These Pistachio Cherry Meltaways are little bites of bliss! With creamy butter, crunchy pistachios, and sweet cherry bits, they melt in your mouth.
They’re perfect for sharing, but I often find myself keeping them all to myself! Who can resist these tasty treats? I love how quick and easy they are to whip up—so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute, but the texture may slightly change.
Powdered Sugar: This adds sweetness and a light texture. For a healthier version, you can opt for coconut sugar or a sugar alternative, but taste and sweetness might vary.
Pistachios: They bring crunch and flavor to the cookies. If you have nut allergies or can’t find them, substitute with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a simpler taste.
Dried Cherries: They add a touch of tartness. You can swap these for dried cranberries or raisins for a similar fruitiness. Chopped dried apricots also work well!
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Meltaways?
The key to a melt-in-your-mouth texture is all in the mixing and baking. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Start with softened butter. This helps it blend easily with the sugar, leading to a light and airy mixture.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender.
- Watch your baking time! You don’t want them to brown too much. They should be barely golden on the bottom.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious meltaways every time! Enjoy making these delightful treats!
How to Make Pistachio Cherry Meltaways
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped shelled pistachios
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus around 15-18 minutes of baking time. It’s a great balance of easy to make and delicious to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so your cookies won’t stick.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar using a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This will give your cookies that nice melt-in-your-mouth texture!
3. Add Flavor:
Mix in the vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. A simple step for added flavor that makes all the difference!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed in your cookie dough.
5. Mix It Together:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir it together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough!
6. Fold in the Goodies:
Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios and dried cherries. This will add delicious texture and flavor to your cookies.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet so they have space to spread while baking.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden on the bottom but keep that pale color on top. This will keep them soft!
9. Cool and Coat:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to give them a sweet outer coat.
10. Final Touch:
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can roll them in powdered sugar again for a lovely finish!
11. Store and Enjoy:
Store your delicious meltaways in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful crunch of pistachios and the sweet cherry bits in every melt-in-your-mouth cookie!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pistachios with any nut you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds. If you have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or simply omitting the nuts entirely.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free meltaways, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
How Should I Store Leftover Meltaways?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the baked meltaways for up to three months. Just ensure they’re fully cooled, then layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
