Make your cookie tray merry and magical with these holiday jewels! Soft, nutty, and delicately sweet, these cookies sparkle like snowfall in a winter forest — the perfect festive treat for Christmas gatherings or gift boxes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) pistachio instant pudding mix
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
Green food coloring (optional)
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. - Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined. - Add Pudding Mix
Stir in the pistachio instant pudding mix until evenly blended. This gives the cookies their soft texture and nutty flavor. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. - Color & Add Mix-Ins
If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive hue.
Gently fold in chopped pistachios and dried cranberries. - Shape into Wreaths
Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten slightly. Use your finger or the end of a spoon to make a hole in the center to form a wreath shape. - Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Optional Decoration
Once cooled, drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios or festive sprinkles for a snowy, holiday touch. Enjoy