Introduction
Pistachio wedding cookies, also known as Italian wedding cookies or snowball cookies, are delicate confections that melt in your mouth. With their enchanting green hue and sweet, nutty flavor, they make for a delightful addition to any celebration, especially weddings. These cookies are not just visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare at home. With a blend of finely chopped pistachios, buttery dough, and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are bound to impress your guests and leave a lasting impression. Whether you are preparing for a wedding or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe will guide you through creating both elegant and delectable cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pistachio Wedding Cookies:
- Unique Flavor Profile: A delightful combination of nutty and sweet that is different from standard cookies.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green of pistachios enhances their aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for weddings, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
- Customizable: Add different nuts or flavors to make them your own.
Materials
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Full Step-by-Step
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
Step 2: Add Flavor
- Mix in the vanilla extract. This will enhance the cookie’s flavor and aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter mixture, combining until just blended.
Step 4: Fold in Pistachios
- Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios. The dough should be soft yet slightly sticky.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space in between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom. They should remain pale on top.
Step 7: Dust with Sugar
- Once cooled for about 5 minutes, transfer cookies to a wire rack and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Nut Alternatives: Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
- Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for an extra zing.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for a decadent touch.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted pistachios in this recipe?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to avoid over-salting the cookies.
2. What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter; just omit the additional salt in the recipe.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Suggestions
- Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful pairing.
- They make excellent party favors when packaged in decorative boxes or bags.
- Consider pairing them with other treats for a dessert table at weddings or events.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pistachio wedding cookies bring a touch of elegance and a burst of flavor to any gathering. Their simplicity and charm make them a recipe worth trying. We’d love to hear about your experiences and any variations you come up with! Feel free to leave a comment or share your versions of these delightful cookies. Happy baking!
Print
Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate pistachio wedding cookies that melt in your mouth, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture until just blended.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios until the dough is soft yet slightly sticky.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookies are lightly golden on the bottom, remaining pale on top.
- After cooling for about 5 minutes, dust cookies generously with powdered sugar.
Notes
These cookies can be customized with different nuts or flavors. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg