Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio: 7 Irresistible Variations

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Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio are a delightful twist on a classic dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of Italian spumoni ice cream into a cookie form. These soft, bakery-style cookies swirl cherry, pistachio, and chocolate dough into one colorful, nostalgic treat. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a world of sweet memories and flavors that celebrate the essence of Italian delights.

Why You’ll Love This Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it captures the vibrant essence of classic Italian desserts, making it perfect for special occasions. The unique combination of flavors, including cherry and pistachio, creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. These cookies are not only beautiful to look at but also easy to make, making them great for beginners. You can enjoy them as a festive treat during the holidays or simply as a sweet snack any day of the week. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, allowing everyone to indulge!

Ingredients for Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

Gather these items:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
1 teaspoon baking powder (for lift)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for tenderness)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance sweetness)
3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar (for structure and sweetness)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed for moisture)
1 large egg (at room temperature)
1 large egg yolk (at room temperature for richness)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure for flavor)
1/4 cup maraschino cherries (drained very dry and finely chopped)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (to absorb cherry moisture)
1/2 cup pistachios (finely ground in a processor)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for classic spumoni flavor)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice (from the jar for moisture and color)
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (for chocolate pockets)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling and coating)

How to Make Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio Step-by-Step

Step 1: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Beat the butter with both sugars on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a thick, uniform dough forms, then divide the dough evenly into three portions.
Step 4: Place one portion back in the mixer, add the chopped cherries and extra flour, and mix until evenly distributed, then transfer this dough to a bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the others.
Step 5: Return the second portion to the mixer, add the ground pistachios and almond extract, and mix until fully blended, then set aside and clean the bowl.
Step 6: Add the final portion to the mixer with the cocoa powder, cherry juice, and mini chocolate chips and mix until the dough is evenly colored and studded.
Step 7: Line baking sheets or large trays with parchment, roll each dough into small 15 g balls, and chill the cherry ones while you finish shaping the rest.
Step 8: Press together one ball of each flavor, roll them into a single large ball, coat in granulated sugar, and repeat with remaining dough, then refrigerate all shaped cookies for at least 1 hour.
Step 9: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and arrange the chilled dough balls on lined baking sheets with plenty of space between them.
Step 10: Bake the cookies until the edges are set but the centers are still soft, then let them cool briefly on the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough for best results.
Store cookies in an airtight container.
For added flavor, consider mixing in some crushed nuts or a splash of almond extract.
Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

Best Ways to Serve Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

These cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few serving ideas:

Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Wrap them as gifts during the holidays; they make great festive cherry and pistachio treats!

How to Store and Reheat Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

To ensure your cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the shaped dough before baking. This way, you can bake a fresh batch whenever you desire. Remember, the total time for this recipe is about 120 minutes, but it’s worth the wait!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio

What’s the secret to perfect Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio?

The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. Use high-quality maraschino cherries and finely ground pistachios for the best results. The combination of cherry and pistachio creates a delightful flavor profile that is reminiscent of classic Italian desserts.

Can I make Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you have a craving or need a quick dessert for guests.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing, and measure your flour accurately. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.

Variations of Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Try adding different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.
Use different flavored extracts, such as coconut or orange, to change the flavor profile.
For a chocolatey version, fold in more cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the dough.
Experiment with dried fruits alongside cherries for an added texture and flavor.

Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio: 7 Irresistible Variations - Spumoni Cookies Cherry Pistachio - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Italian Meatball Soup or Cannoli Cream Sandwich Cookies. You can also explore our Soft Christmas Peppermints Recipe for a festive treat!