Section 1: The Story & Intro

Bonjour my friends! 🎄✨ It’s Lacamorea here, your French girl who traded Parisian rooftops for warm, cozy American kitchens especially during the holidays when the oven never seems to cool down! Ever since I was little, I adored shortbread cookies. In France, my grandmother used to make buttery sablés and let me press cookie cutters into the dough while I stole little pinches when she wasn’t looking. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted to bring a bit of that magic with me, but with a twist. And that’s how my Pistachio Holiday Shortbread was born.

There’s something irresistible about pistachios their nutty aroma, their gorgeous green color, and the way they transform simple shortbread into something festive and unforgettable. These Pistachio Holiday Shortbread cookies instantly became a December tradition in my home. I make them while holiday music plays, a cup of hot cocoa sits nearby, and the smell of butter and toasted nuts fills the house. It’s like taking a little trip back to Paris, but with an American holiday spin.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy, foolproof, and perfect for gifting. The bright pistachios make these cookies look stunning on a dessert table, and the buttery texture practically melts the moment it hits your tongue. Plus, adding the Pistachio Holiday Shortbread keyword here and there feels very natural because trust me you’ll want to say it again and again once you taste them.

Whenever I make these cookies, I’m reminded why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It’s not just about ingredients it’s about moments. Sharing these Pistachio Holiday Shortbread treats with friends, gifting them in pretty tins, or dipping them in melted chocolate with kids running around it all brings me so much joy. And today, I’m thrilled to share this piece of my heart, and my kitchen, with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these decadent Pistachio Holiday Shortbread cookies, you don’t need anything fancy just simple ingredients and a little holiday spirit.

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped pistachios
Optional: ½ cup melted white chocolate for drizzling
Optional: extra chopped pistachios for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture looks creamy and light. This is the foundation of great shortbread don’t rush it. The fluffier it gets, the tender your cookies will be.

Add the vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract. It adds warmth and sweetness to balance the nutty pistachios.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Then add this dry mixture to the butter mixture. Don’t overmix shortbread prefers gentle handling.

Add the pistachios

Fold in the chopped pistachios. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite gets a burst of color and crunch.

Form the dough

Shape the dough into a log or flatten it into a disc (whichever you prefer). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling keeps the cookies from spreading.

Slice and bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Slice the dough into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, just until the edges turn gently golden.

Optional finishing touch

Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle extra pistachios on top. This makes them even more festive!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Pistachio Holiday Shortbread cookies with hot chocolate, spiced tea, or even a glass of champagne if you’re feeling fancy. They make the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, and edible gifts. Pack them in a holiday tin with parchment paper for a beautiful homemade present. Kids love helping decorate them, and adults love savoring them with coffee after a big holiday meal.

If you want to elevate these cookies even further, dip half of each shortbread round into melted dark chocolate it balances the buttery sweetness beautifully. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead for all your holiday events.

Conclusion

Creating these Pistachio Holiday Shortbread cookies brings me right back to childhood kitchens full of warmth, sugar, and joy. It’s one of those recipes that feels incredibly nostalgic yet modern at the same time. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a holiday party, or simply craving something sweet and festive, these cookies will deliver every time.

And remember cooking is love. It’s warmth. It’s connection. From my French-American kitchen to yours, I hope these cookies bring as much happiness to your home as they do to mine. Joyeux Noël, my friends! 🎄💚

⭐ RECIPE CARD ⭐

⏱ TIME

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

🛒 INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsalted butter
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
½ tsp salt
¾ cup chopped pistachios
Optional: white chocolate drizzle

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

Cream butter and sugar.
Add vanilla.
Whisk flour + salt and add to mixture.
Fold in pistachios.
Shape dough, wrap, and chill.
Slice and bake at 325°F for 12–15 minutes.
Drizzle with chocolate if desired.

📝 NOTES

Toast pistachios for extra flavor.
Add almond extract for a deeper aroma.
Dough freezes up to 3 months.

🔥 NUTRITION (Per Cookie)

Calories: ~140
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 12g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 2g