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    Home » Desserts » Pistachio Wedding Cookies

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies

    Nikki Lee Published:December 4, 2017 | Updated: August 20, 2020

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Recipe Save Saved!
    Pinterest image of pistachio wedding cookies.

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies are soft, buttery cookies that are a little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot of delicious. These melt-in-your-mouth good cookies just might have you reaching into that cookie jar often this Holiday Season.

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies in green Christmas tree bowl

    *Soulfully Made is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This post may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

    It's December and it's time to talk Christmas Cookies! This time of year you will find me in the kitchen whipping up batches of cookies for annual Christmas cookie exchanges! I usually have 2 or 3 I attend every year. What about you? Do you host or attend any during the Holiday Season?

    I find they are always festive and so much fun!  A time filled with friends, laughter, and a big dose of Christmas Spirit!

    These cookies are a cross between a shortbread and a traditional wedding cookie. The addition of the pudding mix makes them melt-in-your-mouth y'all! And this velvety texture bakes up the PERFECT cookie in my book!

    Not to mention, they are so beautiful covered in confectioners (for you refined friends out there) sugar. Here in the south we affectionately call it Powdered Sugar! And hey, you know it's winter and I need some snow in my life here in Florida!  Add a little dustin' with this and you have one delicious sweet treat!

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies are perfect to take along this year to your Cookie Exchange, Holiday Party or to leave out for SANTA.

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    How to Make Pistachio Wedding Cookies

    First, cream your butter until nice and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy! Then add in vanilla until combined.

    Creamed butter in glass bowl

    Meanwhile, in a separate bowl mix together the flour and pudding mix. Then gradually add into butter and sugar. Mix until combined! I used my stand mixer, but if you don't have one use your hand mixer. Or a little elbow grease works wonders too!

    Dry Pistachio Wedding Cookie Ingredients in glass bowl with jello pudding in background

    Once mixed, pour onto wax paper and make a dough ball. Wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

    Pistachio Wedding Cookie Dough Ball

    Remove from fridge and use a measuring teaspoon to make a ball. Then press down slightly with the back of the measuring spoon.  I like these cookies a little more flat like a cookie rather than a ball.

    Pressing Pistachio Wedding Cookie before baking

    Bake for 6 to 9 minutes at 350 degrees! Remove from oven and let cool down for about 5 minutes or so. Roll in powdered sugar and let them completely cool on a baking rack. Then store in an air-tight container. If they last long enough to store 😉

    Pistachio Wedding Cookie on tray with pistachios and powdered sugar sprinkled on top

    Enjoy, Pin and Share this with your friends! They will love you for life!

    pinterest image for pistachio wedding cookies

    Christmas Cookie Recipes

    • Easy Oatmeal Lace Cookies
    • Peppermint Meltaway Cookies
    • Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookies
    • Santa's Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies

    Pistachio Wedding Cookies

    Author: Nikki Lee - Soulfully Made
    4.8 from 68 votes
    Pistachio Wedding Cookies are soft, buttery cookies that are a little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot of deliciousness. These melt-in-your-mouth good cookies just might have you reaching into that cookie jar often this Holiday Season.
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    Print Save Saved! Pin Recipe Rate
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 21 mins
    Course Cookies
    Cuisine American
    Servings 48 cookies
    Calories 54 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 sticks salted butter, softened
    • 1 ¼ cup powdered, confectioners sugar, divided
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour
    • 1 3.4 oz package pistachio instant pudding mix, dry

    Instructions
     

    • In a large bowl, with a stand or hand mixer cream butter until smooth. Add in ½ cup powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add in vanilla and mix until combined.
    • In another bowl combine flour and dry pudding mix until combined. Gradually add flour mixture into butter mixture until it forms a dough.
    • Pour dough onto wax paper and form a ball. Wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
    • Remove from refrigerator and use teaspoon measuring spoon to make a cookie ball. Take back of measuring spoon to slightly press ball.
    • Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake on 350 degree preheated oven for 6 to 9 minutes. Remove and let cool 3 to 5 minutes on baking sheet.
    • Using remainder of powdered sugar. Roll cookies in sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely. Store in air tight container.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cookie Calories: 54 kcal Carbohydrates: 4 g Protein: 1 g Fat: 4 g Saturated Fat: 2 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 10 mg Sodium: 39 mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carol says

      April 13, 2022 at 12:59 pm

      Do you need to use salted butter? Can you use unsalted instead?

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        April 14, 2022 at 3:11 pm

        You can make it with unsalted butter. If you want add 1/4 teaspoon of salt or omit if desired.

