I make these each Christmas season and they are simple enough to just whip up and keep in the house for family and friends who visit.
What I love about cooking is its flexibility. I can add a dash here, a splash there, and give it a taste to adjust seasoning.
What I’m not crazy about is baking. I am not a baker. It’s too much pressure being so precise and having to measure each ingredient.
When I spotted this recipe for cranberry pistachio cookies, I was confident I could pull it off.
I love the soft green and red colors of this cookie.
They are perfectly sweet with a touch of salt from the pistachios.
I like to give them a bit of edible glitter for some sparkle.
I don’t serve these just for dessert…I think this is the perfect little cookie for a brunch gathering. Do you have an easy cookie recipe that you make?
For more easy cookie recipe inspiration, read my Easy and Rustic Lemon Rosemary Cake Mix Cookies.
Check out my list of Fun and Festive Christmas Cookie Essentials to Brighten Your Kitchen.

- 1 pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
- 1 box pistachio instant pudding and pie filling mix
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup dry roasted salted pistachio nuts chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- optional - green food coloring for a more vibrant green color
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a large bowl, stir cookie mix, unprepared pudding mix, and flour.
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Add melted butter and eggs and stir until well mixed.
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Add pistachios and cranberries and mix well.
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Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, making sure not to overbake so they remain soft in texture.
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Let sit for an additional 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Cool on a wire rack.
Do not overbake. When you remove them from the oven, they will not look done. Let sit for 2 more minutes.
Add edible glitter for some fun and sparkle.
Store in air tight container.
Original recipe found here.
I have made these twice and they are a huge FAN favorite! I was hooked when Jen brought them to a cookie exchange last year:)
Thanks so much, Clare! So happy you love them! They are a favorite in our house too!
How smart are you?! This is such a simple no-fuss recipe. Perfect for a busy weekend. I love that you’re up doing a pre-measured ingredient, just makes it so much easier. Thanks for this.
Thanks, Jen!
I never would have thought to put pistachios and cranberries together but these look amazing!
Thanks, Gabby! It is a lovely combo!
Oh, these look amazing! Pistachios are my favorite, and I love the cranberries you added into this! Yum 🙂
Thanks, Corey!!!
Love this combination of flavors – I bet you have the best cookies at the exchange!
Yes, there is quite a variety at the exchanges! It’s so fun!
These look so great and festive!
How can I bake these cookies using homemade sugar cookies? I bake everything homemade. I don’t like mixes.
Gale
I suppose you would just use your homemade sugar cookie recipe and just add the pistachio pudding mix. The pudding mix is what gives it its color and flavor.
WOW…these look delicious! I can’t wait to try this. Yum!
They are! And so fast and simple to make! Enjoy! Thanks for reading, Jocelyn!!!