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Few Christmas cookies are as charming, instantly recognizable, and joy-filled as Festive Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies. With their vibrant green pistachios, jewel-toned cranberries, and classic wreath shape, these cookies look like Christmas on a plate. They’re nostalgic yet elegant, playful yet refined—making them a must-bake during the holiday season.
These wreath cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet, allowing the natural nuttiness of pistachios and the tangy chew of cranberries to shine. Finished with a drizzle of white chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar, they feel festive without being overly rich. Whether you’re building a Christmas cookie tray, hosting a holiday party, or gifting homemade treats, these cookies deliver both beauty and flavor.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its simplicity. The dough comes together easily, shapes beautifully, and bakes evenly. Even beginner bakers can achieve bakery-worthy results, while experienced bakers will appreciate how adaptable and reliable the recipe is.
Why Pistachio and Cranberry Are a Perfect Holiday Pair
Pistachio and cranberry are one of the most visually striking and flavor-balanced combinations in holiday baking.
- Pistachios bring buttery richness, a soft crunch, and festive green color
- Cranberries add tartness, chewiness, and vibrant red contrast
- Together, they create a cookie that is balanced, not overly sweet, and naturally festive
Unlike chocolate-heavy cookies, pistachio cranberry wreath cookies feel light and refined—perfect after big holiday meals.
What Makes Wreath Cookies So Special
Wreath-shaped cookies have been a Christmas tradition for decades, symbolizing warmth, welcome, and celebration. Their circular shape makes them visually unique among typical drop or cut-out cookies, and they instantly elevate any dessert spread.
These cookies:
- Look impressive with minimal effort
- Hold their shape beautifully
- Are ideal for decorating
- Transport well for gifting
- Appeal to both kids and adults
They’re festive without requiring icing skills or specialty tools.
Ingredients for Festive Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped shelled pistachios
- Dried cranberries
For Decoration (Optional):
- White chocolate, melted
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries.
- Shape wreaths: Scoop small portions of dough, roll into balls, then use your finger to create a hole in the center, shaping into wreaths.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
- Decorate: Drizzle with melted white chocolate or dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Wreath Cookies
- Don’t overbake: Cookies should stay pale and soft
- Chop pistachios finely: Ensures even shaping and clean wreaths
- Use parchment paper: Prevents spreading and sticking
- Decorate after cooling: Keeps chocolate glossy and neat
- Chill dough if needed: If dough feels too soft, chill 20 minutes
Festive Variations
- Almond Pistachio Wreaths: Add almond extract for depth
- Orange Cranberry Wreaths: Add orange zest to the dough
- Chocolate-Dipped Wreaths: Dip half the cookie in white or dark chocolate
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Serving Suggestions
Serve Festive Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies:
- On Christmas cookie trays
- With hot cocoa or tea
- As edible holiday gifts
- On dessert tables or brunch spreads
They pair beautifully with coffee, spiced tea, or mulled cider.
Cultural & Seasonal Context
Wreath-shaped desserts symbolize celebration and welcome across many cultures. In holiday baking, they represent abundance, warmth, and togetherness. Pistachios—once considered a luxury nut—add elegance, while cranberries ground the cookie in North American holiday tradition.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (unglazed) up to 2 months
- Make-ahead: Bake early and decorate before serving
Festive Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Cookies
Soft and buttery holiday wreath cookies filled with pistachios and cranberries, perfect for Christmas dessert trays and gifting.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in pistachios and cranberries.
- Shape dough into wreaths and place on baking sheets.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until just set. Cool completely.
Notes
Decorate with white chocolate drizzle or powdered sugar after cooling.
