping the dough well chilled also helps prevent it from flattening.

Can I add chocolate?
Absolutely. White chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate pair especially well with cranberry and pistachio.