Cran-Pistachio Cookies - The Girl Who Ate Everything (2024)

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110 comments on “Cran-Pistachio Cookies”

1. Debra Rzodkiewicz — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 @ 12:19:44 EST Reply

   I made the Cran Pistachio cookies. I needed at least 6 dozen. Recipe states it makes 24 cookies, so I 3x recipe. I have cookies up ti the ceiling! Way more than 24 cookies per batch. Perhaps that should be 24 servings at 2 cookies ( or so) each????

   • Christy Denney — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 @ 01:57:54 EST Reply

     It will depend how big you make them. Sorry!

2. Martha — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 @ 19:37:31 EST Reply

   Omg! These cookies are so delicious-I will be making these on regular rotation from now on. I just made a batch today to take to a Christmas cookie exchange tomorrow evening, and my family ate nearly half the batch lol. I had to make a second batch so that I would have enough for my cookie exchange. My perfect bake time ended up being 6 minutes (I have a Wolf convection oven). I test-baked a couple of cookies at a time to get the timing just right before baking the rest of the batch (since my oven runs so hot, I always cook for less time than called for then taste test). I highly recommend this recipe if you likepistachio flavor!

   • Christy Denney — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 @ 02:05:34 EST Reply

     Thank you!

3. Barbara Carew — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 @ 19:15:36 EST Reply

   Can you use fresh cranberries? Loved these before, but have fresh cranberries avail.

   • Christy Denney — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 @ 22:58:12 EST Reply

     I have not tried it with fresh cranberries so I can’t be sure.

4. Danielle — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 @ 00:23:32 EDT Reply

   Made these for Bible study at Christmas and they were delicious! Everyone loved them and wanted the recipe. Easy to make too. I’ll make them again for book club at Christmas cookie exchange.

   • Christy Denney — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 @ 21:25:29 EST Reply

     See Also

     Christmas in Sweden – Travels With The Crew7 Controversial Canning Mistakes That'll Cost You Your HealthHow to Make Raw Apple Cider Vinegar at HomeWhat to Do With Elderberries - And Here We Are

     Very festive and I’m glad you liked it!

5. Randoms of Noy — Sun, 23 Dec 2018 @ 17:26:17 EST Reply

   I made a video of this recipe, because I loved them so much!https://youtu.be/YVY2qxqvHog

   • Christy Denney — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 @ 23:38:22 EST Reply

     Awesome!

6. Trish — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 @ 23:22:54 EST Reply

   Super Delish!! A keeper

   • Christy Denney — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 @ 23:00:21 EST Reply

     Thank you!

7. Samantha — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 @ 13:02:28 EDT Reply

   Could i use my own sugar cookie recipe instead if the mix? Would it come out the same?

   • Christy Denney — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 @ 22:23:12 EDT Reply

     I haven’t tried it but I’m sure it would be similar.

     • Stephanie Balderas — Sat, 23 Dec 2017 @ 13:50:30 EST Reply

       I bought a Betty Crocker sugar cookie pouch but its 20% more at 1lb 5oz. But the recipe calls for 1lb 1.5 oz. How much do I need to keep out to make it work? I went to the store but all of the original Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix was out. Please help!

8. CS — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 @ 04:20:58 EST Reply

   These are one of the best cookies I’ve ever made!

9. Karen — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 @ 16:59:03 EST Reply

   I finally made these this year. They are so wonderful!!!! I love everything about them. Good luck not eating them all before you store them!!

   • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 @ 23:53:38 EST Reply

     Thanks for commenting!

10. Libby — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 @ 15:09:50 EST Reply

    Very good cookie, really watch this one browns fast, and they defiantly are prettier with no brown. I added 1 drop of food coloring would use 2 to 3 next time. Also chop the nuts and cranberries real good will make a prettier cookie also I think a little less nuts would be ok. Super easy.

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 @ 16:42:23 EST Reply

      Thanks for the tips and you’re right about the browning.

11. Kristy B — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 @ 17:41:56 EST Reply

    I just discovered this recipe less than a week ago and I’ve already made it twice! So good!

12. Emily — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 @ 21:17:52 EDT Reply

    These cookies have become a go to for me the last two years for Christmas and everyone loves them! So easy and delicious!

