White Chocolate Cranberry Salted Pistachio Drop Cookies and a #Giveaway!
December 7, 2012 at 9:43 pm | Posted in Cookies, Dessert, Fruit, Holiday | 119 CommentsTags: baking, cinnamon, Cookies, dried cranberries, drop cookies, holiday baking, Orange Zest, Pistachio Nuts, Recipe, white chocolate
Hello, yeah it’s been a while, not much, how ’bout you?
I love that song and it has been a while – almost three weeks to be exact. Yeah, I know..I don’t post very often anyway (and that will eventually change), but for some inexplicable reason, this time it feels like I haven’t posted for months.
There’s really no major reason behind it other than LIFE stuff and that mysterious ‘lack of motivation’ plague that has been festering inside of me for months. You know, the one I always complain about in almost every.single.post.
Sorry about that.
Well…I’m back and I’ve returned with COOKIES!
Me want cookies! - the cookie monster
I was contacted by Wayfair.and Peapod a few weeks ago, telling me they paired up for holiday baking. They asked if I’d like to bake some cookies using one of their recipes – and I could add my own twist to their recipe(s), if I’d like..
Add my own twist if I’d like? That’s like asking me if I’d like to breathe.
I was also contacted by an old friend, OhNuts.com. Every holiday they let me choose two ingredients to bake with and send them my way. I love free stuff I can bake and cook with. I never turn those down. Not to mention, the quality and packing of OhNuts ‘nuts’ and other products they sell, is perfection.
I highly recommend you order something from OhNuts and see for yourself, and I’m not just saying this because they sent me two free bags of nuts. I don’t sell out for two bags of nuts (well..I did once, but I really liked the guy ;D), or anything for that matter, but I do..speak the truth. I chose what I usually choose..’insert different nut or candy each year’ and…shelled pistachio nuts. I have ripped my fingertips to shreds shelling pistachio nuts for baking and I LOVE to bake with pistachio nuts, so there is never a time where I don’t choose these when given the opportunity.
So, I put a twist on their recipe for Festive Drop Cookies, from the several recipes Wayfair and Peapod sent me. Well,,more like a complete lambada. I took the pistachios from Oh Nuts and paired them with dried cranberries, chunks of white chocolate and a bit of cinnamon and orange zest, in lieu of the M&Ms in the original recipe, to really make them pop and boy do they pop! I’m very pleased with how they turned out.
Several years ago..I decided I was going to make a bunch of cookie baskets to give as gift to friends, the nail salon, the hair salon..the oil change place..OK, basically, if I used your service, you were getting a cookie basket..like it or not – I AM COOKIE BASKET WOMAN HEAR ME ROAR! For two weeks..every day I made 4 dozen of a new cookie, baked them, then froze them. It became such an obsession..I couldn’t think about anything other than what kind of cookie I was going to bake the next day.
If there is a holiday cookie or bar and then some, repertoire, you bet your cotton pickin’ cookie dough I made it. By the time I was satisfied…I had made about 20 different cookies and bars and my freezer could barely shut since it was filled with tons of double thick freezer bags stuffed with almost every kind of cookie imaginable. When the time came – a week before Christmas…I loaded up about ten pretty wicker baskets with 4 of each cookie..wrapped the baskets in colored cellophane tied with mounds of curly – corkscrew ribbons (you know, the scissor drag trick).
I delivered each basket to oooh’s and ahhh’s..the reflection of me waddling with giant cookie baskets via the glass doors.. into different businesses, becoming all too familiar.
There was one problem ..I still had tons of cookies left. SO, I made a basket for my sister..the mother lode of all cookie baskets – one that came up to my hip when set on the floor. BUT, I still had A LOT of cookies left. I looked in the freezer…it was as if the cookies were giving birth to more cookies. They seemed to be multiplying.
