Dessert

Pistachio Wedding Cookies: The Perfect Treat for Your Big Day Recipe

BySimon Carel October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

Pistachio wedding cookies are a delightful, buttery treat perfect for celebrating your special day. These tender, nutty cookies are lightly dusted with powdered sugar, offering a subtle sweetness that complements their rich flavor. Easy to make and elegant, they’re sure to impress your guests.

A close-up view shows a stack of round, light beige cookies studded with green and brown pieces of pistachio nuts. Each cookie has a slightly rough texture with a golden-brown bottom edge, suggesting a soft but firm bake. The top of each cookie is lightly dusted with a fine layer of white powdered sugar, adding a delicate snowy effect. The cookies are stacked unevenly on a white plate that rests on a white marbled textured surface, with some crushed pistachio pieces scattered around. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the focus on the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, finely ground
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Finely grind the shelled pistachios in a food processor by pulsing until they resemble a coarse powder.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Then add the ground pistachios and mix gently until evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8: Remove the chilled dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Step 9: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Once cooled, generously dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Step 12: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before grinding to enhance their nuttiness.
Substitute almond extract with a few drops of rose water for a floral twist typical of Middle Eastern desserts.
Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
Chilling the dough longer helps maintain the cookies’ shape and prevents spreading during baking.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. When ready to eat, let chilled cookies come to room temperature or warm slightly in a low oven. Avoid storing in humid areas to maintain their crisp texture.

How to Serve

A close-up image of several small round cookies stacked on a white plate, each cookie is light beige with a crumbly texture, embedded with green and brown pistachio pieces throughout the layers, and topped with a thin dusting of white powdered sugar. The cookies have a slightly browned bottom edge, showing a crisp base, while the top and sides are soft and textured with visible nut chunks. The background features a white marbled surface that complements the warm tones of the cookies, enhancing their rich, nutty appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and chilled for up to 2 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls for up to 1 month; just thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Why do the cookies need to be dusted with powdered sugar after baking?

The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a classic finish that complements the nutty flavor. Dusting after baking prevents the sugar from melting and keeps the cookies visually appealing.