These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat for any special gathering. Soft, buttery, and nutty, they bring a hint of old-world charm with every bite. Whether you’re prepping a holiday cookie tray, baking for a wedding shower, or just craving a classic dessert with a twist, these cookies are here to impress.


What makes them so irresistible is the fine balance of flavors and textures: crunchy pistachios ground into the dough, a whisper of vanilla, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar that creates a dreamy, snowball-like finish. They’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
Why Are They Called Wedding Cookies?
Pistachio Wedding Cookies are a variation of traditional wedding cookies, which have roots in European baking traditions. Known in some places as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, they’re typically buttery, nut-based, and covered in powdered sugar. The pistachio twist gives them a unique flavor profile and a pop of green color that looks festive for any occasion.
Ingredients for the Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: It forms the rich, creamy base of the dough. Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives that signature melt-away texture. It’s also used for the final coating.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure. Sift it for a lighter dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth. Pure vanilla is best.
- Salt: A small amount enhances the sweet and nutty notes.
- Chopped Pistachios: The star of the recipe. They provide flavor, color, and a pleasant crunch. Use unsalted, shelled pistachios for best results.
How To Make the Pistachio Wedding Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, giving the cookies a tender bite.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These two simple additions deepen the flavor and balance the sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually mix in the sifted all-purpose flour. Don’t overmix—you want the dough to stay soft and delicate.
Step 4: Fold in the Pistachios
Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios. The dough will be dense but should come together easily.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 6: Powdered Sugar Finish
Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled, roll them again for that perfect snowy coating.

How to Serve and Store Pistachio Wedding Cookies
Serve these cookies at room temperature on a pretty platter or in a festive tin. Their powdered sugar coating makes them a stunning addition to dessert tables, especially during holidays or special occasions.
To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. Dust them in sugar once thawed.
What to Serve With Pistachio Wedding Cookies?
A Cup of Hot Tea
The subtle nuttiness pairs beautifully with black or herbal teas.
Espresso or Strong Coffee
Bold coffee brings out the richness of the pistachios.
Lemon Curd
The tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the cookie.
Pistachio Ice Cream
Double down on the pistachio flavor with a scoop on the side.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Adds a fruity and decadent contrast to the cookies.
Fruit and Cheese Board
The cookies add a sweet element to a savory board.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If these Pistachio Wedding Cookies have won you over, don’t miss these other sweet surprises from Savor Queen:
- Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
- Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies packed with juicy cherry bits.
- Condensed Milk Snow Cookies with melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies for a rich, fruity bite.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added cardamom or a drizzle of white chocolate? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth cookie? These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are the sweet treat your dessert table has been waiting for. Delicate, buttery, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar, they offer the perfect balance of crunch and softness. Whether you need a quick dessert idea, a holiday cookie recipe, or something charming for your next celebration, these cookies deliver rich, nutty flavor with effortless elegance. Add them to your holiday baking list, use them as a go-to easy recipe for gifting, or serve them as part of a cozy tea-time lineup. This is one of those irresistible food ideas that fits nearly every occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
0.5 cup powdered sugar
2.25 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.75 cup chopped pistachios
0.5 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until well incorporated.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until a dough forms.
4. Fold in the chopped pistachios evenly.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden.
7. Cool for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
8. Once completely cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
For deeper flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before adding.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pistachio wedding cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday baking, nut cookies, powdered sugar cookies