13. Ruth Alice — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 @ 17:40:30 EDT Reply

    Silly question, maybe: how big should the “spoonfuls” of cookie dough be? Like a tablespoon worth or so?

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 @ 23:52:16 EDT Reply

      I would do about 1-2 Tablespoons.

14. Judy — Fri, 09 May 2014 @ 21:27:55 EDT Reply

    Made these for Mother’s day and shipped them to all my Moms/Grandmas. They loved them and so did I!

    I featured them and your blog on my blog.
    http://rehashedrewritten.blogspot.com/2014/05/mothers-day-pistachio-cranberry-cookies.html

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sun, 11 May 2014 @ 21:40:14 EDT Reply

      You have lucky moms and grandmas.

15. Katie in Vermont — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 @ 19:32:33 EST Reply

    These are my entire family’s favorite cookie!! I sub chocolate chips in for the cranberries (hubby doesn’t like them) and use roasted salted pistachios. The result is this amazing salty/sweet super soft cookie. I’ve made them about a dozen times, and the key truly is to take them out of the oven when you think they’re nowhere near done. Thanks for the recipe!!

16. Judy — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 @ 22:05:05 EST Reply

    Is the flour plain or self rising? I am never sure which one to use. Thanks. Judy

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 @ 00:15:43 EST Reply

      The flour is all-purpose. All the recipes on my site use all-purpose unless I state otherwise. Good luck!

17. lotuspixie — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 @ 17:24:28 EST Reply

    I made these and was so disappointed. I absolutely adore pistachio-flavored everything, and found these cookies rather mediocre–they tasted ok, but I actually didn’t eat more than a couple (which is a rarity for me). I’m not sure what it is about the recipe, but I definitely won’t be making these again.

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 @ 22:52:22 EST Reply

      I guess all tastebuds are different. Did you make sure not to overbake them? I think that makes all the difference between making this cookie amazing and mediocre.

18. Johnny — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 @ 21:17:57 EST Reply

    For clarification it would have helped if the mixes were described as prepared or unprepared. In your defense Betty Crocker herself was not any clearer other than you omitted the word mix after pudding in the directions. When I see the word mix in the preparation directions I assume unprepared. Love your wonderful website keep them recipes coming !

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 @ 23:48:48 EST Reply

      Thanks. I will try to make it clearer.

19. Deb — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 @ 17:25:46 EST Reply

    Made these for a cookie exchange and everyone wants the recipe. This is now my husband’s favorite cookie! Next time I’m going to add a few white chocolate chips!

20. Denise — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 @ 15:59:09 EST Reply

    so I noticed if you touch them when its time to take them out, they are mushy as if they arent done, but the harden after they cool off

21. stacy — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 @ 17:47:43 EST Reply

    Easy to make and delicious

22. Anne — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 @ 14:25:46 EST Reply

    Made this cookie today. To die for!!! This is my new favorite Christmas Cookie!

23. Gloria — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 @ 18:34:22 EST Reply

    I followed your recipe to the letter and I’m happy to say these came out so yummy and pretty. Thanks so much for sharing with us!!!

24. Debbi Cornett — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 @ 13:16:53 EST Reply

    I added white chocolate chips and it tasted great! A girl’s gotta have chocolate.

25. Angela — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 @ 11:49:08 EST Reply

    I made these for a family cookie night and they were good good good. I also did a little less nuts, and didn’t add the coloring, as they were a beautiful green. I did think they might need a little more flour and I was wondering what homemade sugar cookie recipe that you have used?
    These are going in the KEEP file for cookies, easy, yummy and a crowd pleaser. 🙂
    Thanks!!

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 @ 17:17:07 EST Reply

      Angela,
      I have a homemade sugar cookie on my site but it’s for a fluffy cookie. For a chewier cookie like a mix I love OurBEstBites version: http://www.ourbestbites.com/2008/12/sugar-cookies/

      • Angela — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 @ 19:04:28 EST Reply

        See Also

        Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe | Cafe Rio Copycat - Shelf Cooking

        Thanks Christy!!! Happy Holidays! 🙂

        • Angela — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 @ 19:06:01 EST Reply

          Christy,
          One more thing.. so you make the home made kind and just add the pudding… the ratios are the same?

