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These cherry pistachio cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, tart and nutty flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Their chewy centers and slightly crisp edges create that irresistible texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I first created these cookies for a holiday cookie exchange three years ago and they were such a hit that several friends now make them as part of their own holiday traditions. The combination of ruby red cherries and green pistachios creates a naturally festive look that's perfect for Christmas but delicious enough to enjoy year round.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for these cookies while keeping them tender
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that ideal texture
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- Unsalted butter: Gives rich flavor and perfect texture look for high quality European style for extra richness
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crispy edges
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and keeps the centers soft and chewy
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure
- Vanilla extract: Provides that classic warm cookie flavor
- Almond extract (optional): Enhances both the cherry and pistachio flavors beautifully
- Dried cherries: Bring tartness and chewy texture choose plump ones with vibrant color
- Pistachios: Add crunch texture and nutty flavor look for bright green ones without shells
- White chocolate chips or drizzle (optional): Adds creamy sweetness and visual appeal
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Space:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for achieving golden edges while maintaining soft centers. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for consistent results.
- Mix The Dry Base:
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Take your time whisking thoroughly for about 30 seconds to prevent any clumps.
- Create The Creamy Foundation:
- Beat the softened butter and both sugars until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture. This process incorporates air into the dough which helps create the perfect cookie texture. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once during this process.
- Add Moisture And Flavor:
- Mix in the egg and extracts until completely incorporated. The egg provides structure while the extracts infuse the dough with aromatic flavors. The almond extract particularly complements both the cherries and pistachios beautifully.
- Build The Cookie Dough:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then gently fold in the cherries and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Avoid overmixing at this stage to keep cookies tender.
- Shape And Bake:
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underdone. This ensures perfectly chewy cookies.
- Finish With Finesse:
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring to a cooling rack. If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate once completely cooled for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
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The secret to making these cookies extra special is choosing the right dried cherries. I prefer using tart Montmorency cherries rather than sweeter varieties because they create an amazing contrast with the sweet cookie base and nutty pistachios. My grandmother first introduced me to this flavor combination in her famous cherry pistachio biscotti and these cookies are my modern interpretation of her classic recipe.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
These cookies make a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. The tart cherries and nutty pistachios complement the bitterness of coffee particularly well while the sweetness balances out strong black teas. For an extra special dessert experience serve them slightly warmed with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an elevated ice cream sandwich.
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Smart Storage Solutions
To maintain optimal freshness store your cherry pistachio cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread to keep them soft and chewy. If stacking the cookies place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage freeze baked cookies in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months or freeze portioned cookie dough balls for fresh baked cookies anytime simply adding 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
Creative Variations
This versatile dough serves as an excellent base for creative variations. Try swapping dried cranberries for the cherries during Thanksgiving or use chopped pecans instead of pistachios for a more traditional approach. For chocolate lovers dark chocolate chunks work beautifully with both the cherries and pistachios creating an even more decadent treat. During summer mix in some orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors for a more seasonal twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Dried cherries are recommended for these cookies as they provide a concentrated flavor and better texture. Fresh cherries may release too much moisture and alter the consistency of the cookies.
- → Can I substitute pistachios with another nut?
Yes, you can use almonds, walnuts, or pecans as substitutes for pistachios. However, pistachios offer a distinct flavor pairing with the cherries.
- → Can I omit the almond extract?
Yes, the almond extract is optional. While it adds a subtle nutty depth, the cookies will still taste delicious without it.
- → How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- → Can I add white chocolate chips directly into the dough?
Yes, you can mix white chocolate chips into the dough instead of using a drizzle. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Let it soften slightly before scooping and baking.
- → What is the best way to chop pistachios and cherries?
For even distribution, use a sharp knife to roughly chop pistachios and dried cherries into small, bite-sized pieces.