Pistachio Cherry Meltaways

These delightful Pistachio Cherry Meltaways are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweet, tangy burst of maraschino cherries. Soft, buttery, and incredibly easy to make, these meltaways are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will impress friends and family alike with their unique flavor profile and beautiful appearance.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Once you taste these Pistachio Cherry Meltaways, you’ll understand why they become a staple in so many kitchens. The buttery texture melts in your mouth, while the subtle flavors of pistachio and almond extract create a comforting yet sophisticated treat. Not only are they delicious, but they also come together quickly and require minimal effort, making them the perfect go-to recipe when you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the vibrant green color and flecks of cherry add a festive touch, making them ideal for holidays and celebrations.

Ingredient Breakdown

To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened – The base of our meltaways, providing a rich and creamy texture.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the meltaway texture.
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix – Infuses the cookies with pistachio flavor and color.
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the cookies.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, nutty essence.
• Optional green food coloring (about 2 drops) – For a vibrant green hue, perfect for presentation.
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped finely – Adds a pop of sweetness and color.

Equipment Breakdown

Before you begin baking, gather the necessary equipment:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
• Electric mixer – To easily cream the butter and sugar.
• Spatula – For folding in the cherries and ensuring everything is mixed well.
• Baking sheet – To bake your cookies on.
• Parchment paper – Optional, but helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Cookie scoop or spoon – For portioning out your dough evenly.

Step-by-Step: Pistachio Cherry Meltaways

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Pudding Mix and Extracts

Add the instant pistachio pudding mix and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. If you’re using green food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Fold in the Cherries

Using a spatula, gently fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries. This will give your meltaways a lovely burst of flavor and color.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Pistachio Cherry Meltaways with a cup of tea or coffee!

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some healthier adjustments to your Meltaways, consider the following options:

• Butter alternatives: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
• Reduce sugar: Use a sugar substitute such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to lower the sugar content.
• Whole wheat flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
• Cherries: Consider using fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries to reduce sugar and enhance flavor.

Chef’s Notes

These Pistachio Cherry Meltaways are incredibly versatile! You can easily swap the cherries for other fruits like dried cranberries or even chocolate chips for a different flavor twist. Additionally, if you want a stronger pistachio flavor, feel free to experiment with adding crushed pistachios to the dough. Just remember, the key to a great meltaway is not to overbake them; they should be soft and almost like little clouds of deliciousness.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To store your Pistachio Cherry Meltaways, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat, as they taste delightful at room temperature!

Pistachio Cherry Meltaways Q&A

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of instant pudding mix, such as vanilla or chocolate. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor profile of your cookies.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or omit it entirely. The cookies will still be delicious!

How do I make these cookies more colorful?

Adding a couple more drops of green food coloring can enhance the vibrancy. You can also use colored sprinkles on top before baking for a festive touch!

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is not necessary for this recipe, but if you prefer a firmer dough for easier handling, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before baking.

What to Make After This

• Chocolate Chip Cookies – A classic favorite that never goes out of style.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies – Bright and zesty for a refreshing treat.
• Almond Joy Bars – A decadent treat for coconut lovers.
• Raspberry Almond Thumbprints – A delightful combination of fruit and nut flavors.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, Pistachio Cherry Meltaways are a delightful and unique treat that brings together wonderful flavors and textures. By following this simple recipe, you can create a batch of cookies that will impress everyone who tries them. With a little bit of creativity, you can customize these meltaways to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that they remain a beloved recipe in your kitchen for years to come. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that are sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite of these Pistachio Cherry Meltaways!