Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

This cherry pistachio crinkle cookie recipe is perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home. These cookies offer a delightful balance of tart cherries and creamy pistachio flavor with a tender, slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you are serving them at a holiday gathering or just craving a homemade treat, these cookies bring a special touch to the table.

I first baked these treats during a winter holiday party and they quickly became the star dessert. Now my friends ask me to bring them every time.

Gather Your Ingredients

• One cup softened butter: adds rich creaminess and helps bind the dough evenly. Choose unsalted butter for better control of salt content
• Half a cup powdered sugar: sweetens the dough and enhances the delicate crumb reserve some for dusting on top afterward
• One teaspoon almond extract: deepens the nutty flavor and complements pistachios perfectly
• Four ounces instant pistachio pudding mix: this is the secret to the cookies’ moist and tender texture look for good quality brands with real pistachio flavor
• One and two-thirds cups all-purpose flour: provides structure sift before measuring to avoid packing
• Half a cup cherries: roughly chopped. Freezing the cherries for 15 to 20 minutes first prevents stains and helps maintain dough texture
• Quarter cup white chocolate chips: for a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with pistachio and cherry

How to Make It

Beat the Butter:

Start by beating the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and helps incorporate air for a lighter cookie texture.

Add Powdered Sugar, Almond Extract, and Pudding Mix:

Lower the mixer speed and add the powdered sugar slowly to avoid clouds of sugar dust. Mix in the almond extract and instant pistachio pudding mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step ensures the flavor layers meld properly.

Optional: Add Food Coloring:

If you prefer a more vivid green hue, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage. Blend until evenly distributed without overmixing.

Add the Flour:

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients in batches while mixing on low speed. Mix just until flour disappears to avoid developing too much gluten which would make the cookies tough.

Fold in Cherries and White Chocolate Chips:

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped cherries and white chocolate chips. This careful folding maintains the texture of the dough and prevents crushing the cherries.

Chill the Dough:

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes until slightly firm. Chilling helps the dough hold its shape and eases handling.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Cookie Sheet:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat to prevent sticking.

Shape the Dough:

Scoop about half a tablespoon of dough and roll it gently between your palms into a ball. Place on the cookie sheet and lightly flatten each ball with your fingers.

Bake and Press Cookies:

Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until they just start to set. Remove the tray from the oven and gently press down on each cookie using the bottom of a glass cup to create the crinkle effect. Be careful to press gently so the cookies do not spread too thin.

Finish Baking:

Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until fully set but still soft in the center. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Add Final Touch:

Once cooled, sprinkle the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch and subtle sweetness.

My favorite ingredient in these cookies has to be the instant pistachio pudding mix. It really makes the texture so tender and moist unlike any other cookie. A memorable moment was when my grandmother took one bite, smiled, and said these remind her of the best bakery treats she had as a child.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When freezing, separate cookie layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to dessert platters during holiday parties or afternoon gatherings. Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top for a festive look or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a touch of elegance.

Creative Twists

Cultural and Historical Context: Pistachios have been a prized nut for centuries, originating from the Middle East and known for their unique flavor and vibrant green color. Combining pistachio and cherry in sweet treats is less common but showcases the harmony of nutty and fruity flavors traditional in some Mediterranean desserts. These cookies nod to that rich culinary heritage in a modern, approachable form. Seasonal Adaptations: In winter, add warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy flavor layers. For summer, try swapping cherries for fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries to highlight seasonal fruits. The dough can also be adapted with citrus zest for brightness during springtime baking. Success Stories: Many friends have told me these are the best pistachio cookies they have ever tasted and appreciate that the recipe is straightforward yet impressive. I learned the hard way: do not skip chilling the dough it really makes shaping easier and improves the final bake. Freezer Meal Conversion: This dough freezes beautifully. After mixing, portion into balls then freeze on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a labeled airtight bag. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to baking time since the dough will be cold. This way you can enjoy fresh cookies anytime without the fuss.

This recipe yields tender, flavorful cookies that satisfy both nut and fruit lovers. Perfect for sharing and gifting with loved ones.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can frozen cherries be used in this dish?

Yes, freezing chopped cherries for 15-20 minutes before adding them helps prevent the dough from staining and keeps the cherries firm during baking.

→ What purpose does chilling the dough serve?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps maintain the crinkle texture and prevents spreading during baking for the perfect shape.

→ Is almond extract necessary?

Almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the pistachios and cherries, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

→ How do I achieve the signature crinkle effect?

After initial baking, gently pressing the tops of the cookies with a glass creates the classic crinkle texture before returning them to the oven.

→ Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to your taste preference.