Description
Cherry Pistachio Snowballs are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. These buttery, tender cookies are studded with bits of vibrant red cherries and green pistachios, then rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive look. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious, adding a pop of color to any dessert tray!
Ingredients
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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix until combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and pistachios until evenly distributed. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart. - Bake:
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should remain pale. - Roll in Powdered Sugar:
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until coated. Place on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.
Notes
- Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.