        Reply
    2. Vane says

      March 27, 2022 at 12:12 pm

      5 stars
      What a delightful treat! Thank you for sharing this simple yet delish cookie recipe!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        March 29, 2022 at 1:55 pm

        I am so glad to hear you enjoyed these cookies! Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Donna Marcott says

      January 07, 2022 at 1:52 pm

      can I use sugar free pudding mix? If I do do I need to add sugar or anything?

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        January 08, 2022 at 9:25 am

        I haven't made them with sugar-free pudding, but you could give it a try. You can add the powdered sugar as directed or even try the powdered sugar substitute. I would love to know how it works for you.

        Reply
    4. Michelle says

      January 02, 2022 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      Very good but I guess I made them to big. Yes I did bake them longer and added green gel food coloring. It didn’t make 40 some cookies but of course that’s because of their size! I did use the small ice cream scoop, but we’re still pretty big. I wish I could post a picture!!!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        January 05, 2022 at 10:57 am

        Well, a bigger cookie just means a little more and that's okay! Try a small cookie scoop or even use a heaping tablespoon measuring spoon for a smaller cookie. I am so glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    5. Debi Watson says

      December 26, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      It was a hit at the family holiday get together. Everyone wanted the recipe.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        December 28, 2021 at 8:37 am

        That makes my day! I am so glad everyone enjoyed them!

        Reply
    6. Kathleen Ann Nelson says

      December 23, 2021 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      These are delicious! Easy to make and each cookie is bite-size and melts in your mouth.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        December 24, 2021 at 11:15 am

        Thank you, Kathleen! I am so glad you enjoyed them and appreciate you stopping by to let me know! I love bite-sized cookies. I make my strawberry cake mix cookies like that too!

        Reply
    7. MJ says

      November 24, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      Messed up the first by using the wrong measuring cup for the flour. The second batch came out fantastic.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        December 04, 2021 at 7:39 am

        Oh, goodness! I have done that before with measuring spoons and baking powder! I am glad I am not the only one. I am glad you got it figured out and you loved them! I am about to make a batch this weekend!

        Reply
    8. Dottie says

      November 05, 2021 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      I always add a 1/2 tsp of Pistachio Extract. Amazing results !!!

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        November 06, 2021 at 11:44 am

        That is a great addition! Even more pistachio flavor! YUM!

        Reply
    9. Nancy E All says

      August 17, 2021 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      These are so good. I will make again. Mine made about 48 cookies. Reminded me of a recipe my mother made. I didn't roll them in powdered sugar I shook them in a paper bag.

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        August 23, 2021 at 2:36 pm

        Thank you, Nancy! I am so glad you enjoyed them! The memory of your mom's cookies is the best compliment ever!

        Reply
    10. Shirley says

      December 14, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      These sound great but I made a boo-boo. I added 2 pks of pistachio pudding instead of 1. What should I do now?

      Reply
      • Nikki Lee says

        December 18, 2020 at 3:42 pm

        Just double the other ingredients and make a double batch! More to share!

        Reply
    11. Deb says

      December 13, 2019 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      I made a batch of these last night and divided them into cookie tins for the kids. Guess what.....the hubby ate almost all of them! Just finished making 3 more batches. Delish!

      Reply
    12. e says

      December 12, 2019 at 10:40 pm

      i tried this recipe today and I think I did something wrong. It never turned into a dough. It was very crumbly. Was I supposed to mix the pudding with milk and then add to the flour?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        March 09, 2020 at 9:04 am

        No you add the milk to the pudding. Make sure your butter is well softened to room temperature.

        Reply
        • LISA M says

          March 12, 2020 at 10:49 am

          VERY CONFUSED. THERE IS NO MENTION OF MILK IN THE INGREDIENTS OR DIRECTIONS. DO WE ADD MILK AS IF WE WERE MAKING PUDDING? THANKS IN ADVANCE. I AM MAKING THESE FOR MY COOKIE TABLE FOR MY WEDDING AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE I MAKE THEM CORRECTLY.

        • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

          March 13, 2020 at 10:52 pm

          There is no milk in the recipe. You do not need to add it to the pudding mix. Just make as directed. Enjoy! And congratulations on the wedding!

    13. Valerie McElnea says

      December 12, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      I’ve made these the last three years as part of my Christmas cookie baking party and they are ALWAYS requested and the favorite choice. I do have two questions. First...would I be able to make them with a tablespoon cookie scoop rather than a teaspoon one? If so would cooking time change? SECOND...can I add green food coloring to the recipe to give it a more vibrant green color rather than the pale green it is or would that affect the dough? I was thinking like 3-5 drops of green food coloring.

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 12, 2019 at 4:43 pm

        You can make the cookies larger if you like. I would just keep an eye on them they will need to cook a little longer. I always have made them this size so I have not tested the time. You can drop a few drops of food coloring in. I like a good quality gel based one if you can get that. Merry Christmas Valerie!