          THANKS AGAIN. 😉

          • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 @ 22:36:08 EST

            I have no idea if the sugar cookie mix and the recipe I listed yield the same so I’m not sure. Sorry!

26. Penny — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 @ 21:46:40 EST Reply

    If you added dried cherries instead of cranberries you could call them Spumoni cookies!

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 @ 17:18:16 EST Reply

      Totally!

27. Andrea — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 @ 16:39:15 EST Reply

    Do these freeze well?

    • Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 @ 23:28:37 EST Reply

      I haven’t tried but I’m sure they would.

28. amanda — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 @ 01:04:15 EST Reply

    just made these. they were wonderful. i replaced some of the nuts with a couple handfuls of white chocolate chips and it made then very nice. a tip to tell if they are done for most people.. cookies often never look “done” when they actually are. One way to actually tell if they are ready is to watch them and when they stop having a glossy shine, they are done. this usually happens before they get any brown.

29. Kim — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 @ 22:24:10 EST Reply

    Made these for Christmas and absolutely adored them! Beautiful and soft with great flavor.
    So I’m gonna make them again tonight but substitute for Vanilla pudding and chocolate chips and see how they turn out.
    I might put a little less chips since for me it felt like there were a lot of cran/pistachios and not enough pure cookie.

30. Abby C — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 @ 11:29:27 EST Reply

    Wow! These came out amazing! I used 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1 tbs of shortening to make a white chocolate coating for the bottom of the cookies. They came out so yummy and the entire batch was gone at my christmas party. Thank you so much! These are the perfect holiday cookie !

31. Jessica — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 @ 12:54:48 EST Reply

    Just made one batch of these… going to be making more! They are soooo delicious! They are the perfect green…. they will look beautiful for my holiday cookie plate!! =] Thank you so much for the great recipe!

32. Steph — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 @ 14:23:14 EST Reply

    This came just in time. A quick recipe for a cookie party. Everyone loved it.

33. Chris — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 @ 12:39:06 EST Reply

    Sick of seeing all these cheat recipes on Pinterest… Cake mix / cookie mix blah blah blah !

    • Laurie — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 @ 18:43:52 EST Reply

      Then don’t make them if you are a domestic goddess with unlimited time on your hands. Keep your negative thoughts to yourself and consider some of us others who have crazy busy lives with no time to scratch bake. I tasted these cookies this weekend and felt INSPIRED to bake (normally not something I have time or desire to do) because they were delicious and EASY, so there!

      • Christy — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 @ 20:56:13 EST Reply

        Thanks Laurie!

34. Tracey Ruehlicke — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 @ 20:06:32 EST Reply

    I made my first batch with the hopes they’d be as good as they look for a cookie exchange. They are delish and so easy to make. I can’t wait to see how my friends at work like them! Thanks.

35. Denise — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 @ 21:52:21 EST Reply

    These cookies are so pretty! Do you chill your cookie dough before baking?

    • Christy — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 @ 22:33:12 EST Reply

      I didn’t chill mine…

36. Alicia — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 @ 15:23:39 EST Reply

    I was just wondering if you mix any milk with the pudding first, or just just put the dry pudding mix in there??

    • Christy — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 @ 22:23:31 EST Reply

      Just dry pudding mix is what you want here.

37. Michelle — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 @ 22:26:07 EST Reply

    Just made these cookies and they awesome not to sweet they are just right thanx

38. Peggy Vaugh — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 @ 13:59:43 EST Reply

    I am axious to make these cookies – can’t go wrong with cranberries and pistachios during the holidays. I was not able to locate dry roasted pistachios – I bought the regular, salted, shelled pistachios (no shelling for me!) Will there be a difference in the end result using these nuts versus dry roasted?

    • Christy — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 @ 22:05:43 EST Reply

      @Peggy, No, those will be perfect!

      • Peggy Vaughn — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 @ 10:55:48 EST Reply

        Thanks….I’m going into the kitchen right now to make them!

39. Alli — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 @ 19:28:28 EST Reply

    Salted or unsalted butter?

    • Christy — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 @ 21:04:15 EST Reply

      I used unsalted because that’s what I usually bake with. The nuts are salted so you already have plenty of salt.

