Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe

Introduction

Cherry Pistachio Snowballs are tender, buttery cookies studded with toasted pistachios and sweet maraschino cherries. Rolled in shimmering confectioner’s sugar and red sanding sugar, these festive treats are perfect for holidays or anytime you want a delicate, nutty cookie with a pop of color.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup Maraschino cherries, chopped
• 1 cup Butter, room temperature
• ½ cup Confectioner’s sugar
• ½ teaspoon Almond extract
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups All purpose flour
• ¾ cup Pistachios, toasted
• 1 cup Confectioner’s sugar (for rolling)
• ¼ cup Red sanding sugar or edible glitter (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Drain the chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, ½ cup confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour. Once the flour is fully incorporated, gently fold in the toasted pistachios and dried cherries.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Bake the cookies until they are golden brown and cracked on top, about 10 minutes depending on cookie size. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
7. Step 7: Mix the remaining confectioner’s sugar with the red sanding sugar or edible glitter. Roll the cooled cookies in this mixture until fully coated for a festive finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use blanched pistachios for a milder flavor and brighter cookie color.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the red sanding sugar or use plain confectioner’s sugar for rolling.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature. If you like, re-roll them in the sugar mixture to restore the sparkling coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which could affect the dough’s texture. Maraschino cherries are preferred because they are dry and sweet. If using fresh, be sure to pit, finely chop, and dry them well before adding.

How do I toast pistachios evenly?

Spread the pistachios in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 105 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Cherry Pistachio Snowballs are delightful buttery cookies studded with toasted pistachios and sweet maraschino cherries, flavored with almond and vanilla extracts. Soft and crumbly, these festive treats are rolled in a sparkling mixture of confectioner’s sugar and red sanding sugar for a charming snowball effect, perfect for holidays and special occasions.

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Ingredients

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For the Cookie Dough

• ¼ cup Maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
• 1 cup Butter, room temperature
• ½ cup Confectioner’s sugar
• ½ teaspoon Almond extract
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups All purpose flour
• ¾ cup Pistachios, toasted

For Rolling

• 1 cup Confectioner’s sugar
• ¼ cup Red sanding sugar or edible glitter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cherries: Drain the chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent soggy cookies.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter, ½ cup confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Flour and Mix-ins: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing just until incorporated. Then fold in the toasted pistachios and dried cherries evenly through the dough.
5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, ensuring even sizing. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading.
6. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop cracked tops. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on wire racks to room temperature. This ensures they set properly before rolling.
8. Roll in Sugar Mix: Combine 1 cup confectioner’s sugar with ¼ cup red sanding sugar or edible glitter in a bowl. Roll the cooled cookies in this mixture until fully coated, creating a festive snowball finish.

Notes

• Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the cookies.
• Use room temperature butter for best creaming results and cookie texture.
• To toast pistachios, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then cool before adding.
• Cookies should be cooled completely before rolling in sugar to avoid melting the coating.
• If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or pecans can be substituted for pistachios.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cherry Pistachio Snowballs, holiday cookies, buttery cookies, nut cookies, maraschino cherry cookies, festive cookies