If you’re on the hunt for a festive, bite-sized cookie that bursts with flavor and charm, the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe is your new best friend. These delicate, buttery morsels bring together the sweet tang of maraschino cherries with the earthy crunch of toasted pistachios, all coated in a sparkling dusting of confectioner’s sugar and edible glitter. Perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you want to impress with a colorful, irresistible treat, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into something truly magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about the Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe is how the ingredients are straightforward yet work harmoniously to create incredible texture and flavor. Each component plays a unique role, from the creamy butter that provides softness to the cherries and pistachios adding bursts of sweetness and crunch.
- ¼ cup Maraschino cherries (chopped): Adds bright, sweet flavor and a pop of color inside each cookie.
- 1 cup Butter (room temperature): Gives the dough richness and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup Confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens the dough while keeping it light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon Almond extract: Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that complements the pistachios perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness with warm, familiar notes.
- 2 cups All Purpose flour: Forms the structure of the snowballs, resulting in a soft yet sturdy cookie.
- ¾ cup Pistachios (toasted): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to the texture.
- 1 cup Confectioner’s sugar (for rolling): Coats the cookies in a snowy layer, adding sweetness and visual charm.
- ¼ cup Red sanding sugar (or edible glitter, for rolling): Adds sparkle and a festive red tint that makes these snowballs stand out.
How to Make Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your snowballs bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Ready the Cherries
Drain the chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is key so your dough doesn’t get too wet and messy.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Extracts
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy—this is what will give your snowballs that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour, Pistachios, and Cherries
Slowly add the all-purpose flour on low mixer speed until just combined, then fold in the toasted pistachios and dried cherries. This keeps the texture chunky and provides a beautiful contrast in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 1 inch apart. This allows them room to bake without sticking together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the snowballs in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown and develop delicate cracks on top—about 10 minutes depending on the size. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Add the Magical Coating
Once cool, roll each cookie in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar and red sanding sugar or edible glitter. This creates the signature snowball appearance with a festive sparkle that makes every bite feel special.
How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle more crushed pistachios or finely chopped cherries on top after rolling in sugar. Fresh mint leaves add a lovely green contrast and a hint of freshness, making the presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve these snowballs alongside a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy pairing. They also shine when part of a holiday dessert platter paired with spiced nuts and dried fruit for a complete festive spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for beautiful edible gifts. Or arrange them on a shimmering platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar to mimic a fresh snowfall — perfect for wowing your guests or sharing a joyful moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh, moist, and perfectly soft — ideal for snacking over the week without any fuss.
Freezing
You can freeze baked and cooled snowballs by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Enjoy your frozen snowballs by allowing them to thaw for about 30 minutes before serving. If you want to revive the fresh-baked warmth, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to bring back that just-baked softness without burning the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries?
Absolutely! Dried cherries will work just fine but consider soaking them briefly in warm water to soften and boost their juiciness, bringing that same delightful burst of flavor inside each snowball.
Are pistachios necessary in this recipe?
Pistachios provide a key crunchy texture and a subtle nutty taste, but if you have allergies, walnuts or almonds could be tasty alternatives. Just toast them beforehand to deepen their flavor.
How important is the sanding sugar or edible glitter?
The sugar or glitter rolling step creates that beautiful, festive “snowball” look and adds an extra layer of sweetness. You could opt for plain confectioner’s sugar alone, but the sparkle is definitely worth it for special occasions.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, and you’ll still get deliciously tender snowballs. Be sure to check the rest of your ingredients for gluten content, too.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Definitely. With 48 servings from this recipe, Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe is perfect for parties, family get-togethers, or festive cookie exchanges. You can easily double or halve the batch to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
One taste of this Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite to share time and again. The combination of vibrant cherries, fragrant almond extract, and crunchy pistachios wrapped in buttery dough makes every bite a little celebration. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—your holiday table or cozy afternoon snack session will thank you for it!
Print
Cherry Pistachio Snowballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 48 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Cherry Pistachio Snowballs, a festive and buttery cookie featuring chopped maraschino cherries and toasted pistachios. Rolled in a sparkling blend of confectioner’s sugar and red sanding sugar, these cookies offer a perfect balance of nutty crunch and sweet fruitiness, ideal for holiday gatherings or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare Cherries: Drain the chopped maraschino cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter, confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps with cookie texture.
- Add Flour and Mix-ins: Lower the mixer speed and gradually add the all-purpose flour. Once fully incorporated, fold in the toasted pistachios and dried cherries ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, spacing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for approximately 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and develop cracks on top, adjusting time slightly based on cookie size.
- Cool and Roll: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Then roll them in a mixture of confectioner’s sugar combined with red sanding sugar or edible glitter for a festive sparkle.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the cherries well to prevent excess moisture which can affect the texture of the cookies.
- To toast pistachios, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant, then cool before adding to dough.
- You can substitute edible glitter with colored sanding sugar for a vibrant finish.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If you prefer a nuttier aroma, lightly chop pistachios instead of finely chopping.