They were starting to scare me. Delicious, festive holiday cookies were now an albatross..a cookie cross I had to bear. Exterminators don’t deal with cookie infestations, so I went to my parent’s house and forced two huge cookie baskets on my Mother – begging her to give them to her hair and nail salons as gifts.
She declined, telling me it was too much since she already bought gifts for them..showing me two boxes of candy, lotion/perfume sets for the owners, plus a tip. That and a cookie basket the size of a small child? Uh uh..no way.
“Yeah, but you can add these, they’ll love you!” I said..gently pushng one of the baskets against her arm
“No, Lisa..it’s too much…really…”
I was desperate.
“TAKE THE BASKETS………PLEEEASE!!”
She finally gave in and took them. Later on, she excitedly told me everyone was thrilled, at both places, and went straight for the cookies, ignoring the candy…customers too..all raving about them and packing some in bags to take home.
I felt great..but never made a cookie basket again, no matter how many people asked for them. I can only ‘Martha Stewart’ about once every decade.
By the way..a little cookie factoid When baking drop cookies (or roll into balls cookies), like these, one tablespoon of cookie dough is actually about two measuring spoon tablespoons of dough and one teaspoon of cookie dough is actually one measuring spoon tablespoon of cookie dough. I’ve always used dinnerware spoons to drop cookie dough…the larger ‘tablespoon’ filled for one tablespoon, and the teaspoon, filled, for teaspoons. Good to know I’ve been measuring and dropping cookies the right way..but it was kind of obvious considering they didn’t have measuring spoons when cookies were created – I think. (??).
White Chocolate Cranberry Salted Pistachio Drop Cookies
Adapted from Wayfair – Peapod
Yield: about 4 dozen
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon orange zest
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs or 4 egg whites
2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted pistachios)
1/2 cup quick cooking or regular oats
2 cups white chocolate chunks or 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips * (or a mix of white and dark chocolate chunks)
2 cups whole, shelled pistachios, toasted (not chopped..you want them whole for a bigger bite), preferably Oh Nuts pistachios, since they, well..just taste better!
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries or cherries (or any dried fruit OR none at all)
* If you use white chocolate chips, the cookies won’t be as puffy as the ones in my photos.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. In a large mixing bowl beat butter, orange zest and sugars until creamy smooth. Add eggs or egg whites one at a time until incorporated. Add vanilla extract.
3. In a medium bowl combine flour, cinnamon, salt (if not using salted nuts). oats, and baking soda. Mix well.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in white chocolate, pistachios and dried cranberries. The dough should be a little hard to stir with the white chocolate, pistachios and dried cranberries added in. This is what you want.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silapt. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough, two inches apart, onto lined baking sheet.
6. Bake 10-12 minutes until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.
7. If desired, dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate and place back on baking sheet to set. Edible glitter and/or sprinkles make the chocolate dipping fun for kids, as you can see below.
Kids love dipping cookies in chocolate and edible glitter
So, Wayfair sent mea little box of goodies to bake with..including the red spatula in the cookie dough photo and a Peapod added ar gift card to buy the ingredients to futz with one of their cookie recipes. Here’s the best part..I’m offering one reader a Peapod gift card worth $25.00 to buy what you need or your holiday baking!
To enter..just leave a comment.
For extra entries:
1. Like Peapod on Facebook
2. Like Wayfair on Facebook
3. Follow me on Twitter
4, Follow me on Google+
Leave a separate comment for each thing you do. A winner will be chosen via random.org on Friday, December 14, 2012. If the winner does not respond to my email within 2 days, another winner will be chosen.
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I’ve missed you! And HAHAHA – You absolutely had an “oh no she di’int” moment in this post. Love it
The cookies look delicious!! I am in the process of making dozens and dozens of cookies right now, so I feel your freezer-issues and can totally understand not wanting to repeat THAT any time soon!
Comment by Shelley C— December 7, 2012 #
Looks really tasty! Thanks!
Comment by kate C.— December 7, 2012 #
SO glad you’re back! I’ve been checking.
