Introduction

Pistachio Wedding Cookies are buttery, tender, and lightly sweetened treats perfect for any celebration or afternoon snack. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are coated in confectioners sugar for a delightful finish. They combine the nutty flavor of pistachio pudding mix with a classic cookie base for a unique twist on traditional wedding cookies.

The image shows three soft, round pale green cookies dusted with white powdered sugar on a white marbled surface. Behind them is a white plate filled with more of the same cookies, slightly blurred. Scattered around are a few pistachio nuts with their shells partially open. To the right, there is a wooden spoon filled with powdered sugar, some of which has spilled onto the surface. In the background, part of a metal whisk is visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup confectioners sugar, divided
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3.4 oz package pistachio instant pudding mix
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter. Beat in 1/2 cup of the confectioners sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and combine well.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pistachio instant pudding mix, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a ball. Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and unwrap. Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Press down gently on each ball.
Step 6: Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, being careful not to overbake. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: While still warm, toss the cookies in the remaining half cup of confectioners sugar until evenly coated. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a richer nut flavor, finely chop some shelled pistachios and add them to the dough before baking.
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Chilling the dough longer, up to overnight, can help develop flavors and make shaping easier.
If you prefer a stronger vanilla aroma, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Storage

Store pistachio wedding cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and gently re-coat with confectioners sugar if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows three light green mochi pieces in the front, each round and dusted heavily with white powdered sugar giving a soft, powdery texture on the outside. Behind them is a white plate filled with more of the same pale green mochi, also coated in powdered sugar. Around the mochi on the white marbled surface are a few cracked pistachio nuts with green insides peeking out and a wooden spoon filled with white powdered sugar resting beside the three mochi. The whole scene has a soft and calm look, highlighting the delicate powder and gentle green color of the mochi. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of pistachio?

Yes, you can substitute pistachio pudding mix with other flavors like vanilla or butterscotch for a different taste, but using pistachio gives these cookies their signature flavor.

Why are the cookies pressed down before baking?

Pressing the dough balls slightly helps them bake evenly by flattening out their shape, ensuring a tender texture and consistent cooking throughout.