Pistachio Cookies

Name: Pistachio Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (70 g) pistachios; 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup (168 g) salted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar; 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar; 2 egg yolks, at room temperature; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate bars, chopped (60% cacao); 1/2 cup (70 g) pistachios, roughly chopped; Flaky sea salt, extra chopped chocolate, and extra chopped pistachios for sprinkling on top of cookies

By:

Sarah

Published:

September 22, 2025

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Pistachio cookies are an absolute treat for anyone who loves a good cookie. The creamy, nutty flavor of pistachios paired with rich dark chocolate offers a delightful twist on your traditional cookie recipe. There’s something special about finding the perfect combination of textures—think chewy centers with a lightly crisp exterior, and don’t forget that optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt to really elevate the flavors. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a family gathering, or just for yourself, this recipe will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s an excuse to play with fun ingredients and discover the beauty of pistachios. Let’s dive into this delicious journey and learn how to make these irresistible cookies!

Why This Recipe Works

Pistachio cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the nutty richness of pistachios with the luxurious flavors of dark chocolate. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating thick, chewy cookies that will impress everyone who tries them. Ground pistachios contribute to a soft texture while providing that signature pistachio taste, leading to a unique and satisfying cookie experience.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Cookies

These pistachio cookies are not just any dessert; they are a celebration of flavors! The combination of creamy dark chocolate chunks with crunchy pistachios creates a rich and scrumptious treat. Every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures—a chewy center surrounded by a slightly crisp exterior, topped off with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added sophistication. Ideal for sharing or indulging, these cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (70 g) pistachios
1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (168 g) salted butter, softened
3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
2 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
6 oz (170 g) dark chocolate bars, chopped (60% cacao)
1/2 cup (70 g) pistachios, roughly chopped
Flaky sea salt, extra chopped chocolate, and extra chopped pistachios for sprinkling on top of cookies

Mix Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.

Prepare the Pistachios

Add the 1/2 cup (70 g) of pistachios to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground, achieving a nearly nut butter consistency. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer on high speed to cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Eggs and Flavors

Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and ground pistachios to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is pale in color and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary, approximately 1-2 minutes.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough is combined, being careful not to overmix.

Fold in Chocolate and Chopped Pistachios

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and the remaining 1/2 cup (70 g) of roughly chopped pistachios into the cookie dough.

Scoop and Shape the Cookies

With a large 2-tablespoon capacity cookie scoop, scoop the dough and arrange the cookie balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each dough ball.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. For super chewy cookies, aim for 10 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake for up to 12 minutes.

Cool and Decorate

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, use a large circular cookie cutter to shape any uneven edges. Finish by sprinkling extra chocolate chunks, chopped pistachios, and flaky sea salt on top of each warm cookie.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these pistachio cookies with a glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a rich cup of tea. For an elegant dessert, serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream or dollops of fresh whipped cream.

Tips for Success

For a nuttier flavor, toast the pistachios in a dry skillet before grinding.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
Don’t skip the resting time on the baking sheet; it helps to intensify the flavors.

Variations

Substitute half of the pistachios with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm spice kick.
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an elegant finishing touch.

Storage Tips

Store your pistachio cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a zip-top bag for up to three months.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the dough if you use unsalted butter.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag.

4. What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.

5. Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Yes! They make a beautiful and delicious gift. Package them in a nice box or tin for special occasions.

These pistachio cookies are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. With their unique flavors and delightful texture, they offer a joyful baking experience and an even happier tasting one. Serve them at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself—either way, they’re sure to impress! Prepare to savor each scrumptious bite as you indulge in the rich flavors and delightful crunch of pistachios mixed with chocolate. Happy baking!