Every Christmas, I love making cookies that feel both festive and a little nostalgic, and these Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers always remind me of classic holiday baking.

They have a buttery, nutty base rolled in crushed pistachios, and the bright red cherry center gives them that perfect pop of Christmas color.

They’re simple, elegant, and incredibly fun to make — a cookie that feels both traditional and visually stunning on any dessert platter.

These cookies also photograph beautifully, making them ideal for Pinterest, gifting, and Christmas entertaining.

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Recipe Highlights

These Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers deliver the perfect combination of buttery cookie dough, crunchy pistachios, and sweet cherry filling.

They bake up tender and delicate, with a festive red center that makes them a standout on Christmas cookie trays.

These cookies require only a handful of ingredients, come together quickly, and look beautiful with very little effort — perfect for both beginner bakers and holiday pros.

They store well, stay soft for days, and make a charming addition to cookie exchanges and gift boxes.

  • Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies rolled in crushed pistachios.
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  • Bright cherry centers add color, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia.
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  • Easy, reliable cookie dough that holds its shape when baking.
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  • Beautiful presentation for Christmas parties and dessert boards.
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  • Ideal for gifting, storing, and sharing during the holidays.

Ingredient Notes

Unsalted Butter: Creates a buttery, tender cookie base without adding extra salt.

Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the dough while keeping the texture soft.

Large Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies structure.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the pistachios.

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances nutty flavor.

Crushed Pistachios: Adds crunch, color, and a festive, nutty flavor to the outside of each cookie.

Maraschino Cherries or Cherry Preserves: Creates the bright, glossy center that gives these cookies their signature look.

How to Make My Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers

Step 1 — Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 — Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 3 — Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 4 — Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.

Step 5 — Shape the Dough
Roll tablespoon-sized dough balls smooth with your hands.

Step 6 — Coat in Pistachios
Roll each dough ball in crushed pistachios until fully coated.

Step 7 — Create the Thumbprint
Gently press your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) into the center of each dough ball.

Step 8 — Add the Cherry Filling
Place a maraschino cherry into each indentation, or spoon in cherry preserves.

Step 9 — Bake
Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.

Step 10 — Cool Before Serving
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a Christmas cookie platter with shortbread and snowball cookies.

Gift in festive tins lined with parchment paper.

Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Include on a holiday dessert board with fudge and truffles.

Tips for the Best Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers

Use room-temperature butter for the softest dough and best texture. If the dough feels sticky, chill it for fifteen minutes to make rolling easier.

Chop the pistachios finely, so they adhere well to the dough. Press the thumbprint gently so the cookie does not crack around the edges.

If using maraschino cherries, pat them dry before placing them in the center to prevent extra moisture from spreading.

Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers
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Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers

Recipe by JoanneCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

24

cookies
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

14

minutes
Calories per cookie

140

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup finely crushed pistachios

  • 24 maraschino cherries or ½ cup cherry preserves

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to three hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • Stir in the flour and salt to form a soft dough.
  • Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls.
  • Coat each ball in crushed pistachios.
  • Press a thumbprint into the center of each cookie.
  • Place a maraschino cherry or spoon cherry preserves into the indentation.
  • Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes.
  • Cool on the baking sheet before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the dough.
  • Pat cherries dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
  • Use finely chopped pistachios for the best coating results.
  • Replace cherries with raspberry jam for a flavor twist.

Storage & Warming Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container for up to five days.
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  • Freeze baked cookies (without cherries) for two months.
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  • Freeze unbaked dough balls (without pistachios) for up to three months.
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  • Thaw at room temperature before baking or serving.
Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies with Cherry Centers