Pistachio Wedding Cookies

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Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, Pistachio Wedding Cookies are a timeless treat perfect for holidays, weddings, or simply whenever you crave a little bite of happiness. With a snowy powdered sugar finish and a soft crumb filled with finely chopped pistachios, they carry a quiet elegance that makes them stand out on any dessert tray.

Their simplicity is part of the charm. These cookies come together with just a few pantry staples and no eggs, making them ideal for a quick weekend bake or a thoughtful edible gift. They have that nostalgic, old-world feel of something your grandma might have tucked into a vintage tin on the kitchen counter.

Why You’ll Love These Pistachio Wedding Cookies

These cookies are as satisfying to make as they are to eat. They require no chill time, and they bake quickly. The pistachios offer a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the tender, buttery dough. If you love classic wedding cookies or snowballs, this pistachio version adds a luxurious twist.

They also stay fresh for days and can be made ahead, making them perfect for holiday planning or dessert swaps.

What Kind of Pistachios Should I Use?

You’ll want to use unsalted, shelled pistachios for this recipe. Raw pistachios are best because they don’t carry added oils or salt, which could throw off the flavor balance of your cookies. If you only have roasted pistachios, go for unsalted and reduce any added salt in the recipe.

Give them a quick pulse in the food processor or chop finely by hand – you want texture, not powder.

Ingredients for the Pistachio Wedding Cookies

You’ll be surprised how a short list of ingredients can turn into such a delicious cookie. Each one plays an essential role, and quality matters here.

Butter is the backbone of the dough, bringing moisture, richness, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness.

Powdered sugar gives the cookies their soft sweetness and contributes to their signature tender crumb. It’s also used to coat the cookies after baking.

Vanilla extract adds warm, aromatic depth to balance the buttery richness.

All-purpose flour gives structure and keeps the cookies soft without being cakey.

Finely chopped pistachios add the nutty flavor and delicate crunch that make these cookies stand out. Chop them small enough to mix evenly but leave a few bits for texture.

Salt helps enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.

How To Make the Pistachio Wedding Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Add the chopped pistachios and gently fold them in with a spatula. The dough will be soft but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a ball. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart.

Step 4: Bake Until Set

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should not brown but will be set and slightly golden on the bottom.

Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Set them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, give them a second sugar roll for that dreamy white finish.

How to Serve and Store Pistachio Wedding Cookies

These cookies are ideal for serving with tea or coffee and make a lovely addition to dessert platters, cookie exchanges, or bridal showers. Their size makes them easy to enjoy in one or two bites, and they pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of pistachio ice cream for a more elevated presentation.

The recipe yields about 24 cookies, enough for a small gathering or to stash away for the week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Just thaw at room temp and give a quick sugar dusting before serving.

What to Serve With Pistachio Wedding Cookies?

A Warm Cup of Earl Grey Tea

The bergamot in Earl Grey complements the nuttiness of pistachios beautifully.

Pistachio Ice Cream

Double the pistachio, double the joy. The creamy texture enhances the crumbly cookie.

Lemon Curd

Add a tangy element to your dessert table that plays well with the buttery cookies.

Fresh Berries

A bowl of raspberries or strawberries gives a bright, juicy contrast.

Dark Chocolate Chunks

Break up a few pieces of rich dark chocolate to serve alongside for a luxurious treat.

Whipped Cream Cheese Dip

Lightly sweetened cream cheese dip can be a great addition to your cookie platter.

Almond Milk Latte

A smooth dairy-free drink to match the subtle nut flavors.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Pistachio Wedding Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons: chewy, sweet, and perfect for coconut lovers.
• Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats: a caramel-rich twist on a nostalgic classic.
• Ooey Gooey Bars: decadence meets simplicity in this fan favorite.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries: creamy, fruity, and fancy enough for parties.
• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes: the ultimate mashup of breakfast and dessert.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try roasted pistachios? Did you add a little lemon zest to the dough?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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