Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Published: December 19, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of pistachio, cherry, and white chocolate creates a deliciously unique flavor profile.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Be it holidays or casual snacks, these cookies fit right in with any event.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors from the cherries and pistachio make them not just tasty but also beautiful on any dessert platter.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amounts of cherries or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Cookie sheet
Plastic wrap
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps mix all your ingredients efficiently without spills.
Electric mixer: It saves time and effort when beating butter until light and fluffy.
Cookie sheet: A good-quality cookie sheet ensures even baking for perfectly cooked cookies.

Ingredients

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are simple, delicious, and easy to make!

For the Dough

1 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar + more for sprinkling on top
1 teaspoon almond extract
3.4 oz pkg instant pistachio pudding mix
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cherries – You can also place the chopped cherries in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to make sure they don’t stain the dough.
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

How to Make Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Beat the Butter

In your mixing bowl, beat the butter until light & fluffy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add powdered sugar, almond extract, and pudding mix. Beat until combined.

Step 3: Add Color

If desired, drop in food coloring for a darker color.

Step 4: Add Flour

Gradually add flour and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in Fruits & Chips

Gently fold in cherries & white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and freeze for 15-30 minutes, until slightly firm.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Scoop about 1/2 tablespoon of dough and roll into balls with your hands. Gently flatten each ball.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 9-12 minutes. After this time, open the oven and gently press each cookie with the bottom of a glass cup to flatten further.

Step 10: Finish Baking

Bake another 3-5 minutes or until they are set.

Step 11: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool completely before adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top if desired.

How to Serve Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are not only delectable but also visually appealing. They make a delightful addition to any gathering or occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Coffee or Tea

Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.

As Party Favors

Package the cookies in decorative bags and give them as party favors. They add a personal touch to any celebration.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats. Their vibrant colors make them stand out.

With Ice Cream

Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

At Holiday Gatherings

These cookies can be a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray, delighting guests with their unique flavor combination.

How to Perfect Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking to prevent spreading and achieve that crinkle effect.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Measure accurately: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour, to avoid dense cookies.
Check for doneness: Bake until just set; they will continue to firm up while cooling on the sheet.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness that complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, offering a savory contrast to the sweet flavors.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that pairs well with cookies.
Nut Mix: A simple nut mix can provide crunch and is a great snack alongside your cookies.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats add elegance and pair wonderfully with the flavors of pistachios and cherries.
Homemade Granola Bars: For a wholesome touch, serve granola bars made with nuts and dried fruits that echo the cookie’s ingredients.
Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup and chopped nuts for an indulgent dessert option alongside the cookies.
Herbal Tea Selection: Offer a variety of herbal teas that can cleanse the palate between bites of these flavorful cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the chilling step – Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always freeze the dough for 15-30 minutes.
Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately – Incorrect measurements can ruin your cookie’s balance. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Using fresh cherries without prepping them – Fresh cherries can bleed into the dough. Freeze chopped cherries briefly before mixing to avoid staining.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
They can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, placing cookies until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies.

What makes Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies unique?

These cookies combine sweet cherries with nutty pistachios, creating a delightful flavor contrast and chewy texture that stands out.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the dough.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Cookies should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center when done. They will firm up as they cool.

What variations can I try with Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies?

Feel free to experiment by adding different nuts or using dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate!

Final Thoughts

Cherry Pistachio Crinkle Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. With their vibrant colors and unique flavors, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings; the possibilities are endless!

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