Every year, as the holidays approach, I find myself baking batches of festive cookies that fill my kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Among all the treats I’ve made, these Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies hold a special place in my heart. I first created them when I wanted something colorful, soft, and slightly chewy – a cookie that looked as delightful as it tasted. The vibrant contrast between the red cherries and the green pistachios instantly gives these cookies a cheerful, celebratory touch, making them perfect for holidays, gatherings, or even as an everyday indulgence.
What I love most about this recipe is how it combines simplicity with elegance. The dough is easy to make, yet the results look bakery-worthy. Each cookie bakes into a beautiful crinkled surface, dusted with powdered sugar that cracks open to reveal a tender center. The combination of tart cherries and crunchy pistachios creates a balance of flavors – sweet, nutty, and just a hint tangy. Every bite is soft inside and slightly crisp at the edges, with that irresistible chewy texture that keeps you reaching for another.
You will love this recipe because it’s versatile, affordable, and perfectly suited for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive cookie exchange, preparing edible gifts, or simply treating yourself, these cookies never disappoint. They look impressive, yet they require minimal effort. You can use fresh, frozen, or even dried cherries depending on what you have on hand, and the pistachios can easily be swapped for almonds or cashews if preferred. Their flavor pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, making them an all-around favorite.
Another reason I adore these cookies is that they’re budget-friendly without compromising flavor. With a few pantry staples – flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and baking powder – plus the addition of pistachios and cherries, you can make a large batch without spending much. They store well and stay soft for days, which makes them great for make-ahead treats during busy baking seasons.
Ingredients for the recipe:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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½ cup chopped pistachios
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½ cup chopped cherries (fresh, frozen, or dried)
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½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
These Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies bring color, flavor, and joy to every plate – a simple yet stunning treat worth sharing.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing these Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies is an enjoyable and relaxing process that fills the kitchen with a lovely buttery and nutty aroma. The recipe is quick and easy, requiring no advanced baking skills or complicated tools. Even if you’re short on time, you can make these cookies in under an hour from start to finish.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Start by gathering and measuring all your ingredients to make the process smooth and organized. You will need your flour, baking powder, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, chopped pistachios, and cherries. Having everything ready before you begin ensures that the dough comes together effortlessly.
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Prepare the dry ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and prevents clumps in the dough. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture. -
Cream the butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about two to three minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Creaming is important because it incorporates air, helping the cookies rise and giving them their soft, tender texture. -
Add the eggs and vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with a slightly glossy appearance. -
Combine the dry and wet ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense instead of light and chewy. -
Fold in the pistachios and cherries:
Gently stir in the chopped pistachios and cherries using a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. If you’re using frozen cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing to avoid adding extra moisture. -
Chill the dough:
Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and roll. It also enhances the crinkle effect by slowing down the spreading during baking. -
Preheat the oven and prepare your baking tray:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. -
Shape the cookies:
Once the dough is firm, scoop small portions using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each dough ball generously in powdered sugar until fully coated. This coating will create the classic crinkled look when baked. -
Arrange and bake:
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops have cracked and the cookies appear slightly set around the edges. They should remain soft in the center. -
Cool and serve:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they’ll firm up slightly while maintaining their soft, chewy centers.
Quick and Easy
This recipe doesn’t require special equipment or ingredients, which makes it accessible and stress-free. The dough can even be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can bake a few cookies at a time or make a large batch in one go.
Customizable
One of the best things about these Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies is how easily they can be customized. If you don’t have pistachios, you can use almonds, cashews, or even white chocolate chips. For the cherries, dried cranberries or chopped candied fruit work beautifully. Adding a hint of orange zest gives the cookies a refreshing citrus note. You can even drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.
Popular with Many People
These cookies have a universal appeal. Their festive colors make them a favorite during Christmas, Easter, and family celebrations. The combination of soft texture, nutty crunch, and fruity sweetness wins over both kids and adults. They also make wonderful edible gifts when packed in decorative boxes or jars.
Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are the kind of treat that makes people smile. Every batch comes out looking charmingly rustic yet elegant. The process is simple, the results are impressive, and the flavor is absolutely irresistible – making them a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again.
Print
Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies
These Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with bursts of cherry flavor paired with the delightful crunch of pistachios. Their festive colors make them perfect for holidays or special occasions. They are easy to prepare, quick to bake, and deliver a bakery-style texture that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup chopped cherries (fresh, frozen, or dried)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios and cherries until evenly distributed.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
- Coat each dough ball generously in powdered sugar.
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cookies are slightly golden at the edges and crinkled on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Use unsalted pistachios for a balanced flavor.
If using frozen cherries, make sure to dry them before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
For added flavor, mix in a little lemon or orange zest.
These cookies stay soft and chewy for several days if stored properly.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 12
FAQs
1. Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, absolutely. Dried cherries work very well in this recipe. If you prefer a softer texture, you can soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. Make sure to pat them dry before mixing.
2. Do I need to peel the pistachios?
It’s not necessary to peel them, but using shelled and unsalted pistachios gives the best flavor and texture. The green hue also makes the cookies look more vibrant.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before shaping.
4. How do I store these cookies?
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They stay soft and chewy for several days. You can also freeze them for up to two months.
5. Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. This recipe doubles well without any changes to texture or taste. Just make sure to chill the dough properly between batches for perfect crinkles every time.