Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Melt the butter in the microwave and allow it to cool while mixing the rest of the ingredients.

Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pistachios, dried cranberries and orange zest in a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, the slightly cool melted butter and the orange extract.

Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times until the dough comes together. Divide dough into two logs.

Transfer the logs to the prepared baking sheet and form into two rectangles of approximately 4-inches wide x 8-inches long and 1-inch thick. Allow some space between the two pieces so they can spread while baking. Sprinkle some of the sparkling sugar if using.

Bake for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Remove from the oven and lower the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meanwhile, cool the dough for 5-8 minutes.

Transfer baked dough pieces to a cutting board and with a sharp knife, cut into slices that are about 1-inch thick.

Arrange the slices on the baking sheet cut-side down and return to the oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, flip to the other cut side, then bake for another 12-15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.