Pistachio Snowball Cookies are a festive treat that combine the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread. Perfect for holiday baking or any time you’re craving a sweet, nutty snack, these cookies are coated in powdered sugar for a snowy, sweet finish.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
Fold in the chopped pistachios.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again.
Enjoy these delicious Pistachio Snowball Cookies!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Nut alternatives: You can substitute pistachios with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate coating: For an extra indulgence, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate before rolling them in powdered sugar.
Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Flavored sugars: Instead of plain powdered sugar, you can use cinnamon sugar or vanilla sugar to coat the cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not need reheating. If you’d like them to be soft again, you can microwave them for a few seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. To freeze the dough, form the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use salted pistachios? It’s best to use unsalted pistachios, as the added salt may make the cookies too salty. If using salted pistachios, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Can I make these cookies without pistachios? Yes, you can omit the pistachios altogether or replace them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips.
Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Roll into balls and bake when ready.
What is the best way to shape the dough? Use your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If you want a more uniform size, you can use a cookie scoop.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Butter is recommended for the best results.
Can I skip rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice? The double coating of powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature “snowball” look, but you can choose to roll them only once if you prefer.
Why are my cookies too soft or too hard? If your cookies are too soft, it could be due to underbaking. Make sure they are lightly golden on the bottom. If they’re too hard, try reducing the baking time slightly.
How do I make the cookies more crumbly? For a more crumbly texture, you can reduce the amount of flour slightly and ensure the butter is softened before mixing.
Can I add other flavorings like almond extract? Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.

Conclusion

Pistachio Snowball Cookies are a delicious and simple treat that combines the rich taste of pistachios with the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a nutty dessert, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re the perfect addition to your cookie jar!