Pistachio Cherry Chocolate-Dipped Cookies

Okay, okay, we’ve got a family Christmas cookie stepping up to the plate today! Hey, Aunt Rene’!! I know you may be saying to yourself, “This girl has been making a lot of cookies lately,” and you would be right. Christmas cookies are the best food this time of year. I’ll pass on dinner just so that I can eat these Pistachio Cherry Chocolate-Dipped Cookies cookies and milk next to the fire in my plaid pajamas, thank you.

Let’s talk about the fact that my husband is morphing into Clark W. Griswold from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation before my very eyes. He couldn’t stand the fact that we didn’t have a tree this year because we were out of town. So after a day of work and long commute home, he drove by a lot to pick up a $15 Douglas Fir so we could at least have something to put our presents under. He has taken to present wrapping and rocking to Christmas music without my prompting. Daniel has ranked our neighbors outdoor Christmas decorations from 1-10 and has labeled the house across the street, where literally every square inch is drenched in colored lights and lawn displays, his Christmas inspiration.

Okay, I need to pause the convo about Christmas for a sec and talk about something heartfelt. My cake workshop sold out in less than 24 hours after I made the announcement. WHAT? I’m down right flabbergasted. To say I’m humbled would be a lie. I’ve been lifted up by all of you in a time when I just plain needed it. Hearing from people across the world asking me to do workshops for them in their home town to seeing all the ticket confirmation screenshots. Just. Wow.

I talked a bit last week about my need for a mental break and the weight of SAD pressing down on my shoulders. This could not have come at a better time for me. It affirms me to my soul that what I’m doing matters. That even though ugly thoughts can take hold, the truth is, I’m right where I’m supposed to be. That doesn’t make me feel humble. That makes me feel too legit to quit. So, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

All right enough of that gooey shhhhhh… show of emotion. (name that movie)

Let’s talk Aunt René’s Pistachio Cherry Chocolate-Dipped Cookies! They grace our Christmas Eve celebration every year. These cookies are so buttery and flaky and just down right festive. They don’t take but a few ingredients and some chill time. And, they are shockingly tasty with a slight hint of tang from a bit of cream cheese that just makes this recipe fly to the next level. Can you even — with the red and green!?! Add these cookies to your baking day this year! Definitely worth it.

On behalf of my family to yours, Merry Christmas! Whatever you celebrate, thanks for participating in my Christmas traditions this year via blog posts. I hope your houses stay warm, that there is enough salt on those mashed potatoes, and that your children get what they asked for.

Happy Holidays and stay safe my beautiful friends!

Pistachio Cherry Chocolate-Dipped Cookies

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There is nothing better than these Pistachio Cherry Chocolate-Dipped Cookies Christmas cookies. Buttery and dipped in rich chocolate.

• Author: Karlee Flores
• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

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2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

16 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into individual tablespoons

1 1/4 cups shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped fine

1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped fine

1 ounce cream cheese, softened

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle, mix flour, sugar, and salt on low speed. Add butter one piece at a time, and mix until crumbly about one more minute. Add pistachios, cherries, cream cheese and vanilla extract, and beat until it begins to form large clumps. Knead dough by hand until it forms into a ball. Cut dough in half and form each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line two baking sheets with parchment or use Silpat mats. Roll out dough 1/8-inch thick, and refrigerate again for 10 minutes.

Cut dough into 2 1/2-inch circles and place one inch apart. Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown one baking sheet at a time. 

Transfer to a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Set in the freezer.

Melt the chocolate chips until smooth.  Remove cookies from the freezer and dip in the melted chocolate half way. Set on clean parchment paper and sprinkle with extra dried cherries and pistachios. 

Keywords: pistachios, cherries, cookies, chocolate