If you’re looking for a delightfully charming treat that’s as fun to say as it is to eat, you have to try this Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies are bursting with sweet maraschino cherries and the satisfying crunch of pistachios, all wrapped in a cloud of powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe captures the joy of baking with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe is that it relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in the final texture and flavor of the cookies. From the softness of cake flour to the sweetness of powdered sugar, every element is essential to making these treats unforgettable.
- Cake flour (2 cups): Gives the cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s lighter than all-purpose flour.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds rich flavor and keeps the cookies moist and crumbly.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Almond extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the pistachios beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor in the dough.
- Maraschino cherries (½ cup, drained and chopped): Bursts of juicy sweetness and color that make every bite exciting.
- Pistachios (½ cup, chopped): Offers a satisfying crunch and a savory contrast to the cherries’ sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup, for rolling): Creates the iconic snowball coating that melts on your tongue and adds a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by draining the liquid from the maraschino cherries thoroughly. Place them in a colander lined with paper towels and gently press to remove any excess moisture. The cherries should be moist but not soaking wet, so they won’t make the cookie dough too soft or soggy.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients until fully combined into a soft, workable dough. Taking the time to blend well ensures the flavors are evenly distributed, giving your snowballs a consistent texture and taste.
Step 3: Add Cherries and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and pistachios to the dough, making sure they are spread evenly. These chunks bring delightful surprises in every bite, so take care not to over-mix or crush them.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Cooling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and gives a better final texture.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 6: Form the Cookies
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop, portion out balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, since these snowballs do not spread much during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they feel firm to the touch and have slightly golden-brown bottoms. The goal is soft-baked cookies that practically melt in your mouth rather than crunchy ones.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven and slightly cooled, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, coating them completely. The powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snowball look and adds a lovely, light sweetness.
Step 9: Enjoy
These snowballs are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container once fully cooled. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling a few chopped pistachios or small pieces of dried cherry on top of the powdered sugar after rolling. It adds a burst of color and texture that makes each cookie feel special.
Side Dishes
These snowballs pair beautifully with warm beverages like chai tea, herbal infusions, or a classic cup of coffee. The cookie’s sweetness balances perfectly with slightly bitter or spiced drinks, making it an ideal treat during cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs on a festive platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar for a winter party. Alternatively, place a few in a cello bag tied with a ribbon as delightful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover Cherry Pistachio Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing in advance of a gathering.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed snowballs at their best, let them come to room temperature naturally. There’s no need to warm them up, as reheating can alter their delicate texture. Just unwrap and indulge!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand, but the texture will be slightly less tender. Cake flour provides the soft, delicate crumb that makes these snowballs so special.
Are salted pistachios okay to use?
Definitely! Both salted and unsalted pistachios work well. Salted pistachios add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cherries and sugar, enhancing the overall flavor.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading, so your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs come out with their classic round shape and the perfect soft texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly from the original.
How do I prevent the cherries from making the dough too wet?
Be sure to drain and gently pat the maraschino cherries dry before adding them to the dough. Removing excess liquid prevents the dough from becoming too sticky or soft.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend you try this Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe enough. It’s one of those rare cookies that feels both nostalgic and fresh, perfectly sweetened, with just the right hint of nuttiness and fruitiness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a get-together, or simply because you need a little joy on a regular day, these snowballs will not disappoint. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy the buttery, cherry-filled magic!
Print
Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Pistachio Snowballs are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies featuring a tender dough infused with almond and vanilla extracts. Chopped maraschino cherries and crunchy pistachios add festive color and texture, while a generous coating of powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature snowy appearance. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped (salted or unsalted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherries: Remove the liquid from a 12-ounce jar of maraschino cherries. Place the cherries in a colander lined with paper towels. Press gently to remove excess liquid, ensuring they are moist but not soaking wet to prevent dough sogginess.
- Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive dough.
- Add Cherries and Nuts: Carefully fold the chopped maraschino cherries and pistachios into the dough, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet as they have minimal spread while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 18 to 22 minutes until they feel firm to the touch and the bottoms are slightly golden brown. The inside should remain soft and tender rather than crunchy.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. While still warm but manageable, roll the cookies one or two at a time in powdered sugar until fully coated, producing the signature snowball effect.
- Enjoy and Store: Once coated, let the cookies cool completely. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using cake flour yields a more tender cookie, but all-purpose flour can be substituted with slightly different texture.
- Removing excess liquid from cherries prevents soggy dough and ensures the right consistency.
- Chilling the dough is important for shaping and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.
- For a nut-free version, omit pistachios and substitute with additional chopped cherries or seeds.
