Cherry Pistachio Snowballs

Introduction

Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a bustling bakery filled with delightful aromas and the joy of creating sweet treats. One of my absolute favorite recipes that has become a family tradition is Cherry Pistachio Snowballs. These cookies are not only beautiful with their vibrant colors but also offer a delicious combination of flavors that everyone loves. The soft, buttery texture paired with the sweetness of maraschino cherries and the crunch of pistachios creates a unique and festive cookie that never fails to impress. Every year, I look forward to baking these snowballs and sharing them with family and friends, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
• ½ cup pistachios, chopped (salted or unsalted)
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries:

• Remove liquid from a 12-ounce jar of maraschino cherries. Place the cherries in a colander and cover them with paper towels. Press gently to remove excess liquid. It’s crucial that the cherries are moist but not soaking wet, as excess liquid will ruin the dough.

1. Mix the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

1. Fold in Cherries and Nuts:

• Carefully fold in the chopped cherries and pistachios into the dough, mixing gently to ensure even distribution.

1. Chill the Dough:

• Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

1. Form the Cookies:

• Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as these cookies do not spread much.

1. Bake:

• Bake the cookies for 18-22 minutes or until they feel firm with slightly golden brown bottoms. The cookies should be soft-baked and not crunchy.

1. Coat in Powdered Sugar:

• Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, add them one or two at a time to a shallow dish filled with powdered sugar, rolling them to cover completely.

1. Enjoy:

• Once the cookies are fully coated in sugar, enjoy them immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container once they are completely cooled.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Garnish: Serve as is, or dust with extra powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
• Pairing: Great with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
• Holiday Platters: Include them on holiday cookie platters or gift boxes.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit or berries for a colorful dessert table.
• Occasions: Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cookie swaps.

Additional Tips

1. Chill for Better Shape: Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much.
2. Pressing the Cherries: Ensure you remove as much liquid from the cherries as possible to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
3. Pistachio Substitutes: If you don’t have pistachios, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
4. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts like coconut or lemon for a unique twist.
5. Storing Powdered Sugar: If rolling the cookies in powdered sugar ahead of time, consider waiting until right before serving to prevent sugar from melting into the cookies.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet surprise.
• Coconut Snowballs: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit the pistachios and replace them with additional cherries or other dried fruits.
• Gluten-Free Snowballs: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Gift Giving: Package in decorative boxes or tins to give as gifts during the holidays.
• Holiday Celebrations: Serve at Christmas or New Year’s Eve parties to impress guests.
• Cookie Exchanges: Perfect for cookie exchanges or potluck desserts.
• Themed Parties: Use them for themed parties or as festive treats during family gatherings.
• Snack Time: Great as a sweet treat for afternoon snacks or lunchboxes.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Cookies: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
• Thawing: Thaw frozen baked cookies at room temperature for a quick treat.
• Avoiding Sticking: If storing in layers, place parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?
   Yes, but be sure to pit and chop them, and remove excess moisture.
2. What happens if the dough is too wet?
   If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour to help it hold its shape.
3. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
   Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
4. What can I use instead of pistachios?
   You can use any nut you prefer, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
5. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
   They should feel firm to the touch with slightly golden bottoms but will remain soft.
6. Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge before baking.
7. What if I want a crunchier cookie?
   Bake them a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overbake.
8. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
9. What if I can’t find cake flour?
   You can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.
10. Can I decorate these cookies?
    Yes! Drizzle with chocolate or add festive sprinkles before serving for a decorative touch.

Conclusion

Cherry Pistachio Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat that combines vibrant flavors and festive colors in every bite. The softness of the cookies, paired with the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of pistachios, creates a truly enjoyable dessert. They are perfect for sharing during the holiday season, whether at parties, family gatherings, or as thoughtful gifts. This recipe is not only easy to make but also allows for plenty of variations to suit your taste. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones into the kitchen, and enjoy the process of baking these delicious snowballs together. Happy baking!

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