        Reply
    14. louise says

      December 11, 2019 at 11:28 pm

      What size cookie scoop should I use?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 12, 2019 at 4:45 pm

        I just use a round teaspoon measure as a guide and roll it in a ball. You could use a small scoop, but may need to cook a little longer. It will make fewer but larger cookies!

        Reply
    15. lisa says

      December 07, 2019 at 6:41 pm

      Question about the confectioner sugar it only says use a half a cup so I’m kind of confused that 3/4 of a cup is used for sprinkling?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 08, 2019 at 2:53 am

        Hi Lisa. You use 1/2 of the powdered sugar in the butter mixture in step 1. The remained 3/4 cups are used in step 6 to roll the cookie in after baking them. You can cut that amount if you like. I like them nice and dusted and have found this amount works well. I hope you enjoy.

        Reply
    16. Hailey says

      December 06, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      Can powdered pistachio and an egg be used as a substitute?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 08, 2019 at 2:57 am

        I have not tried that. I would love to hear if it works well in this recipe.

        Reply
    17. Capitolah says

      November 08, 2019 at 8:33 am

      When I first saw the picture, I thought they may be lime flavored. I’m wondering if this recipe works best with pudding mix or if gelatin could be substituted. Has anyone tried these with lime or lemon jello? My imagination is running wild with the possibilities...pistachio, cheesecake, butterscotch, or cookies and cream pudding!

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        November 11, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        I know I want to try to make these with some other pudding mixes! I have lots of combinations in my mind as well. I haven't made this particular recipe with jello gelatin but I will have to do one and get it on the blog soon.

        Reply
    18. Recipebook says

      November 06, 2019 at 7:11 am

      I will give it a try. It looks very yummy.

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        November 07, 2019 at 5:39 pm

        Thank you! I hope you love them!

        Reply
    19. Elaine says

      October 10, 2019 at 11:40 am

      We do not have butter sticks here. Could you tell me how much butter to use for these cookies.

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        October 10, 2019 at 8:18 pm

        It is 1 cup or 16 tablespoons of butter.

        Reply
        • Elaine says

          October 12, 2019 at 11:41 am

          Thank you!! Cooking these today ??

        • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

          October 30, 2019 at 10:34 am

          You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy!

    20. Cyn says

      September 18, 2019 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      Just made these for a wedding. I added some finely chopped pistachios to the dough. They were beautiful and everyone loved them. Such an easy yet tasty cookie - thanks for it. I'll make these often

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        September 21, 2019 at 11:46 am

        Thank you Cyn! I love the addition of more pistachios! Best wishes to the Bride and Groom.

        Reply
    21. Mary says

      March 16, 2019 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      I just made these for St. Patrick's day tomorrow. They are so easy & are absolutely delicious. Wedding cookies are my favorites anyway, but the pistachio pudding sends it over the top. Love the light green color. I'm going to try other flavors of pudding as well. Thank you so much for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        March 18, 2019 at 7:02 pm

        Thank you Mary! I am thrilled to hear you love them! They are one of my favorites. I would love to hear what other flavors you try!

        Reply
    22. Linda A Pense says

      February 14, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      I had to add some finely chopped pistachios. but they are great...Love it...I Like any kind of shortbread type cookie...

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        February 16, 2019 at 8:33 am

        Adding in pistachios is a wonderful idea. I am a shortbread lover too! I am so glad you enjoyed them Linda! <3 Nikki

        Reply
    23. Rima featherstonehaugh says

      December 30, 2018 at 3:35 pm

      What about pistachio nuts? Aren’t any pistachio nuts called for? Did I miss read the recipe?

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 31, 2018 at 10:24 pm

        They are made with pistachio pudding. I have not tried adding in some nuts, but I may the next time and see how they turn out.

        Reply
    24. Kristin says

      December 26, 2018 at 7:18 am

      I love the idea of these but I made them twice and both times they are just waaaay too rich with butter. The consistency seems off as well, mine came out looking more like sugar cookies and tasted like butter with a hint of pistachio. I used two sticks as the recipe says.. I wonder what I am doing wrong? Everyone else seems to love them 🙂

      Reply
    25. Ariel says

      December 23, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      Can I chill the cookie dough overnight? Love the recipe!

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 24, 2018 at 6:56 am

        Thank you so much! I have not done it overnight, but I don't see why you couldn't. Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    26. Rachel Hedges says

      December 09, 2018 at 3:46 pm

      Hi! I just made a variation on these--chocolate peppermint snowballs. I used chocolate fudge pudding mix and peppermint extract instead of vanilla (I tripled the recipe, and used 2/3 of the required amount of extract--4tsp instead of 6--so it wouldn't be too strong). Delicious!

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        December 12, 2018 at 2:29 pm

        That sounds so delicious! I make variations of these as well! You can never ever go wrong with chocolate, especially when paired with peppermint. I have a Chocolate Candy Cane Kiss Cookie I love to make as well!

        Reply
    27. Mandy @ South Your Mouth says

      November 30, 2018 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      These looks AMAZING! I love shortbread and I love pistachios so this is perfect for me!

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        November 30, 2018 at 10:48 am

        Thank you so much Mandy! I love both as well! It's the perfect cookie combo! <3

        Reply
      • Amy says

        December 04, 2019 at 2:04 am

        Could these be rolled out and cut into shapes like a shortbread dough?? Thinking of swirling with cranberry shortbread to make a festive holiday cookie...

        Reply
        • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

          December 04, 2019 at 5:46 pm

          Amy, I think you could definitely do that. Sounds delicious. I would love to hear how they turn out.

    28. Toni | Boulder Locavore says

      November 29, 2018 at 11:57 pm

      5 stars
      I'd love to give these a try! They look amazing!

      Reply
      • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

        November 30, 2018 at 6:39 am

        Thank you so much Toni! I hope you are able to! They are a tradition for our Christmas Cookie Tray!

        Reply
    29. Linda says

      August 08, 2018 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      These are wonderful and beautiful. I made these for my boss. He loved loved loved them. Thank you so much for sharing. I going home to bake him more for tomorrow.

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        August 10, 2018 at 7:21 am

        Linda, Thank you so much! I am glad he loved them! They are one of my favorites too!

        Reply
    30. Richa Gupta says

      December 10, 2017 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      These cookies look amazing!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 10, 2017 at 4:21 pm

        Thank you so much! Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Holiday Season!

        Reply
    31. Christie says

      December 09, 2017 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      These look melt in your mouth delicious! I love pistachios, but never thought to put pistachio pudding in anything. LOVE this idea!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 09, 2017 at 9:45 pm

        Oh the pudding just gives the cookies such great flavor and texture! Thank you <3

        Reply
        • Irene says

          February 26, 2018 at 1:59 pm

          Are these soft and chewy or crispy? Also, can these be frozen?

        • [email protected] says

          February 26, 2018 at 3:42 pm

          These are more on the soft side, as long as you don't over bake them. I have not frozen these before, but I would not see any reason they would not freeze well.

    32. Carolyn says

      December 08, 2017 at 5:10 pm

      I love the color; so pretty!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 08, 2017 at 5:17 pm

        Thank you so much Carolyn! I love the subtle green too! Perfect for the Holidays! Have a Merry Christmas!! XOXO - Nikki

        Reply
    33. Jennifer says

      December 08, 2017 at 8:09 am

      These are so pretty! They would be fun to add to a cookie exchange!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 09, 2017 at 9:48 pm

        Thank you so much! They are always a hit!!

        Reply
    34. Megan @ MegUnprocessed says

      December 06, 2017 at 7:47 pm

      Pistachios are my favorite!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 07, 2017 at 7:21 pm

        Me too! They are my favorite nut, well and pecans too! 🙂

        Reply
    35. Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says

      December 06, 2017 at 5:02 pm

      These cookies look amazingly good!!!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 07, 2017 at 7:22 pm

        Thank you so much Jocelyn! XOXO

        Reply
    36. Cindy @CindysRecipesAndWritings says

      December 04, 2017 at 10:34 pm

      I love pistachios! These sound so good. A bit a green is nice change from all the red too!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 05, 2017 at 12:59 pm

        I do too Cindy! A little green is always nice 😉 I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season <3

        Reply
    37. Karen says

      December 04, 2017 at 9:48 pm

      That green color is so pretty! What a delicious sounding cookie.

      Reply
    38. Wendy Klik says

      December 04, 2017 at 8:01 pm

      Love pudding cookies and these sound wonderful. I think I will try adding some crushed pistachios to the dough.

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 04, 2017 at 8:55 pm

        Wendy that is a fabulous idea! I may sneak some in on my next batch! You can't go wrong with extra!

        Reply
    39. Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says

      December 04, 2017 at 11:01 am

      I love how these cookies and sweet & salty!

      Reply
    40. Liz @ Books n' Cooks says

      December 04, 2017 at 6:06 am

      Such a pretty green - these cookies will brighten up any cookie tray this holiday season!

      Reply
      • [email protected] says

        December 04, 2017 at 2:10 pm

        Thank you Liz! That green color is so festive! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

        Reply
        • Evelyn Summers says

          November 26, 2019 at 9:49 am

          My family loves these cookies! I just made them using coconut cream pudding and coconut extract. DELICIOUS!!!!

        • Nikki - Soulfully Made says

          November 27, 2019 at 7:55 am

          Thank you so much Evelyn! I am so glad you tried the coconut cream version! So so delish. <3

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