These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are delicate, buttery, and filled with a delightful pistachio flavor. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and a dusting of powdered sugar, they are perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these cookies bring a touch of elegance to any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Buttery: Made with real butter for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this an effortless dessert.
- Elegant and Festive: Perfect for weddings, holidays, and celebrations.
- Pistachio Flavor: A unique twist on the classic wedding cookie.
- Naturally Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if needed.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package pistachio instant pudding mix (dry)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, softened
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachio pudding mix, and chopped pistachios.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. The dough will be thick.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Coat in powdered sugar: Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in the remaining ¾ cup of powdered sugar while still warm.
- Cool completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a perfect finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 48 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute pistachios with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Extra Crunchy: Add an extra ¼ cup of chopped pistachios for more texture.
- Different Flavors: Swap pistachio pudding mix for almond or vanilla pudding mix for a twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cookies for extra decadence.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Not necessary, but cookies can be lightly warmed in a low-temperature oven if desired.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, but add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dough for balance.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, but chilling for 15-20 minutes can help prevent spreading.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll helps the sugar stick, while the second adds a perfect finishing touch.
Can I make these without pistachios?
Yes, you can omit the chopped pistachios while keeping the pistachio pudding mix for flavor.
How do I make the cookies softer?
Do not overbake, and store them in an airtight container.
Can I add food coloring for a more vibrant green?
Yes, add a drop or two of green food coloring for a brighter appearance.
What if I don’t have pistachio pudding mix?
You can use vanilla pudding mix and add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for a similar flavor.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies stay fresh for days, making them great for advance baking.
What’s the best way to chop pistachios?
Use a food processor for fine pieces or a knife for a chunkier texture.
Are these cookies similar to Mexican wedding cookies?
Yes, they have a similar buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture but with a pistachio twist.
Conclusion
These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for any celebration. Their buttery texture, light sweetness, and nutty pistachio flavor make them a standout on any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, wedding, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist. Enjoy them fresh or store them for a special occasion!
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 48 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Pistachio Wedding Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delight, perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Made with pistachio pudding mix and real pistachios, these cookies have a rich, nutty flavor and a delicate sweetness. They’re easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
- Baking & Spices:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4 oz) package pistachio instant pudding mix (dry)
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (divided)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Nuts & Seeds:
- 1/2 cup pistachios (finely chopped)
- Dairy:
- 2 sticks salted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and pistachio pudding mix. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and chopped pistachios, stirring until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before handling.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar:
- While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar.
- Let them cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For a more vibrant green color, add a drop of food coloring.
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a nuttier flavor.
- These cookies taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Wedding Cookies
