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### **Instructions for Pistachio Snowball Cookies**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. **Prepare the Pistachios**: If you’re using whole pistachios, roughly chop them into small pieces, or you can pulse them in a food processor to create a fine crumb. This will help them blend seamlessly into the cookie dough.
3. **Make the Cookie Dough**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and **1/2 cup powdered sugar** until light and fluffy, about **2-3 minutes**. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for this.
4. **Add Flavor and Dry Ingredients**: Stir in the **vanilla extract** until well combined. Then, gradually mix in the **flour**, **ground pistachios**, and **salt** until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky, and it will have a light green tint from the pistachios.
5. **Shape the Cookies**: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls, about the size of a walnut (1-inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about **1 inch apart**.
6. **Bake**: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still pale. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should remain soft in the center.
7. **Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar**: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for **5-10 minutes**. While they’re cooling, pour the remaining **1 cup of powdered sugar** into a shallow bowl. Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or packaging them up.
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### **Tips for Perfect Pistachio Snowball Cookies**
– **Chill the Dough**: If you find the dough is a bit soft and hard to shape, you can chill it for about **30 minutes** in the refrigerator before rolling it into balls. This will help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
– **Grind the Pistachios Well**: Grinding the pistachios into smaller pieces or even powder will allow the flavor to be evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving you that wonderful nutty bite in every cookie.
– **Customize the Nuts**: Feel free to experiment by adding a handful of chopped chocolate or swapping the pistachios for another nut, like **walnuts** or **macadamia nuts**, if you prefer.
– **Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Roll**: The powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their signature “snowball” look. Be sure to roll them while they’re still warm for the best results.
– **Make Ahead**: These cookies store beautifully, and they actually taste even better after sitting for a day or two. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **1 week**. You can also freeze them for up to **3 months**—just be sure to separate layers with wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
Pistachio Snowball Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various beverages. Here are a few ideas:
– **With a Cup of Tea or Coffee**: The rich, buttery flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Serve them at your next afternoon tea, holiday gathering, or cozy weekend brunch.
– **For the Holidays**: These cookies are ideal for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. Their festive snowball shape and pale green hue from the pistachios make them stand out on any cookie platter.
– **With a Glass of Milk**: These cookies are perfect for dunking in milk—whether it’s classic cow’s milk, almond milk, or a rich, creamy oat milk.
– **As a Gift**: Package these cookies in a beautiful tin or box with a ribbon for a homemade holiday gift that’s both thoughtful and delicious.
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### **Why These Pistachio Snowball Cookies Are a Must-Bake**
Pistachio Snowball Cookies are a delightful variation on the classic snowball cookie, offering a sophisticated twist with their nutty, rich flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy a treat with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to impress.
Their buttery texture, crunchy pistachios, and sweet powdered sugar coating make them a fun, festive treat that everyone will love. And with their simple, straightforward ingredients, you can whip up a batch with minimal effort.
So, the next time you’re looking to bake something special or need a treat that’s as easy as it is elegant, look no further than Pistachio Snowball Cookies—your taste buds will thank you!
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