These look so scrumptious!! I love white chocolate with cranberries. 
Comment by ramblingtart— December 8, 2012 #
Lovely cookies! They look really addictive.
I’ve missed you too!
Cheers,
Rosa
Comment by Rosa Mayland— December 8, 2012 #
Those cookies look fantastic!
Comment by Jenny— December 8, 2012 #
I liked Peapod on Facebook.
Comment by Jenny— December 8, 2012 #
I love Wayfair – I buy from them frequently – and already like them on Facebook.
Comment by Jenny— December 8, 2012 #
I already follow you on twitter @icywit
Comment by Jenny— December 8, 2012 #
These cookies are fantastic! I will soon be in the baking cookie mode. I am easing myself into it. I need to get some edible glitter…it’s so pretty! That last photo with the chocolate and gold glitter is so sparkly and lovely!! Great tips about the measuring out of the dough…now keep this yumminess coming, ok??:)
Comment by Lora @cakeduchess— December 8, 2012 #
Just discovered you & UR blog & I love it!
Comment by Toni— December 8, 2012 #
Wow … your cookies look so yummy that I’ll have to make them! You’ve got a great blog!
Comment by Liz Blunt— December 8, 2012 #
Yum, Yum. Thanks for the giveaway
Comment by intensev5— December 8, 2012 #
So glad you are blogging again!! These cookies look delish!!! My office has been begging me to bake, I only do it once a year for work and these may just make their way into the list!!!
Comment by Holly— December 8, 2012 #
Those cookies look so yummy! I know not everyone loves white chocolate, but I am a huge fan!!
Comment by Sara— December 8, 2012 #
I added you on G+
Comment by Sara— December 8, 2012 #
I liked peapod on FB
Comment by Sara— December 8, 2012 #
I liked wayfair on fb.
Comment by Sara— December 8, 2012 #
Anything to help with baking is a wonderful gift.
Comment by Alyse— December 8, 2012 #
Those cookies look fantastic! Free baking stuffs? You bet!
Comment by rusthawk— December 8, 2012 #
I am one of your twitter followers @rusthawk.
Comment by rusthawk— December 8, 2012 #
I am one of Wayfair’s facebook followers.
Comment by rusthawk— December 8, 2012 #
I added you to my google circles (rust hawk)
Comment by rusthawk— December 8, 2012 #
I liked Peapod on facebook.
Comment by rusthawk— December 8, 2012 #
Those cookies look amazing!
Comment by Ilene— December 8, 2012 #
I love baking with cranberries – these cookies look so delicious!!
Comment by Linda— December 8, 2012 #
You’ve been missed Lisa!!
I loooooooove these cookies. Anything with white chocolate is definitely for me!:)
Comment by Winnie Rottem— December 8, 2012 #
I haven’t tried these cookies but I am backing cookies all the time. These look like a great recipe that I would love to try.
Comment by Kim Santos— February 21, 2013 #
I’m betting your friends and loved ones have been enjoying your cookie baking immensely! I hope you try these and let me know how they turn out!
Comment by Lisa— February 22, 2013 #
You had me at Cranberry Salted Pistachio . . . It could have said dog treats but I would have tried them anyway. Getting out ingredients now !
Comment by Suz— December 8, 2012 #
Oh yum! These cookies have to be added to my list! I think some plump dried cherries are going to be added instead of cranberries. Then again maybe a little of both! HaHa! Waaay to many decisions!
Good to see that your posting again! Have a Happy Holiday to you and your hubby!
Comment by Jan— December 8, 2012 #
I just finished decorating sugar cookies and have 2 more kinds to bake tomorrow! I love Christmas cookies!
Comment by barbara n— December 8, 2012 #
These cookies have everything to love and are perfect for Santa
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Comment by Choc Chip Uru— December 8, 2012 #
These cookies sound amazing! I love pistachios but truth be told, I’ve never baked with them. In fact, the only thing I think I’ve done besides eat them straight was nougat. I think I need to rectify that and these cookies sound like just the thing. Lovely!
Comment by FoodBabbles— December 8, 2012 #
I like peapod on Facebook
Comment by FoodBabbles— December 8, 2012 #
I like Wayfair on Facebook
Comment by FoodBabbles— December 8, 2012 #
I follow you on twitter
Comment by FoodBabbles— December 8, 2012 #
I follow you on google+
Comment by FoodBabbles— December 8, 2012 #
Love the cookie basket story…cookies look soooo good!
Comment by Jan R— December 8, 2012 #
I subscribe via email.
Comment by Jan R— December 8, 2012 #
Great holiday cookies. Love the cranberry and the color just pops in your photos. Funny story about the baskets
Comment by Dan— December 8, 2012 #
I really must make these cookies! Yum!!!
Comment by erica h— December 8, 2012 #
Those cookies look amazing and are making me so hungry!
Comment by Rosanne— December 8, 2012 #
Like Peapod on Facebook-Rosanne Morrison
Comment by Rosanne— December 8, 2012 #
Like Wayfair on Facebook-Rosanne Morrison
Comment by Rosanne— December 8, 2012 #
Follow you on Twitter-rosannepm
Comment by Rosanne— December 8, 2012 #
Follow you on Google+-Rosanne Morrison
Comment by Rosanne— December 8, 2012 #
woud love to win!
Comment by Corisa— December 8, 2012 #
Welcome back stranger….love shelled pistachios…they make fantastic cookies! Trader Joe’s is my go to…cheap cheap cheap!
Comment by sweetiepetittieetiepetitti— December 8, 2012 #
I freaking love these cookies. Totally gorgeous. I have such a weakness for pistachios.
Comment by cravingsofalunatic— December 8, 2012 #
thanks for the giveaway
Comment by kim burnett— December 9, 2012 #
liked peapod on facebook
Comment by kim burnett— December 9, 2012 #
liked wayfair on facebook
Comment by kim burnett— December 9, 2012 #
These look really good…my dad will ONLY eat chocolate chip cookies, so that’s usually what I make around here. I have rolled and frozen them before and they turned out great. He says no one makes cookies like I do, that mine are his absolute favorite, yada yada…and I’m getting married in 16 days! So, I told my mom that I’d have to make several batches of cookie dough and freeze it in rolls to last him for a while!
Comment by silver price— December 9, 2012 #
These cookies are just the best combination of flavours…yum!
Comment by thelittleloaf— December 9, 2012 #
Welcome back and you are back with a bang. Wow those cookies look so tempting sweet and salty is my weakness..and chewy! How perfect!
Comment by Bam's Kitchen— December 9, 2012 #
These cookies look amazing!
Comment by Sarah S— December 9, 2012 #
They look like they would melt in my mouth.
Comment by Sumit Atre— December 9, 2012 #
It’s hard to find time to post during this time of year (okay, well it’s always hard to find time) I just got into New York the other day and am here until January 8th. Maybe an Arthur Ave, excursion?…..
Comment by Crumbs of Love— December 9, 2012 #
Wow! THanks. The cookies are sooo pretty!
Comment by Jane Patience— December 9, 2012 #
I always do cranberry, white chocolate chips biscotti, will do the cookies now!!
Comment by Andrea— December 9, 2012 #
Happy to see you back Cookie Monster
You have some tempting cookies sweet lady.
Comment by Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking— December 9, 2012 #
These look delicious!
Comment by Lilly Sue— December 9, 2012 #
Liked wayfair on fb (teri)
Comment by Ttrockwood— December 9, 2012 #
Liked peapod on fb (teri)
Comment by Ttrockwood— December 9, 2012 #
Holy smokes Lisa, these cookies look fantastic! I do the “Martha Stewart” cookie basket thing every year, but to a much smaller extent – my hairdresser doesn’t get any, lol
Comment by Korena in the Kitchen— December 9, 2012 #
These cookies look wonderful. I’ve been thinking this is a great flavor combo for some holiday cookies and your post just sold it! Your blog is one of the few I consistently follow – great recipes, photos and stories.
