Pistachio Cookies: A Nutty, Colorful Delight

Pistachio cookies are a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. The rich taste of pistachios, combined with a soft and chewy texture, makes these cookies a unique and delightful treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for a sweet snack, pistachio cookies are sure to impress. The addition of green food coloring makes them visually striking, while the pistachio pudding mix enhances the flavor and texture.

For more fun and flavorful cookie recipes, check out:

• How to Make Perfect Pistachio Pudding
• Easy Pistachio Dessert Ideas

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Pistachio cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat to make. With a handful of ingredients and a few steps, you’ll have a batch of soft and flavorful cookies ready in no time.

Pistachio Cookies Recipe: Nutty, Soft, and Colorful Treats

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes (including cooling)
• Yield: 24-30 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pistachio Cookies are a soft, chewy treat bursting with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios. The addition of instant pistachio pudding mix enhances the cookie’s texture and flavor, while the green food coloring gives them a fun, festive look. Topped with a sprinkle of green colored sugar and a crunchy pistachio or pecan filling, these cookies are a delightful indulgence for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 to 3 drops green food coloring
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios or pecans
• 1/2 cup green colored sugar

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Cream the Butter and Oil:
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the Eggs and Flavoring:
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the almond extract and mix in the green food coloring (adjust the amount depending on how vibrant you want the color).
• Combine Dry Ingredients:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
• Mix the Dough:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Add Nuts:
• Gently fold in the chopped pistachios or pecans.
• Shape the Cookies:
• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press the dough down with the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.
• Top with Sugar:
• Sprinkle a pinch of green colored sugar on top of each cookie before baking.
• Bake the Cookies:
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are firm to the touch. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve:
• Serve these Pistachio Cookies fresh out of the oven, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can substitute pecans for pistachios if you prefer a different nut, or if you have a nut allergy.

The green food coloring is optional but adds a fun, festive touch to the cookies.

For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them, or for a crunchier texture, bake them a little longer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Pistachio Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and fluffy. This will create a light and airy base for the dough.
3. Add the Eggs and Almond Extract: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the almond extract and green food coloring until the mixture is even.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until everything is combined.
5. Fold in the Nuts: Gently fold the chopped pistachios (or pecans) into the dough. These nuts add a delightful crunch and enhance the pistachio flavor in the cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you prefer uniform cookies, roll the dough into balls before placing them on the sheet.
7. Add Green Sugar: Sprinkle the green-colored sugar over the tops of the cookie dough balls for a festive, colorful touch.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges. They should be soft in the center but firm enough to hold their shape.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family.

Advanced Techniques

Elevate your pistachio cookies with these advanced techniques:

1. Toast the Pistachios

To intensify the pistachio flavor, try toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough. Simply spread the chopped pistachios on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until they are golden and fragrant. Let them cool before incorporating them into the dough.

2. Add a Layer of Pistachio Glaze

For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling your cookies with a pistachio glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk, pistachio extract, and green food coloring. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for a touch of sweetness and a more intense pistachio flavor.

3. Experiment with Different Nuts

While pistachios are the star of the show in these cookies, you can also experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Chopped pecans can also add a buttery texture and nutty taste to complement the cookies.

4. Make Pistachio Sandwiched Cookies

For a more indulgent treat, you can sandwich two pistachio cookies together with a layer of pistachio buttercream frosting or even whipped cream. This will make for a richer and more decadent dessert.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Proper storage ensures that your pistachio cookies remain soft and delicious for days.

Storage

Store your cooled pistachio cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The cookies should stay soft and fresh when stored properly.

Refrigeration

If you live in a hot climate or want to extend the freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving, as the cold can affect their texture.

Freezing

Pistachio cookies freeze well for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Here are some substitutions to adapt the pistachio cookies to different dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Version

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a flour blend suitable for cookies to maintain the texture and consistency.

Dairy-Free Version

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free, egg-free pistachio pudding mix if available. You can also use a plant-based milk in place of any dairy ingredients.

Lower-Sugar Version

If you prefer a lower-sugar version, you can use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of the confectioners’ sugar. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Nut-Free Version

For a nut-free version, you can omit the pistachios and substitute with seeds such as sunflower seeds. You can also add a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

FAQs About The Recipe

1. Can I use regular pistachio pudding mix?

Yes, you can use regular pistachio pudding mix instead of instant pistachio pudding mix. However, using instant pudding mix helps to achieve a better cookie texture without the need for cooking.

2. Can I use salted pistachios?

It’s better to use unsalted pistachios in this recipe to keep the balance of sweetness and saltiness right. If you use salted pistachios, you may want to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

3. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a more natural look. The cookies will still taste delicious, but they will not have the vibrant green color that makes them visually striking.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pistachio cookies are a wonderful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with a soft and chewy texture. The addition of green food coloring gives them a fun, festive appearance, making them perfect for holidays or special occasions. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a sweet snack, pistachio cookies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert. With simple substitutions and variations, you can make these cookies fit your dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them. So, gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of these irresistible pistachio cookies today!