Pistachio Wedding Cookies: A Crunchy, Nutty Delight for Every Celebration
Weddings, holidays, or special family gatherings call for desserts that are as elegant as they are delicious. Pistachio Wedding Cookies are one such treat, combining a delicate crumbly texture with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. Their subtle sweetness, buttery base, and melt-in-your-mouth consistency make them the perfect addition to cookie trays or dessert tables.
These cookies aren’t just for weddings—they are a versatile delight that can be enjoyed year-round. Every bite reveals the vibrant green hue of finely chopped pistachios paired with the soft, powdery sugar coating that makes them instantly irresistible. Unlike overly rich or heavy desserts, pistachio wedding cookies offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making them a favorite among both adults and children.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for Pistachio Wedding Cookies with approximate calorie counts per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | 1,620 kcal |
| Powdered sugar (plus extra for coating) | ½ cup + ½ cup | 480 kcal |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp | 6 kcal |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | 1,140 kcal |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Finely chopped pistachios | 1 cup | 700 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until fully combined.
3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4: Fold in Pistachios
Gently fold in finely chopped pistachios, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5: Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
6: Bake to Perfection
Bake cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. They should remain slightly soft in the center.
7: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Allow cookies to cool for 5–10 minutes on the baking sheet. While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Nut Variations: Swap pistachios with almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the dough for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a festive touch.
- Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies for party trays or favors.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use a powdered sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 30 mg |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Present cookies on a tiered dessert tray for weddings, showers, or holiday parties.
- Pair with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for an elegant afternoon treat.
- Package in cellophane bags with ribbons for gifts or favors.
- Combine with other nut-based cookies, like almond or pecan crescents, for a festive cookie platter.
Pistachio Wedding Cookies: A Crunchy, Nutty Delight for Every Celebration
Course: Recipes36 cookies
servings20
minutes12
minutes110
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Unsalted buttert1 cup (2 sticks)
Powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)t½ cup + ½ cup
Vanilla extractt1 tsp
Almond extractt½ tsp
All-purpose flourt2 ½ cups
Saltt¼ tsp
Finely chopped pistachiost1 cup
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extracts.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to butter mixture until dough forms.
- Add Pistachios: Fold in finely chopped pistachios evenly.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Cool completely on a wire rack.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chill the Dough: For cookies that hold their shape perfectly, chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and ensures a uniform texture.
Powdered Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm for the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. For extra sweetness, you can roll them twice.
FAQs
1. What are pistachio wedding cookies?
Pistachio wedding cookies are delicate, buttery cookies flavored with finely chopped pistachios and coated in powdered sugar. They are a popular treat at weddings, holidays, and special occasions because of their elegant appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Can I make pistachio wedding cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for 2–3 months—just thaw at room temperature and lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.
3. Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?
Absolutely. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be used instead of pistachios. Keep in mind that the color and flavor will change slightly, but the cookies will still have a delicious nutty crunch.
4. Why are my pistachio wedding cookies crumbly?
These cookies are naturally crumbly due to their buttery, tender texture. To reduce excessive crumbling, ensure the butter is fully incorporated and avoid overbaking. Rolling the dough firmly into balls also helps maintain structure.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help the cookies hold together.
Conclusion
Pistachio Wedding Cookies are more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of celebration, elegance, and the joy of sharing sweet moments. With their buttery, crumbly texture and nutty richness, these cookies offer a delightful balance of flavor and sophistication. Perfect for weddings, parties, or cozy family gatherings, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on every guest.
