Homemade Pistachio Cookies
If you’re a fan of pistachios and homemade treats, these pistachio cookies are a must-try! Crunchy, buttery, and loaded with the nutty flavor of pistachios, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or an elegant treat for tea time, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Why Pistachios Cookies?
Pistachios not only bring a unique, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor to desserts but are also packed with nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating them into cookies adds a rich, satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the buttery base of these cookies.
Our Recipe for Perfect Homemade Coconut Cookies
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 20-24 cookies.
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) shelled unsalted pistachios, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for added sweetness
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Incorporate the Pistachios
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios (and chocolate chips, if using) with a spatula.
3. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking).
4. Shape and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into a ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your hand. Sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios on top of each cookie for decoration.
5. Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Want vibrant green cookies? Mix in a tiny bit of green food coloring to the dough!
- Use unsalted pistachios to avoid overly salty cookies, but if you only have salted ones, skip the added salt in the recipe.
- For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before chopping them.
Storage
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Perfect for Gifting
These pistachio cookies are perfect for gifting! Their rich flavor, buttery texture, and elegant look make them an ideal homemade treat to share with friends and family. Package them in a decorative box or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gift that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s for the holidays, a birthday, or just because, these cookies make every occasion sweeter!