Okay, my friend, if you’re looking to bake something that’s a total showstopper but also ridiculously easy, you need to try these Pistachio Cookies. Picture this: soft, chewy cookies with the perfect balance of buttery goodness and the subtle crunch of pistachios. It’s like a little burst of joy in every bite, and trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you!
These cookies are the kind of treat that’ll make you feel like a baking genius—even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. The combination of pistachios with a hint of vanilla and the melt-in-your-mouth texture is nothing short of magical. So grab your apron, because you’re about to whip up some serious cookie bliss.
Why You’ll Love Pistachio Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating a moment of sweet indulgence. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day, surprising a friend, or sharing them at a party, these cookies fit every occasion. Here’s why this recipe is a winner:
Versatile
Perfect for everything from a cozy night in to a fancy gathering. Want to pair these with a cup of tea? Go for it! Or bring them to your next potluck, and watch them disappear in minutes. They’re that good.
Budget-Friendly
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients for these cookies. Simple pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour are elevated with the rich taste of pistachios. It’s an affordable way to treat yourself to something special without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
The best part? These cookies come together in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting out, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these cookies come together. No complicated steps, just pure cookie happiness.
Customizable
You can keep it simple with just the pistachios or add a twist with some white chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon for a fun flavor variation. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing
These cookies are the kind of treat everyone loves, from kids to adults. They’re subtly sweet, with just the right amount of crunch, and always leave people asking, “What’s in these?!” (And, of course, you’ll smile and say, “Pistachios!”)

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Ingredients in Pistachio Cookies
Here’s the magic of these cookies—they come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Pistachios
The star of the show! These nutty little guys add the perfect crunch and flavor to the cookies. They’re subtly earthy and so satisfying to bite into.
Butter
Because butter makes everything better! It gives the cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re craving.
Sugar
We’ve got both granulated sugar for sweetness and a little bit of brown sugar for that warm, caramel-like flavor. Together, they create the ideal balance for the perfect cookie texture.
Flour
The backbone of any good cookie dough. The flour holds everything together and gives the cookies that chewy, satisfying bite.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the dough together, creating a lovely structure while keeping the cookies light and airy inside.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these delicious cookies:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly and gives them the perfect texture.
Prepare the Pistachios
Chop the pistachios coarsely. You want them to be in nice little chunks that will add texture without overpowering the cookie. Set them aside for now—you’ll be adding them soon enough!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You want to beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key to getting those soft, tender cookies that you can’t stop eating.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until it’s all combined. The vanilla will give your cookies that irresistible warm, comforting flavor that everyone loves.
Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You don’t want to overmix, or you could end up with dense cookies.
Fold in the Pistachios
Now, fold in the chopped pistachios. You want to make sure they’re evenly distributed, so every bite has that nutty goodness.
Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie so they have room to spread while baking.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet after you pull them out, so don’t worry if they look a little underdone at first!
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, if you can’t wait, enjoy them warm with a glass of milk!
How to Serve Pistachio Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few extras:
- Hot Drinks: Pair them with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for the perfect snack. The pistachios complement the warmth of the drink so well!
- Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side. Double the pistachio flavor for an extra wow factor!
- Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like berries or a sliced apple makes for a lovely, light balance to these rich cookies.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing could lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent too much spreading.
- Add Chocolate: Want to take these cookies up a notch? Add some white or dark chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist.
- Storage Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them tightly.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap pistachios for walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the cookies.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Chill the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This gives the flavors time to meld and makes scooping easier.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresher longer, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips?
A4: Yes! Chocolate chips, especially white or dark chocolate, would be a great addition to these cookies. Just fold them in with the pistachios.
Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just bake them straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Pistachio Cookies are an absolute treat that everyone will love. With their buttery richness, nutty crunch, and chewy texture, they’re the kind of cookies that disappear in a flash. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in something sweet for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Go ahead, give them a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintPistachio Cookies
These Pistachio Cookies made with pudding mix are soft, chewy, and bursting with nutty sweetness! Perfect for holidays, parties, or an everyday treat, these cookies feature a hint of almond, creamy white chocolate chips, and a vibrant pop of green. A simple yet impressive dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract)
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1 drop green food coloring (optional)
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1 ⅔ cups (208g) all-purpose flour
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1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips
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½ cup (65g) chopped pecans or pistachios (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Add the Wet Ingredients:
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Add the egg, almond extract, and optional green food coloring. Mix for 1 minute until well combined.
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Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures:
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On low speed, gradually stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
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Shape the Dough:
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Roll the dough into 1.5-2 tbsp-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
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Bake:
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Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
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Optional:
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Press extra white chocolate chips on top of the cookies while they are still warm.
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Cool:
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Let the cookies cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
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If you prefer a stronger pistachio flavor, you can add more chopped pistachios to the dough.
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Adjust the green food coloring based on the desired level of color in your cookies.
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These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg