Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

Oh wow, have you ever tasted a cookie that just melts in your mouth? These Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and have little pops of sweet cherry in every bite. They look like tiny snowballs, but they taste like pure magic!

I made these for a holiday party, and—oh boy—everyone went crazy for them. The crunch from the pistachios, the soft bits of cherry, and that sweet powdered sugar coating? Chef’s kiss!

Imagine biting into a soft, crumbly cookie that’s just the right mix of sweet and nutty. They’re easy to make, but they taste like something straight from a fancy bakery. Trust me, you need these in your life!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s bake up some happiness. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Beautiful: The combination of red cherries and green pistachios makes them a stunning treat.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The buttery dough creates a delicate, crumbly bite.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal effort result in a show-stopping cookie.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies store well and make excellent homemade gifts.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we begin, make sure you have these essential tools ready:

✔ Mixing Bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
✔ Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To cream the butter and sugar properly.
✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔ Baking Sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
✔ Cookie Scoop (Optional) – Helps form evenly-sized cookies.
✔ Wire Rack – For cooling the cookies properly.
✔ Sifter – To dust powdered sugar on top of the cookies.

Ingredients for Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements will be in the recipe card below):

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Ensures a rich, buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and enhances texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the cookies, creating the signature “snowball” effect.
• Chopped Pistachios: Adds a crunchy, nutty flavor.
• Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Brings a fruity, sweet contrast to the buttery dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.

How to Customize These Cookies

• Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachios with more chopped cherries or white chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Flavor: Add almond extract for a deeper nutty taste.
• Different Nuts: Substitute pistachios with walnuts, pecans, or almonds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Slowly add in the flour, mixing on low speed until the dough starts to come together.

Step 2: Add the Cherries and Pistachios

1. Fold in the chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. The dough may be slightly crumbly—this is normal. Use your hands to bring it together into a ball.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch dough balls. Roll them gently between your palms to create smooth, round shapes.
3. Place the dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart. These cookies won’t spread much, so no need for large gaps.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
2. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
3. While still slightly warm, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. This creates the classic snowball effect.
2. For an extra snowy look, roll them in powdered sugar again just before serving.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them:
✔ With Hot Cocoa or Coffee – The perfect pairing for a cozy treat.
✔ On a Holiday Cookie Tray – A beautiful addition to a festive dessert spread.
✔ Gift-Wrapped for Friends and Family – Pack them in a decorative tin or box for a homemade gift.
✔ With Ice Cream – Crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a delicious twist.

Tips for the Best Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

✅ Chop Cherries & Nuts Finely – This ensures the dough holds together better.
✅ Use Softened Butter – Room temperature butter creates the perfect dough consistency.
✅ Do Not Overbake – These cookies should remain pale; overbaking can dry them out.
✅ Double Powdered Sugar Coating – The first coat melts into the cookies, and the second adds the signature snowy look.

How to Store Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

Short-Term Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Refrigeration

• If you prefer to keep them fresh longer, store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
• Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze Unbaked Dough: Roll the cookie dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Re-Coat with Powdered Sugar After Freezing: When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again for a fresh, snowy look.

Variations for Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies

• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with white chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Coconut Snowballs: Mix shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical spin.
• Different Nuts: Swap pistachios for almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Boozy Snowballs: Add a splash of amaretto or cherry liqueur for an adult version.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~120
Carbohydrates	14g
Protein	2g
Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sugar	6g
Fiber	1g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies FAQs

1. Why are my cookies too crumbly?

These cookies have a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, but if the dough is too dry, try:
✔ Adding 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help it come together.
✔ Pressing the dough together firmly when rolling the balls.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries are best because they have less moisture. If using fresh cherries, chop and pat them dry to remove excess liquid.

3. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing.

4. Why do my cookies look flat?

If the cookies spread too much, try:
✔ Chilling the dough longer before baking.
✔ Using cold butter instead of softened butter.
✔ Avoiding overmixing the dough.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies are a festive, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. They’re buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet, making them an ideal addition to any holiday dessert spread. Plus, with easy storage and make-ahead options, they’re great for gifting or keeping on hand for a cozy treat!