40. Chris — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 @ 10:39:20 EST Reply

    I just made these for a cookie swap and they taste good but they never really flattened out… they are rounded. What do you think caused that?

    • Christy — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 @ 17:18:49 EST Reply

      @Chris,
      Was your butter completely melted? The temperature of your butter is a big factor in how flat or non-flat the cookies are. If the butter was melted but cooled they might be a little rounder. You can also flatten the dough with your fingers before baking.

41. Aimee — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 @ 18:17:54 EST Reply

    I found these also on Pinterest today, they look divine! However, I was wondering if you could make these a bit more natural without using the pre-packaged cookie mix and made a mix of your own? If so, what would you recommend the recipe be?

    • Christy — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 @ 22:06:38 EST Reply

      Shoot. I have no idea. I would have to experiment with that one.

42. Rachel — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 @ 16:35:40 EST Reply

    These look awesome. What size cookie pouch did you use because I’ve come across different sizes?

43. Lea — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 @ 12:18:19 EDT Reply

    It looks so nice! And it tastes so good!!

44. Junk Fairy — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 @ 16:51:44 EDT Reply

    As I was browsing on pinterest today, I found your Sisters Blog! What a treat! I’m making cookies today. All the recipes look so good!
    XO
    Eloise

45. Shanna — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 @ 20:12:16 EST Reply

    These are GREAT! I’ve had them in my Cookies folder since last year and needed some festive cookies for the people at my husband’s work. Like some of the other commenters said, my first reaction was that they’re heavy on the nuts, BUT I NEVER put nuts in my cookies so it was a nice change of pace and I really enjoy the flavor & texture! I’m betting they’ll be a hit! (Now I’m off to start mixing your eggnog cookies!)

46. MaMa Ocean — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 @ 23:07:30 EST Reply

    Thank you so much for posting the recipe! They are so festive!! However, I too feel they are WAY too heavy on the nuts, next time I’ll definitely AT LEAST cut them down to 1/2 cup, if not less, however they are DELICIOUS!!!!

47. Tracy — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 @ 22:14:39 EST Reply

    I’ve got these in the oven now – and of course I’ve taste-tested the first ones that came out. I will say (and I intend to leave this feedback on the Betty Crocker Web site) that I love them, but next time (er, probably next Christmas) when I make them I think I’ll do 1/2 c of pistachio nuts and 1 c. of cranberries. They are a bit heavy on the nuts for me. Delicious, though!

48. Bluesbaby — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 @ 22:38:41 EST Reply

    Made these last Christmas and had to bake more before Christmas because they disappeared. Making them today. They are fantastic, very pretty, and everyone seems to like them.

49. Sarah — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 @ 14:23:39 EST Reply

    Just took these out of the oven….Delicious!

50. Fair Damsel — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 @ 21:42:37 EST Reply

    These are great! I also made them for a cookie exchange and added 1/2 cup white chocolate chips. Seriously. Delish.

51. Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 @ 23:04:48 EST Reply

    @heather, I think the cranberries add a lot to these cookies- flavor and color. I’m afraid subbing almonds would be too many nuts since there are already pistachios in them. Good luck!

52. Heather — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 @ 14:13:50 EST Reply

    Im thinking about making these this weekend, but was wondering if you thought I could substitute almonds for cranberries. Im not a frequent baker and have never made up my own recipes 🙂

53. Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 @ 04:06:22 EST Reply

    @Kris,
    Totally valid question. Just add the dry pudding mix. Do not prepare it. Good luck with your cookie swap!
    Christy

54. Kris S — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 @ 16:11:35 EST Reply

    So are you supposed to make the pudding according to it’s directions on the box before adding it to the other ingredients? Might sound like a silly question but I’m making these with friends for a cookie swap so I can’t afford to have any mistakes.

55. Hearty Appletite — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 @ 04:17:21 EST Reply

    Oh, what an exquisite cookie! I love pistachios. I’m definitely going to try these 🙂

56. Stacy — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 @ 06:43:57 EST Reply

    I made these as part of my Christmas baking and they were my favorite cookie! I also sent some to my family and my brother stated they were also his favorite. Perfect color green (without any added coloring) and soft. Yum! I made them using a sugar cookie recipe instead of the pouch, I just tweaked the recipe a bit and it still came out fabulous. Thank you!

57. Anonymous — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 @ 03:08:16 EST Reply

    I’ve made a bunch of these for a cookie swap tomorrow night. I hope the ladies like these as much as the guys I’ve had try them do! They’re delicious and sooo easy! Thanks for the recipe! Next, I’m going to try those hot chocolate cookies. =)

    -Anne-Marie

58. Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 @ 16:42:13 EST Reply

    @Jen,
    I don’t think the hallow air sheets should be causing that. Maybe too much butter or the wrong sized pudding? I’m not sure. Sorry.
    I always try to do a test batch first to see what the cooking time may be because every oven varies.
    Christy

59. Anonymous — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 @ 21:14:39 EST Reply

    I’m troubled. I’ve had my cookies in for 8 minutes, out for 5, in for 2 more, out for 30, in for 2 more and out for 2 more and they are still total mush. Is this because I’m using those hallow air-bake cookie sheets? Help please!

    Jen

60. Emi — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 @ 11:58:17 EST Reply

    They are very nice!

61. Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 @ 15:43:05 EST Reply

    @Sophie,
    Thanks girl for the catch! So glad you enjoyed them.
    Christy

62. Sophie — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 @ 14:57:37 EST Reply

    I made those last weekend and they turned out delicious! The boyfriend usually doesn’t like sweets, but he loved those. I didn’t add any coloring and they were a very pretty shade of green. PS: In the list of ingredients you forgot the flour – 1/4 cup.

63. leaf (the indolent cook) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 @ 21:55:30 EST Reply

    Such pretty colours!

64. Deborah — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 @ 22:45:41 EST Reply

    I’ve totally done that before – had to shell the pistachios by hand! But these cookies look like they would be worth it!

65. Monica H — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 @ 06:33:57 EST Reply

    These are so pretty and cheery! Perfect for the holidays. I’m going out of town this weekend, but I will get you my post as soon as I can!

66. Melody Fury - GourmetFury.com — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 @ 00:07:36 EST Reply

    What a stunning holiday recipe! Would you like to submit it to my contest to win a cookbook? Just wanting to share the holiday cheer (and exposure to your blog) Would love for you to win 🙂 http://ow.ly/3j61M

67. Holly — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 @ 07:22:29 EST Reply

    Yummy!I saw these over at betty crocker too:) They look fab!:) Looking forward to all of the cookies to come!

68. Taylor — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 @ 05:04:15 EST Reply

    Mmm pudding cookies are one of my favorite…they are so fluffy! I love the festive green and red in these cookies…yum yum!

69. Melanie — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 @ 03:46:58 EST Reply

    What festive looking cookies (although huge bummer on having to shell the pistachios!).

    • patricia m ray — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 @ 21:09:45 EST Reply

      shelled pistachios are now available on line

70. Susan — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 @ 02:42:29 EST Reply

    These look really yummy – love the fun green color!

    Susan http://www.ugogrrl.com

71. Krista @ Kristastes — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 20:21:02 EST Reply

    These look amazing, I love that they are Christmas colors, naturally!

72. Jennifurla — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 19:48:08 EST Reply

    The color is awesome, delicate and nice…easy recipe too

73. The Clark Family — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 18:33:04 EST Reply

    I totally wanted to make these when I saw them in Betty Crocker. I am glad to know that they are good!

74. Danielle — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 16:36:44 EST Reply

    I made pistachio cookies a while ago too, yours look really good! I love the color.

75. Paycheck Princess — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 15:47:29 EST Reply

    Oh lord… LOVE Pistachios. Another cookie to add to the list for this year’s cookie extravaganza. And such festive colors, too!

76. Kristan — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 13:44:12 EST Reply

    I LOVE pistachio pudding…seriously one of my favorites. These look AWESOME!!

77. cookies and cups — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 13:39:34 EST Reply

    Those are soo pretty! That color is gorgeous 🙂

78. Katie Rose — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 @ 13:29:39 EST Reply

    Instant Pistachio Pudding is one of the only mixes that I buy and I love it so much! These definitely sound good! Though I’m a little unsure about the craisins, I’ll have to try it and see.

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