Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies – A Flavorful Twist on Classic Cookies

Creating cherry pistachio crinkle cookies brings together the sweetness of cherries and the rich nutty flavor of pistachios in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. When you prepare cherry pistachio crinkle cookies, you combine classic holiday charm with a refreshing twist perfect for any season. These cookies offer a striking color contrast and a chewy texture that appeals to bakers of all levels.

Cherry pistachio crinkle cookies have grown in popularity thanks to their bright flavors and beautiful crinkled tops. They use simple pantry staples, flavored pudding mix, and dried cherries to ensure every bite stays soft and flavorful. Because the recipe is straightforward, it is an excellent option for quick baking projects, festive gatherings, or gifting during the holidays.

To create a well-balanced flavor, the recipe blends pistachio and cherry highlights with buttery undertones. The crinkle exterior adds a nostalgic touch while allowing the dough to stay tender in the center. These cookies also store well and maintain their texture for several days, making them ideal for make-ahead treats.

Table of Contents

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Ingredients

Use the tables below for a clear overview of everything needed to make cherry pistachio crinkle cookies.

Dry Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Pistachio pudding mix (instant)	1 box (3.4 oz)
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon

Wet Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Almond extract	½ teaspoon
Dried cherries, chopped	¾ cup
Chopped pistachios	½ cup
Powdered sugar (for rolling)	½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, and salt until the mixture becomes uniform.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped dried cherries and pistachios to add texture and flavor.
7. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to help form round, even cookies.
8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Place each ball onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between cookies for spreading.
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are crinkled and the edges are set but not browned.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Helpful Tips for Best Results

Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and providing clean crinkles.
Use High-Quality Dried Cherries: They should be soft and not too sugary. Tart cherries balance sweetness well.
Do Not Overbake: The cookies should remain slightly soft in the center for a meltaway texture.
Coat Generously in Powdered Sugar: A thick layer gives the cookies a bold crinkle pattern.
Customize Add-ins: Replace pistachios with white chocolate chips or add more cherries to adjust flavor balance.

Conclusion

These cherry pistachio crinkle cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors with vibrant color and a soft interior. Whether you bake them for holidays, parties, or everyday enjoyment, they bring a unique blend of pistachio and cherry that stands out from traditional cookie recipes. Because they are easy to prepare and visually stunning, they make an excellent addition to your dessert collection.

Frequently Asked Questions