Cranberry and pistachio biscuits

Cranberry and pistachio biscuits offer a delightful contrast of tart cranberries and rich pistachios. This simple recipe yields tender, flavorful biscuits perfect for tea time or festive occasions.

09 Feb 2026
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk (1% fat)
2 tbsp orange zest
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup pistachio nuts

Cranberry and pistachio biscuits are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of dried cranberries with the richness of pistachios. These biscuits are perfect for festive occasions, tea-time snacks, or simply as a delicious homemade indulgence.

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the vanilla extract and milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, about half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure the dough is well combined but do not over mix.

5. Add Zest, Cranberries, and Pistachios:
Gently fold in the orange zest, dried cranberries, and chopped pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Shape the Dough:
Divide the dough in half and roll each half into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the dough is firm.

7. Slice and Bake:
Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-baking.

9. Cool:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve and Store:
Once cooled, serve the biscuits immediately or store them in an airtight container. These biscuits can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.

With their festive colors and delicious combination of flavors, cranberry and pistachio biscuits are sure to be a hit. Enjoy these delightful biscuits with your favorite hot beverage, or share them with friends and family as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Cranberry and pistachio biscuits FAQ:

What is the baking time for cranberry and pistachio biscuits?

Bake the biscuits in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

The biscuits are done when the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close watch to prevent over-baking.

What is the best way to store cranberry and pistachio biscuits?

Store the cooled biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this biscuit recipe?

You can replace the dried cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins or apricots, and the pistachios can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for different flavors.

What size should the baking sheet be for this recipe?

A standard-sized baking sheet (about 18x13 inches) works well for this recipe, allowing enough space for the sliced biscuits to be spaced about 1 inch apart.

Tips:

- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.

- For a more intense flavor, you can toast the pistachios lightly before adding them to the dough.

- Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of the biscuits while baking.

- If you prefer a softer biscuit, bake them for a minute or two less; for a crisper biscuit, add a minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition per serving

10 Servings
Calories 400kcal
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 1.84g
Sugar 22g
Fat 20g

Cranberry and pistachio biscuits