An analytical and finite element investigation of the effect of different cryogenic cooling nozzle configurations on temperature and residual stress in a model friction stir weld is presented. A new configuration adopting a distributed cooling approach is proposed based on an analytical cooling model. Finite element models are implemented to verify the effect of distributed cooling on welding temperature and longitudinal residual stress. The results presented indicate that new active cooling methods can improve mitigation of welding-induced residual stress.