Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something both playful and elegant, let me introduce you to the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe. These delightful cookies are like little bursts of joy—soft, buttery dough studded with vibrant maraschino cherries and crunchy pistachios, all cuddled in a cloud of powdered sugar. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and your heart warm with happiness. Trust me, once you try these snowballs, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite for every holiday or any day you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the secret to nailing the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the tender cake flour that keeps the cookies soft, to the luscious maraschino cherries and pistachios that bring bursts of color, flavor, and crunch.

• 2 cups cake flour: Provides a tender crumb that’s more delicate than all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with all-purpose if needed.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right without overpowering the cherries and nuts.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the cherry flavor with a subtle nuttiness.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the overall aroma and roundness of flavor.
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped: Brings bright color and a juicy burst of sweetness.
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of earthy flavor.
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Coats each cookie, creating that iconic snowball appearance and a sweet outer layer.

How to Make Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by draining the liquid from your jar of maraschino cherries and placing them in a colander lined with paper towels. Press gently to remove as much excess moisture as possible but keep them moist enough to melt into the dough beautifully. This step is crucial because dry cherries will lose their signature juiciness, while overly wet ones can make the dough too soft.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to blend the ingredients until they come together into a soft, uniform dough. The butter should be room temperature to help everything incorporate smoothly without overworking the dough.

Step 3: Add Cherries and Nuts

Carefully fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and pistachios, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This ensures every bite of your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe has that perfect pop of color and texture.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping your snowballs keep their delightful shape while baking.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While your dough chills, set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This controlled heat helps the cookies bake evenly, achieving that soft yet sturdy texture we love.

Step 6: Form the Cookies

Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or your hands, roll the chilled dough into small balls. Place them on the prepared baking tray with about 2 inches of space between each cookie. These cookies don’t spread much, but giving them room ensures they bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your snowballs for 18 to 22 minutes, keeping an eye out for slightly golden bottoms. The exterior should feel firm to the touch, but inside, the cookies remain tender and soft — exactly how cherry pistachio snowballs should be.

Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once baked, let the cookies cool for a few minutes, just enough so they’re handleable but still warm. Then, roll one or two at a time in a shallow dish filled with powdered sugar until completely coated. This snowy dusting creates that magical “snowball” effect and an extra layer of sweetness.

Step 9: Enjoy

Your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe cookies are now ready to be devoured! Store any leftovers in an airtight container once fully cooled to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies are stunning on their own, but if you want to elevate their presentation, consider sprinkling a few extra chopped pistachios on top after sugar coating or decorating the plate with a few whole maraschino cherries. It adds a visual pop and teases the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve these snowballs alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a festive mulled wine for a perfect afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re aiming for an indulgent dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gift-giving, arrange the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe cookies in decorative tins or clear boxes tied with a ribbon. Layer them with parchment paper and sprinkle with extra powdered sugar for that winter-wonderland vibe. They also make charming additions to holiday cookie platters or festive dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze fully baked and cooled cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy thawed frozen baked cookies with that fresh-baked softness, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy. This little trick revives their tender texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour in the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour works fine if cake flour isn’t available, though the cookies may be a touch less delicate. To mimic cake flour’s tenderness, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of all-purpose flour.

Do I have to use maraschino cherries?

Maraschino cherries give Cherry Pistachio Snowballs their iconic sweetness and color, but you can substitute with dried cherries or glacé cherries if you prefer. Just remember to chop them finely and adjust moisture levels accordingly.

Is it okay to use salted pistachios?

Yes, salted pistachios add a lovely salty contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. If you use salted nuts, just be sure to reduce any additional salt elsewhere in your recipe or omit it entirely.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much. It also helps flavors to meld so your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs come out beautifully shaped and flavorful.

How long can I keep the powdered sugar coating fresh?

The powdered sugar coating stays fresh and pretty for several days if stored properly in an airtight container. If you notice the sugar clumping or melting, a quick toss in fresh powdered sugar will refresh the look and texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe is truly a joyful experience, from the first mix of dough to the last dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies are simple enough to make any day special, yet impressive enough to wow friends and family at gatherings. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it might just become your go-to sweet treat for every season!

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