If you adore the beautiful combination of cherry, pistachio, and chocolate flavors, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Spumoni Cookies (Cherry, Pistachio, Chocolate) Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the essence of the classic spumoni ice cream in a chewy, crunchy, and delightfully rich form. Each bite is a vibrant pop of color and flavor—from the sweet cherries to the nutty pistachios and luscious chocolate. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that feels special enough for holidays but simple enough for everyday baking joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass mixing bowl filled with a thick, crumbly dough that is light beige in color. A pink silicone spatula with a wooden handle is partially pushed into the dough on the right side, showing the texture clearly with small lumps and a slightly rough surface. The dough looks soft but firm enough to hold its shape in clumps, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward cookie perfection. Each one plays an essential role in building the texture, flavor depth, and colorful layers that make these Spumoni Cookies truly shine.

2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): The foundation that gives the cookies their structure and chew.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough without losing their tender crumb.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and keeps the texture light.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates that rich, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with that classic cookie crunch.
1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar: Adds warmth and moisture for a slightly chewy bite.
1 large egg and 1 large egg yolk, room temperature: Provides structure and richness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Lifts every flavor with its sweet aroma.
1/4 cup (50g) maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped: Bursts of fruity sweetness in every bite.
3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour: Keeps the cherry dough from being too wet.
1/2 cup (55g) ground pistachios: Offers a lovely nutty crunch and vibrant green color.
1/4 teaspoon almond extract: Intensifies the pistachio’s natural flavor beautifully.
2 Tablespoons (10g) Dutch-process cocoa powder: Adds rich, deep chocolate notes.
2 teaspoons maraschino cherry juice: A tiny splash of extra cherry flavor to the chocolate dough.
1/3 cup (60g) mini chocolate chips: Chocolaty bursts that delight in every bite.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling coating with a delightful crunch.

How to Make Spumoni Cookies (Cherry, Pistachio, Chocolate) Recipe

Step 1: Make the Base Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream your softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy and light—about 3 minutes will do. Then add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing at a low speed first, then bump up to medium-high until the dough forms a thick, even consistency. Divide this dough evenly into three portions to create your cherry, pistachio, and chocolate layers.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Dough

Take one portion of dough back into your mixing bowl and fold in the finely chopped maraschino cherries, extra flour, and if you want, a drop of pink gel food coloring for that beautiful blush hue. Beat gently until the cherries spread evenly throughout. This dough should be refrigerated while you move on to the next layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Dough

Clean your mixing bowl and return your second dough portion. Add the finely ground pistachios, a whisper of almond extract, and a drop of green gel food coloring if using. Mix until the nuts are fully incorporated and the dough turns a lovely shade of pistachio green. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Dough

For the last portion, mix in Dutch-process cocoa powder, cherry juice, and mini chocolate chips. These chocolates will melt into teeny pockets of joy once baked, perfectly balancing the fruity and nutty layers. Set this dough aside with the others ready for shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Line baking sheets or plates with parchment paper. Roll each dough type separately into small balls, roughly 15 grams each. Chill the cherry dough balls before rolling the others. Once all balls are formed, press together one ball from each flavor—cherry, pistachio, and chocolate—into a single 45-gram ball. Roll the combined dough ball gently in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish. Arrange on lined sheets and refrigerate for at least one hour, which is key to helping the cookies maintain their beautiful tri-color pattern while baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chilled cookie balls about three inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. After baking, let the cookies rest on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up perfectly while preserving their chewy interior.

How to Serve Spumoni Cookies (Cherry, Pistachio, Chocolate) Recipe

A white oval plate holds nine round cookies with a mix of three colors on each cookie: dark brown, light green, and soft pink, unevenly swirled together with small specks of red. One cookie near the top of the plate is broken in half, showing a soft inside. A white plate with similar cookies sits nearby on a wooden surface covered partly by a soft pink cloth. A small round bowl filled with crushed green pistachios is in the upper left corner, while a pink coffee mug with a light brown drink is in the lower right corner. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or finely chopped pistachios on top once cooled for extra flair. Adding a small maraschino cherry half or a chocolate drizzle can turn these cookies into stunning treats that are just as pretty as they are delicious.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for an indulgent dessert. You could also serve them alongside a cup of rich espresso or a creamy hot chocolate, making snack time feel like a special event.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a tri-colored tower or stagger them by flavor on a platter to showcase their vibrant layers. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a cherry-red ribbon makes a charming gift that will wow family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Spumoni Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, keeping all three flavors bright and distinct.

Freezing

You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking. The fully baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for the same duration; defrost at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm your cookies slightly in a low oven (around 300°F) for five minutes to revive that freshly baked softness. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds can make them gooey and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios for this recipe?

Yes, salted pistachios work fine, though if you use salted nuts, consider reducing the added salt in the dough slightly to keep the flavors balanced and not overly salty.

Why is it important to chill the dough balls before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and allows the tri-color layers to bake evenly without spreading into one another, preserving the iconic spumoni look.

Can I substitute other nuts for pistachios?

You can try almonds or walnuts, but the unique flavor and color of pistachios are key to this recipe’s authenticity. If you substitute, the taste and appearance will change.

Is it necessary to add food coloring?

Food coloring is optional and mainly enhances the visual appeal. The cookies will taste amazing without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer natural hues.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about five days, maintaining their chewy texture and flavorful layers.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Spumoni Cookies (Cherry, Pistachio, Chocolate) Recipe feels like handing over a little piece of joy. The textures are spot on, the flavors dance beautifully together, and the look is simply stunning. If you’re craving a cookie that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, these are an absolute must-try. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and experience the magic of spumoni in cookie form!