Friday, November 14, 2008

Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies

These festive looking cookies caught my eye on Epicurious the other day. I decided they should be auditioned for a part in my annual holiday baking extravaganza. There a few cookies and candies that I almost always make for the holidays, and then, I have to try a few new things as well. I may be outing myself as a cookie-baking geek by stating this, but I look forward to the 12 days of cookies from Foodnetwork every year. Icebox cookies are great because of their flexibility. The dough can be left in the refrigerator for a few days or even frozen for a few weeks before being baked. And, cutting them into shape is much easier than rolling out sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies.

For these, the dough was shaped into squared-sided blocks, brushed with an egg wash, and rolled in coarse sugar. To cut the cookies, I recommend using a sharp knife because you’ll want to get a clean cut through the pistachios. Several can fit on a baking sheet since they don’t spread, and that means fewer baking sheets to wash. All in all, this is a very convenient cookie to bake.

The red and green flecked cross sections and the sparkling, crispy edges make these little charmers as easy on the eyes as they are on the palate. They’re tasty and tender and full of flavor from the fruit and nuts. They auditioned well and may very possibly have earned a spot on my holiday cookie tray.


24 comments:

  1. I happened over here because of the eggplant, but these look fabulous -- so pretty with the fruit and nuts. And I love the sugar on the edges.

    I'll be filing this recipe for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. told you I would copy you - these cookies (or something like them) are next....great posts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the square instead of circle shape!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am loving these! The shape and flavors are a perfect combo!

    ReplyDelete
  5. They look great! I love the pistachios, especially. And they're already holiday colored!

    ReplyDelete
  6. They look very attractive. Pistachios are my favorite nuts. Great idea for holiday baking.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Those look great! I like the red and green colour combo in them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love everything about these cookies - the colors, the shape...I bet they taste great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Those cookies look so pretty, and of course, festive too :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. These look wonderful! I'm going to try them this week, but with white chips added in as well!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi lisa,
    For a change, we didn't make the same thing!
    Your pistachio cookies look great.
    I love the combination of cranberries and nuts.
    I posted my eggplant recipe.

    Let me know what you are planning on making this week, so we don't post the same things!!!! ha!

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are so pretty! And i also look forward to the 12 Days of Cookies. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Cranberry+pistachio=wildly delicious. Great top photo too –– Thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  14. this combination sounds really good! i can't wait to try the recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am so digging the square shape here. I haven't made icebox cookies in ages, over years now? Well, these are simply stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is such a great combination in almost anything. I love the creative shape. Nice to find your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I fell into your space following a photo from Tastespotting. I am going to make these for Thanksgiving. They look like they make a delightful dessert and a beautiful platter for serving too!

    ReplyDelete
  18. these are so festive!! i love the shape, the ingredients, and the crunchy sugar sparkles on the outside. nice find!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Perfect holiday cookie. It looks so festive and pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh is that why they call it icebox cookies .. can be refrigerated and need not bake immediately - ok sound good to me!

    ReplyDelete
  21. They are gorgeous! I love the festive colours too :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Ummmmmm you had me at cookies -E

    ReplyDelete
  23. These cookies look delicious! I love the combo of flavors!

    Just found your blog on Food Buzz! You have amazing photos!

    ReplyDelete

Blogging tips