Ingredients
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened.
• Sugar: 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
• Flour: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup, chopped.
• Pistachios: 1/2 cup, shelled and chopped.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
• Optional: A pinch of salt and some orange zest for extra flavor.
Instructions
1. Cream: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Fold: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and pistachios until they are evenly distributed.
4. Roll: Shape the dough into a long log (about 5 cm in diameter), wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
5. Slice & Bake: Preheat your oven to 160°C. Slice the log into rounds (about 1 cm thick) and place them on a baking tray.
6. Cook: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool completely to get that perfect “shortbread” crunch.
Benefits
• Antioxidant Rich: Dried cranberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support urinary tract health.
• Healthy Fats: Pistachios provide healthy monounsaturated fats and protein, which are good for heart health.
• Eye Health: Pistachios are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, both essential for protecting your eyes.
• Mood Booster: The combination of textures (crunchy nuts and chewy fruit) makes for a satisfying sensory experience that reduces stress.