Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavors of pistachios and cherries. These cookies are not only simple to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy evening at home. The unique blend of textures and tastes makes these cookies a standout dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cherry and pistachio offers a refreshing twist that is both sweet and nutty.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or just as an everyday snack, these cookies fit any occasion.
- Eye-Catching Appearance: The crinkled tops and vibrant colors make these cookies visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Customizable Options: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, like adding more cherries or different types of chocolate.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies, gather the essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cookie sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating butter until fluffy, ensuring proper texture in your dough.
- Cookie sheet: A good-quality cookie sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Ingredients
Simple, delicious and easy to make!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup butter (softened)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar + more for sprinkling on top
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 3.4 oz pkg instant pistachio pudding mix
– 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cherries – You can also place the chopped cherries in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to make sure they don’t stain the dough.
– 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
How to Make Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In your mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Sugar and Flavorings
Add the powdered sugar, almond extract, and instant pistachio pudding mix. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Optional Coloring
If you desire a darker color for your cookies, drop in some food coloring at this stage.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the mixture. Mix until just incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chips
Gently fold in the chopped cherries and white chocolate chips using a spatula to maintain their shape.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for about 15-30 minutes until it is slightly firm.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
Step 8: Shape Cookies
Scoop about half a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball with your hands, then gently flatten each ball slightly.
Step 9: Bake First Time
Bake the cookies for about 9-12 minutes. After this time, open the oven door and gently press each cookie with the bottom of a glass cup to flatten them further.
Step 10: Final Baking
Continue baking for an additional 3-5 minutes or until they are set but still soft in the center.
Step 11: Cool Down
Allow your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
Serving Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies can elevate any gathering or occasion. These cookies are perfect for a variety of settings, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will enhance the experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic treat. The creaminess complements the sweet and nutty flavors.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with colorful ribbons. They make thoughtful gifts for guests at parties or events.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other treats. This creates an inviting display for guests to choose from.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The flavors blend beautifully, making it a cozy pairing during afternoon breaks.
At Holiday Gatherings
- Serve Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies during holiday festivities. Their vibrant colors add cheer to any dessert table.
As Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Choose vanilla or cherry-flavored ice cream for an extra treat!
How to Perfect Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
To ensure your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh cherries and quality pistachio pudding mix for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape while baking, resulting in perfect crinkles.
- Measure accurately: Using precise measurements for flour and butter ensures the right cookie texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary, so check for doneness around the 9-minute mark to avoid over-baking.
- Experiment with colors: Add food coloring to make your cookies visually appealing for special occasions.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
Adding side dishes can enhance the enjoyment of Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies. Here are some great options that complement their flavors well.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy option.Cheese Platter
Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese paired with nuts and honey for a savory contrast.Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate offers a fun dipping option, enhancing both flavor and presentation when served alongside the cookies.Nut Mix
A simple bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookie consistency.Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve scoops of vanilla ice cream on the side for those who enjoy warm cookie desserts.Coffee Cake
A slice of moist coffee cake complements the sweet flavors of Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies perfectly during brunch settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using melted butter: Melted butter can alter the texture of your cookies. Always use softened butter for the best results.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step may cause the cookies to spread too much while baking. Make sure to freeze the dough for at least 15-30 minutes.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial in cookie recipes. Always level off your flour and sugar for precise results.
- Overbaking the cookies: Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they’re just set.
- Forgetting to fold in ingredients gently: Roughly mixing in cherries and chocolate chips can break them apart. Gently fold these ingredients in to maintain their integrity.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
- Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, placing cookies inside for about 1-2 minutes, covered with a lid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute other nuts in Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies?
Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer. Just remember that different nuts will change the flavor profile slightly.
How do I keep my Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies soft?
To keep your cookies soft, ensure they are not overbaked and store them properly in an airtight container.
What other flavors pair well with Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies?
Other flavors like chocolate or coconut can complement these cookies nicely. Experiment with different mix-ins!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, ensuring similar texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also adaptable. You can customize them by adding different fruits or nuts according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy making these delightful treats!
Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of cherries. These cookies are surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy nights at home. Their unique crinkled tops and vibrant colors will not only impress your guests but also satisfy your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3.4 oz pkg instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cherries (chopped)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, almond extract, and pistachio pudding mix; beat until combined.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in chopped cherries and white chocolate chips.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 15-30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape dough into balls, flatten slightly, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, then gently press down with a glass before baking an additional 3-5 minutes until set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 137
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 53mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For best results, use fresh ingredients and avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. Experiment with food coloring for added visual appeal or try different nuts for variations.