Soft, buttery, and packed with roasted pistachios, Pistachio Wedding Cookies are the sweet little treats that steal the show at any dessert table. These cookies are a twist on the traditional wedding cookie, delivering a subtle nutty richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. They’re delicate yet flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet, making them a perfect addition to tea time, holiday platters, or cozy nights in.
Dusted with powdered sugar and sprinkled with chopped pistachios, these cookies offer not just flavor, but a rustic, inviting look. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or just because, their simple elegance and rich, buttery profile will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Wedding Cookie Recipe
- Delicate & Buttery: Each bite crumbles gently with a smooth, buttery finish.
- Nutty Perfection: Roasted pistachios give depth and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness.
- Simple Yet Elegant: No need for frosting or decoration—a dusting of powdered sugar is all it takes.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies keep well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of a gathering.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make the perfect Pistachio Wedding Cookies, having the right tools helps guarantee success:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is crucial.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
- Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Food Processor or Knife: For finely chopping pistachios to the right consistency.
- Cooling Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Ingredients for the Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: The base for a rich and tender crumb.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and the signature soft bite.
- Vanilla Extract: For warmth and depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure while keeping the texture light.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Finely Chopped Roasted Pistachios: The star ingredient, lending crunch and flavor.
- Extra Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Finishes the cookies with a classic snowy look.
How To Make the Pistachio Wedding Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar
Beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Add Vanilla & Dry Ingredients
Stir in vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour and salt. The dough will be thick but smooth.
Step 3: Fold in Pistachios
Gently fold in the chopped roasted pistachios, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 18–20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool & Dust
Let cookies cool slightly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Serving & Storing Pistachio Wedding Cookies
These cookies shine on dessert platters, bridal shower trays, and holiday spreads. They’re perfect alongside tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine. For gifting, wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon—they’re as pretty as they are delicious.
To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them without the powdered sugar, then dust fresh before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How finely should I chop the pistachios?
They should be small enough to mix evenly but not ground into dust—think small chunks for texture.
Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the dough to balance the flavor.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
Not much. They hold their shape well, which is why rolling them into even balls is key.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Form into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen with a couple of extra minutes.
Why do my cookies crumble too much?
They’re meant to be delicate, but overbaking or using too much flour can make them dry. Stick to the recipe’s measurements and watch the baking time.
Can I add other nuts?
While pistachios are the highlight, you could try mixing in chopped pecans or walnuts for variation.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you love these Pistachio Wedding Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other sweet bites from my kitchen:
- Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a fruity and creamy contrast.
- Winter Brittle if you’re craving a nutty crunch with seasonal flair.
- Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake for a gooey, spiced dessert.
- Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread that brings cozy vibes and nutty comfort.
- Rose Pistachio Cheesecake Ice Cream for a pistachio pairing with creamy floral notes.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add orange zest or rose water for a twist? Try it with cardamom? I’d love to hear your variations!
Questions are welcome too—let’s bake with confidence and creativity.

Pistachio Wedding Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pistachio Wedding Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious with roasted pistachios and a delicate powdered sugar finish. Perfect for weddings, holidays, and tea parties, this easy cookie recipe combines classic charm with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
5. Fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.
6. Use a cookie scoop or hands to form 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Once fully cooled, dust generously with the remaining powdered sugar.
Notes
Let the cookies cool completely before dusting to avoid melting the sugar.
For extra flavor, toast the pistachios briefly before chopping.
If dough feels too crumbly, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to hydrate before shaping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg


