I can’t tell you how much I adore these Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies! They’re my go-to for holiday baking, but honestly, I make them whenever I need something sweet and a little nostalgic. These cookies are buttery, nutty, and have the perfect hint of fruity cherry to make them stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a fan of traditional snowballs or looking for something fresh to add to your cookie rotation, these are the perfect little bites of joy.
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What Makes These Cookies So Special?
These cookies have all the classic elements of the traditional snowball—crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and a powdered sugar coating—but with a colorful, flavorful twist! The pistachios bring a lovely nuttiness, while chopped cherries add a pop of sweetness and color, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Texture: Soft, tender, and buttery with a slight crunch from the pistachios.
- Flavor: A balance of nuttiness and the natural sweetness of cherries.
- Aesthetic: The green from the pistachios and the red of the cherries make them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pistachio Snowballs
These cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat and more!
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they come together in no time.
- Impressively festive: The red and green flecks of cherry and pistachio make these cookies a showstopper.
- Perfect for gifting: They pack well and look gorgeous in a cookie tin for holiday gifting.
- Kid-friendly: Their bite-size nature and powdered sugar coating make them fun for little hands.
The best part? You don’t have to wait until the holidays to enjoy these cookies. They’re amazing year-round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios (unsalted)
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Small sifter for dusting with powdered sugar
Ingredient Substitutions and Additions
- Pistachios: If you’re not a fan of pistachios, you can swap them out for pecans, walnuts, or almonds.
- Cherries: Dried cherries or even cranberries work well if you prefer a less sweet, more tart flavor.
- Flavored extracts: Want to add a twist? Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies
Here’s how to make these festive delights in a few easy steps:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Vanilla and Flour
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Fold in the Pistachios and Cherries
Gently fold in the pistachios and cherries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape the Dough
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once fully cooled, give them one more roll in powdered sugar for that snowy effect.
What to Serve with Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal treat for a cozy afternoon break. If you’re serving them during the holidays, a warm mug of hot cocoa or spiced cider will complement the flavors perfectly!
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Chop the pistachios and cherries finely so the dough stays smooth and the cookies hold their shape.
- Don’t overbake! These cookies should stay pale on top; a slight golden color on the bottom is perfect.
- Roll in sugar twice: The first roll when they’re warm gives the powdered sugar something to stick to, and the second roll ensures they’re fully coated.
Storage Instructions
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Just make sure to freeze them before rolling them in the powdered sugar. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw and roll them in sugar before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they freeze beautifully! Freeze the cookies without the powdered sugar coating, and then coat them after they’ve thawed.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.
3. Do I need to use unsalted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter helps control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, omit the added salt.
4. How can I prevent the dough from spreading?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend these Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies enough! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, they’re easy, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Plus, they’re the perfect cookie for holiday gift-giving or just a special treat for yourself!
If you make these, be sure to let me know how they turn out by leaving a review or sharing a photo on Pinterest! I’d love to see your beautiful creations.
Approximate Nutrition Per Cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
Looking for more festive recipes? Be sure to check out my Peach Cobbler Crumble and Almond Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies—they’re just as simple and tasty as these snowballs!