Comment by Chrissie N.— December 10, 2012 #
Liked Peapod on FB.
Comment by Chrissie N.— December 10, 2012 #
Liked Wayfair on FB too!
Comment by Chrissie N.— December 10, 2012 #
White chocolate and pistachios…they are a match made in heaven! These cookies are IRRESISTIBLE!
Comment by Angie@Angie's Recipes— December 10, 2012 #
Enjoy your blog. The cookies look great
Comment by Jan— December 10, 2012 #
I love these cookies! Love them. I really need to start baking cookies and I’ll be trying yours! And um I’ve been on the receiving end of your cookies though they were storebought and not homemade and that was April and I am down to the last 2 boxes. Yeah, really. And I loved them all and so did JP! Once in a while I bake quick breads and give them as gifts but only because cookies are way too fiddling. But now you’ve got me in the mood!
Comment by jamielifesafeast— December 10, 2012 #
Oh I know we are Google+ friends!!
Comment by jamielifesafeast— December 10, 2012 #
I’m pretty sure I follow you on twitter. Now why can’t I find you on Facebook?
Comment by jamielifesafeast— December 10, 2012 #
Hi Lisa! Just wanted to say I love your blog and these cookies are awesome! Lmao @ cookie basket lady!
Comment by Rebecca— December 10, 2012 #
You were for sure the basket woman, LOL! Twenty different kinds…..you were seriously crazy busy baking I bet:-) I love the idea of giving homemade treats for Christmas presents. I plan to make a couple different bundt cakes, and share them with my two neighbors:-) Your cookies sound DELISH, Hugs, Terra
Comment by Terra— December 10, 2012 #
Hi Lisa,great that you are back!
These cookies look fantastic, just perfect for Christmas time.
Comment by Daniela— December 11, 2012 #
Liked Wayfair on FB
Comment by Rebecca— December 11, 2012 #
Liked Peapod on FB
Comment by Rebecca— December 11, 2012 #
Already follow you on twitter. havent joined G+ yet.
Comment by Rebecca— December 11, 2012 #
Just added these to my cookie exchange recipes!
Comment by Diana Aggers— December 11, 2012 #
O lol Lisa! I can sort of see you buried under piles and piles of cookies..
Still it is kind of an excellent idea as I’ve been wanting to bake a lot of things this month but am scared of having to eat it all myself. I know my parents want me to take something with me every single time they see me (and don’t you dare come home empty handed..!) but hey I have to think about their health too! My neighbours love me for the cookies and cakes alone, but I’ve never thought of giving them to my hairdresser or other folks along the way… But maybe not as many as you baked though. Love the look of these beauties!
Comment by Simone— December 11, 2012 #
I love the cookie basket story. These cookies have everything in them I love and they’re gorgeous to boot. Want!
Comment by Lora— December 11, 2012 #
Found you through Pinterest. I can’t wait to make these cookies. Thanks for the give away opportunity.
Comment by frombeyondmykitchenwindow— December 12, 2012 #
I missed your writing! This is the year that I decided I was going to bake cookies for everyone. I agree with you…don’t think I’ll be doing this again anytime soon! >_<
Comment by Stephanie— December 12, 2012 #
By the way, love how my avatar matches my comment, hahah!
Comment by Stephanie— December 12, 2012 #
Awesome cookies..very festive!
Comment by Angela— December 12, 2012 #
I’m so glad your back! I missed reading you! Hoping for part 18 soon! love the cookies and would love to win the peapod card!
Comment by Rose— December 12, 2012 #
I like how you added lots of nuts, fruit and chocolate to these! Going to try them for my Christmas cookie tray!
