Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of cherries. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. The vibrant colors and unique flavors make them a standout choice on any dessert table, ensuring they’ll be a hit with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps, making it perfect even for novice bakers.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of cherry and pistachio creates a deliciously unique taste that will impress anyone.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, gifts, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies suit any occasion.
• Fun to Decorate: A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a festive touch, making them visually appealing.
• Freezer Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for later baking.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies, having the right tools makes your baking experience smoother. Below are essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheet
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is crucial for combining ingredients evenly without spills.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when beating butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Cookie sheet: Using a good quality cookie sheet ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.

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Ingredients

Simple, delicious and easy to make!

For the Cookie Base

• 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

For the Add-ins

• 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: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients on a clean workspace. Ensure that your butter is softened as this will help create a light and fluffy mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Base

1. In your mixing bowl, beat the butter until it becomes light and fluffy.
2. Add in the powdered sugar, almond extract, and pudding mix. Beat until well combined.

Step 3: Add Coloring (Optional)

If you desire a deeper color in your cookies, drop in food coloring at this stage. Mix until incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the flour. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Fold in Cherries and Chips

Gently fold in the cherries and white chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect texture.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and freeze it for 15-30 minutes until slightly firm. This helps with shaping later.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Gently flatten each ball before placing them on the cookie sheet.

Step 9: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 9-12 minutes. After that time, open the oven door and gently press down with the bottom of a glass cup to flatten 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 and Serve

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, sprinkle some additional powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies!

How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are versatile and sure to please.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavor and makes for a cozy experience.
• Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of hot chocolate complements the nutty and fruity tastes of the cookies perfectly.

As Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Create a dessert platter featuring Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies alongside other cookie varieties for a colorful display.
• Fruit and Cheese Board: Add these cookies to a fruit and cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory elements.

For Gifting

• Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in decorative boxes with some powdered sugar on top for an elegant homemade gift.
• Party Favors: Use small bags to distribute cookies as party favors for guests to enjoy later.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for an indulgent treat.
• A La Mode: Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

How to Perfect Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Perfecting your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some handy tips.

• Bold Baking Time Awareness: Keep an eye on baking time; slight over-baking can lead to crunchy cookies instead of soft ones.
• Bold Freezing Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape during baking and enhances flavors.
• Bold Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and fresh cherries for the best taste in your cookies.
• Bold Pudding Mix Choice: Opt for instant pudding mix that enhances both flavor and texture; pistachio is ideal here.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Be gentle when folding in cherries and white chocolate chips to avoid breaking them.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies can make for an exciting snack or dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Bold Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Bold Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that complements cookie flavors.
3. Bold Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses pairs wonderfully with the nutty pistachio taste while offering savory notes.
4. Bold Nut Mix: A simple bowl of assorted nuts adds crunch and provides protein alongside your sweet treats.
5. Bold Whipped Cream Dip: Serve whipped cream mixed with vanilla extract as a delightful dip for the cookies.
6. Bold Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can create a nutritious side dish that pairs well with cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to freeze the dough for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Boldly ignore ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter instead of softened can make mixing difficult and affect texture. Always ensure your butter is soft before starting.
• Boldly over-mixing the batter: Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Boldly neglecting cookie size uniformity: Irregular sizes can cause uneven baking. Use a measuring spoon for consistent cookie sizes.
• Boldly skipping the powdered sugar sprinkle: This finishing touch enhances presentation and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle powdered sugar on top after cooling.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

• Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with wax paper to keep cookies intact.

Reheating Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies unique?

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies combine sweet cherries with nutty pistachios, creating a delightful balance of flavors that stand out from typical cookie recipes.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh cherries work well in this recipe, but be sure to chop and freeze them briefly before adding them to your dough.

How do I know when my Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are done?

Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. They should appear slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

Can I customize my Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add chocolate chips for added richness.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different nuts or using various fruit flavors. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!