There is something nostalgic about a “meltaway” cookie—that specific, tender texture that practically dissolves the moment it hits your tongue. These Pistachio Cherry Meltaways take that classic base and infuse it with a nutty pistachio flavor and bright pops of maraschino cherry. I love making these for holiday cookie trays; the soft green hue paired with the red cherry flecks looks like Christmas in a bite. Because they use instant pudding mix, they stay incredibly soft, while the almond extract pulls all the flavors together for a bakery-quality finish.
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min (plus chilling)
Key Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened (The secret to that “meltaway” richness).
- Powdered Sugar: 2/3 cup (Plus extra for dusting or rolling after baking).
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: One 3.4-ounce package.1
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 2/3 cups.
- Almond Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons (This enhances the nuttiness of the pistachio).
- Maraschino Cherries: 1/2 cup, finely chopped.2
- Green Food Coloring: Optional (1–2 drops for a more vibrant “pistachio” look).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Base: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, dry pudding mix, and flour. Mix until combined.Note: The mixture might look dry or crumbly at first, but keep beating—the moisture from the butter will eventually pull it into a cohesive dough.
- Color and Flavor: Add the almond extract and the optional green food coloring. Mix until the color is even.
- Prep the Cherries: This is the most important step! Finely chop your cherries and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. You want to remove as much red juice as possible to prevent the green dough from turning brown or “muddy.”
- The Gentle Fold: Gently fold the dried cherry bits into the dough by hand. Do not over-mix, or the red color will bleed into the green.
- The Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until firm. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents spreading.
- Scoop and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll tablespoons of dough into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined sheet.3 Bake for 9–11 minutes.
- The Finish: Let them cool completely on the sheet. Once cold, roll them in or sprinkle them with additional powdered sugar for that classic “meltaway” look.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Gift Tins: These are sturdy enough to stack, making them perfect for gifting to neighbors or teachers.
- Tea Time: The almond and cherry notes make these a sophisticated companion to a cup of Earl Grey or Oolong tea.
- Double Down on Nuts: Serve with a side of lightly salted pistachios to lean into the savory-sweet profile.
Tips & Tricks
- Dry Those Cherries: If your cherries are too wet, the dough will become sticky and the colors will swirl into a murky grey-purple. Don’t be afraid to press them hard between paper towels!
- The Flour Secret: Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Too much flour will make these “meltaways” turn into “crumbly-aways.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skip the “Cook & Serve”: Ensure you use Instant pudding mix. The “Cook & Serve” version requires heat to activate and won’t work correctly in this dough.
- Warm Rolling: If you roll them in powdered sugar while they are still hot, the sugar will melt into a sticky glaze. Wait until they are fully cooled for that snowy, powdered finish.
Chef’s Advice
- Texture Variation: For a bit of crunch, you can add 1/4 cup of very finely chopped toasted pistachios along with the cherries.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t like cherries, these are equally delicious with mini white chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
- Perfect Circles: If the cookies lose their shape slightly in the oven, use a round cookie cutter to “scoot” them back into perfect circles immediately after they come out of the oven.
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cookie | ~150 | 1g | 16g | 8g | 0.2g | 9g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients. Actual values may vary by brand.
