Pistachio Wedding Cookies

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These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are buttery, crumbly, and delicately sweetened with a dusting of powdered sugar. Packed with crunchy pistachios in every bite, they melt in your mouth and are the perfect cross between a shortbread and a nutty snowball cookie. These cookies aren’t just for weddings either—they shine just as brightly on holiday trays, afternoon teas, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Inspired by the classic Mexican wedding cookie and given a nutty green twist, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. With their soft centers, crisp edges, and jewel-like pistachios peeking through, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make with pantry basics and no fancy equipment.

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What Kind of Pistachios Should I Use?

You want to use shelled, roasted, unsalted pistachios for this recipe. Roasted nuts bring out deeper flavor and unsalted ones help you control the sweetness and salt balance. Chop them roughly so you get those little nuggets of crunch throughout the dough. Avoid dyed or heavily salted pistachios—they can interfere with the cookie’s delicate flavor and aesthetic.

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Ingredients for the Pistachio Wedding Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Gives these cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Room temperature is key.
• Powdered Sugar: Blends into the dough easily and provides that signature sweet, snowy finish on top.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to complement the nutty pistachios.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of these cookies—keeps them sturdy without being too dense.
• Cornstarch: Helps lighten the texture for that dreamy, soft bite.
• Chopped Pistachios: The star ingredient—they add color, texture, and a rich nutty taste.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.

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How To Make the Pistachio Wedding Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the dough for a soft texture.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, then slowly fold in the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix—you want a soft, pliable dough.

Step 3: Fold in the Pistachios

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden.

Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool slightly, then generously roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled, dust again for a snowball effect.

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Serving and Storing Pistachio Wedding Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh, but they store wonderfully too. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them (undusted) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and give them a fresh coating of powdered sugar before serving.

They’re perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, and afternoon tea. Their light sweetness pairs well with coffee or mint tea and they’re gorgeous when arranged on a holiday cookie platter.

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What to Serve With Pistachio Wedding Cookies?

A Cup of Fresh Mint Tea

The herbal brightness complements the pistachios perfectly.

Espresso or Cappuccino

Bold, dark coffee balances the sweet, buttery flavor.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Pair a few cookies with a scoop for an easy and elegant dessert.

Lemon Curd

The tartness of lemon curd makes a great contrast to the rich cookie.

Raspberry Jam

A dollop on the side or a quick dip? Yes, please.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Crumble cookies over a layered yogurt bowl with berries for a decadent breakfast.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip half the cookie for a two-toned treat!

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Pistachio Wedding Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy these other creative treats:

• Twix Cookie Cups for that candy bar crunch in every bite.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies for a fruity, creamy combo.
• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies if you’re after a classic comfort pick.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies to satisfy serious chocolate cravings.
• Snowball Cookies for a classic variation of this festive favorite.

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Save This Pin 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 swap in almonds or maybe add rose water? Did you try them with dark chocolate?

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

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