Comment by Michael— December 12, 2012 #
tasty cookies
Comment by Kyl Neusch— December 13, 2012 #
Like Wayfair on Facebook
Comment by Kyl Neusch— December 13, 2012 #
Yummy sounding cookies.
Comment by Dorothy Hubbard— December 13, 2012 #
I liked Peapod on FB Dorothy Hubbard
Comment by Dorothy Hubbard— December 13, 2012 #
I liked wayfair on FB
Comment by Dorothy Hubbard— December 13, 2012 #
I am following you on google + Dorothy Hubbard
Comment by Dorothy Hubbard— December 13, 2012 #
these look so yummy for the tummy
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Comment by Valerie Taylor Mabrey— December 13, 2012 #
Follow on Google +
Valerie Taylor Mabrey
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Comment by Valerie Taylor Mabrey— December 13, 2012 #
These are beautiful and sound delicious!
Comment by The Café Sucré Farine— December 13, 2012 #
looks fantastic
Comment by christine— December 13, 2012 #
These look very good.
rrudnick@netnet.net
Comment by Ronda— December 13, 2012 #
I liked Peapod on Facebook.
rrudnick@netnet.net
Comment by Ronda— December 13, 2012 #
I liked Wayfair on Facebook.
rrudnick@netnet.net
Comment by Ronda— December 13, 2012 #
Yum! I would love to make these cookies.
Comment by Tara— December 13, 2012 #
Followed you on twitter (bag_of_bones)
Comment by Tara— December 13, 2012 #
These look super delicious!
Comment by Erica C.— December 14, 2012 #
The cookie looks lovely.
Comment by joy— December 14, 2012 #
Would love to win this!!
Comment by Elaine— December 14, 2012 #
Yummmm I just love these cookies!
The colors and flavor combination looks incredible,
Seems really delicious, have to try it!
Thank you dear, and happy holidays
Comment by The Cookie Fairy— December 14, 2012 #
OMG! Cranberries and pistachio?! This will probably be my favourite cookies Lis!!!! Loving the green and red! Just perfect for the holiday season!
Comment by Sammie— December 15, 2012 #
Love this recipe! Will be linking back to this in my upcoming post
Comment by Marla Meridith— December 15, 2012 #
[...] White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Drop Cookies Parsley, Sage and Sweet [...]
Pingback by 100 Amazing Holiday Cookie Recipes on FamilyFreshCooking.com — Family Fresh Cooking— December 16, 2012 #
MMMMMM,..;Lisa! Your festive Christmas cookies look superb, delectable & mighty pretty too!
Comment by Sophie33— December 17, 2012 #
I love me a good drop cookie, and these look better than good! So festive too!
Comment by Sue {munchkin munchies}— December 18, 2012 #
I saw your cookies on FoodGawker and had to make them! Sadly, mine are not nearly as pretty. They spread out a lot and are thin. Any suggestions on what I did wrong or how I might fix ‘em? Thanks!
Comment by Sloane— December 19, 2012 #
Hi, Sloane..I sent you two emails..did you receive them?
Comment by Lisa— December 20, 2012 #
These look awesomr. Fyi, I bake so I
caught it, but the eggs aren’t added into the prep instructions. Just incase a new baker is attempting.
Comment by Cheryl— December 20, 2012 #
Thank you so much, Cheryl.. fixed it
Comment by Lisa— December 20, 2012 #
Dearest Lisa, I would like to place an order for a child sized basket of these cookies. Thank you.
Comment by Jenni (@GingeredWhisk)— December 21, 2012 #
googled white chocolate and pistachios … this recipe was among the options listed. Very happy to have selected this recipe! Delicious. I made a half batch … and now wish I would have made the entire batch. Will definitely make these again.
Thank you for the recipe.
Comment by Christina— March 2, 2013 #
I’m so happy you loved them, Christine! I always loved the combo of chocolate and pistachio with a dried fruit. Try dried apricots, cut up. Everyone loved those too!
Comment by Lisa— March 2, 2013 #