Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe for Holidays

Sweet cherry pistachio snowball cookies offer a delightful twist on classic holiday treats.

These melt-in-your-mouth delicacies combine nutty richness with fruity brightness, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Delicate and powdery, they enhance traditional cookie expectations with their unique ingredient combination.

Crumbly textures and unexpected taste sensations make these cookies stand out at any gathering.

Festive yet elegant, they bring a touch of whimsy to dessert tables and celebration spreads.

Subtle hints of cherry and pistachio dance together in each perfectly crafted bite.

Homemade magic awaits you in this simple yet impressive recipe.

What Makes Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Special

• Burst with Festive Flavor: These cherry pistachio snowball cookies pack a delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and nutty pistachios, creating a merry taste sensation that screams holiday cheer.
• Super Simple Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, anyone can whip up these cookies quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a stress-free baking experience.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The powdered sugar coating and buttery dough create an incredibly soft, delicate cookie that literally dissolves on your tongue, offering a luxurious and heavenly eating experience.
• Make-Ahead Party Pleaser: These cookies can be stored for up to 5 days or frozen, which means you can prepare them in advance for gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected guests without last-minute kitchen stress.

What to Use in Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the snowball cookies, all-purpose flour works best.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate cookie texture.
• Softened Butter: Creates rich flavor and tender crumb, use high-quality unsalted butter.

• Chopped Pistachios, Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Add color, crunch, and sweet-nutty flavor to the cookies, ensure nuts and cherries are finely chopped.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic background flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.

• Powdered Sugar: Gives the classic snowball cookie appearance and adds a light sweetness, sift for smooth coating.

Baking Instructions for Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm oven to 325°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients and equipment.

Step 2: Create Magical Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Finely chopped pistachios
• Diced maraschino cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Blend ingredients on low speed until they form a cohesive mixture. Mix gently to keep dough tender.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Treats

Use clean hands to roll dough into small 1-inch round balls. Place cookies evenly on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookie sheet into preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges turn soft golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Sugar Coating Magic

Remove cookies from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. While still warm, generously roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For extra elegance, repeat sugar coating once cookies completely cool.

Step 6: Store and Share

Transfer cookies to wire rack. Once fully cooled, store in airtight container. Cookies stay fresh for 5 days at room temperature or can be frozen for future enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time

• Precision Chop Cherries: Cut maraschino cherries into tiny, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent moisture from disrupting cookie texture.
• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter that's soft but not melted for the perfect cookie consistency and easier mixing.
• Gentle Handling Technique: Roll dough balls gently and consistently to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
• Powdered Sugar Coating Trick: Let cookies cool slightly before first sugar coating, then roll again when completely cool for a thick, beautiful snow-like finish.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep cookies in a single layer with parchment between layers to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking when storing or freezing.

Keeping Snowball Cookies Tasty and Crisp

• Refrigerate: Seal cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating for a just-baked appearance.

What to Pair with Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: The delicate sweetness of the cherry snowball cookies perfectly complements a chilled glass of sparkling rosé, creating a light and elegant dessert experience that balances the buttery cookie with a crisp, fruity wine.
• Match with Almond Champagne: Enhance the nutty pistachio flavor by serving these cookies alongside a smooth almond-infused champagne, which brings out the subtle richness of the nuts and adds a celebratory touch to the treat.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: Create a cozy moment by enjoying these snowball cookies with a creamy vanilla bean latte, where the warm coffee and vanilla notes harmonize beautifully with the sweet cherry and buttery cookie texture.
• Accompany with Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot and citrus hints in Earl Grey tea provide a sophisticated contrast to the sweet, nutty cookies, offering a refined and classic pairing that elevates the dessert experience.

Fun Variations of Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

• Almond Cherry Crunch: Replace pistachios with sliced almonds and add almond extract for a nutty, fragrant variation that enhances the cherry flavor.
• Chocolate Cherry Melt: Mix in mini chocolate chips and use dark cocoa powder in the dough for a rich, decadent cookie that complements the sweet cherries.
• Coconut Cherry Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough and roll finished cookies in toasted coconut flakes for a tropical-inspired treat with added texture.
• Lemon Cherry Sparkle: Add lemon zest to the dough and use a touch of lemon extract to create a bright, citrusy version that lightens the cookie's flavor profile.

Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delicate cherry pistachio snowball cookies melt with festive charm, combining nutty richness and sweet fruity notes. Dusted with powdered sugar, these delightful treats offer a perfect blend of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth elegance you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup chopped pistachios

Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Coating:

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for delicate cookies.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, carefully blend flour, finely chopped pistachios, and diced maraschino cherries with softened butter, creating a cohesive, fragrant mixture.
3. Incorporate granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the dough, gently mixing until ingredients are harmoniously combined without overmixing.
4. Delicately form the dough into uniform round balls, approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them with gentle spacing on a prepared baking sheet.
5. Transfer the cookie sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the delicate morsels to bake until edges acquire a subtle golden hue, typically requiring 18-20 minutes of patient cooking.
6. Once removed from the oven, permit the cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, allowing them to stabilize and firm slightly.
7. While still warm, tenderly enrobe each cookie in a luxurious coating of powdered sugar, ensuring complete and elegant coverage.
8. Position the sugar-dusted cookies on a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and develop a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
9. For enhanced visual appeal, consider a second gentle roll in powdered sugar once cookies have completely cooled.
10. Store the delectable treats in an airtight container, preserving their texture and flavor for several days or freeze for extended enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and ensure a more compact cookie texture.
• Finely chop pistachios and maraschino cherries to distribute flavor evenly and create a smoother cookie consistency.
• Allow cookies to cool slightly before first powdered sugar coating to help the sugar adhere better and create a beautiful snow-like finish.
• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and a more uniform dough that blends ingredients seamlessly.
• Gently press cookies during shaping to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, round appearance.
• Store cookies in a single layer between parchment paper to maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 63 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg