Looking for a cookie recipe that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion? These soft and chewy Pistachio Cookies are just the treat you need! Made with real pistachios, creamy white chocolate chips, and a pudding mix for extra softness, this simple dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Whether you’re baking for the holidays, planning a cookie swap, or just craving something sweet and nutty, these cookies come together fast and disappear even faster.
Why You’ll Love These Pistachio Cookies
- Soft, Chewy Texture: Thanks to the pistachio pudding mix, these cookies stay moist and soft for days.
- Nutty Sweetness: Pistachios bring the perfect subtle crunch and unique flavor.
- Customizable: Add white or dark chocolate chips, a dash of cinnamon, or even dried cranberries!
- Quick & Easy: No chilling required—just mix, scoop, and bake.
- Festive & Fun: Add a drop of green food coloring for a fun St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas cookie.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies are made from simple pantry staples, plus a few fun add-ins:
- Butter: Unsalted and softened for the best texture.
- Granulated + Brown Sugar: For the perfect sweet balance with a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg: Helps bind everything and gives richness.
- Almond or Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- Green Food Coloring (optional): Gives that fun pistachio hue.
- Flour, Baking Soda, Salt: Your classic cookie dry base.
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: Adds flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
- White Chocolate Chips: Creamy, sweet, and perfectly paired with pistachio.
- Chopped Pistachios or Pecans (optional): For extra crunch and nuttiness.
Tip: Want a stronger pistachio flavor? Add a ½ teaspoon of pistachio extract if you have it on hand.
How to Make Pistachio Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line 2–3 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavor
Mix in the egg, almond extract, and green food coloring (if using). Beat for 1 more minute.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Add-Ins
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and pistachios or pecans.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop dough into 1.5–2 tbsp-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
Bake for 11–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look set but soft.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Cookies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix the dough once you add the flour—it can make cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough if you want thicker cookies that spread less.
- Add Chocolate Chips on Top after baking for a pretty bakery-style look.
- Freeze the Dough Balls and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving hits!
How to Serve Pistachio Cookies
These cookies are great on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:
- With a warm mug of coffee or tea
- Alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream
- Paired with a fruit salad for a lighter dessert option
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or raw dough balls for up to 3 months.
- To Bake from Frozen: Add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time—no thawing needed!
❓ Pistachio Cookie FAQs
Q: Can I substitute pistachios with another nut?
A: Absolutely! Try walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different twist.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes—refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance for easier scooping and richer flavor.
Q: Can I skip the pudding mix?
A: You can, but the cookies won’t be as soft or flavorful. Vanilla pudding can be a good substitute.
Q: How do I make them more green?
A: Add a drop or two more of green food coloring—or use natural matcha or spirulina for a dye-free version.
Final Thoughts
These Pistachio Cookies are everything you want in a homemade dessert—easy, soft, nutty, sweet, and slightly chewy. They’re perfect for gifting, entertaining, or just treating yourself after a long day. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they vanish in minutes!
Pistachio Cookies Recipe Card
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Total Time: 27 mins
Yield: 24 cookies | Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
🇺🇸 Cuisine: American | Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp almond extract (or vanilla extract)
- 1 drop green food coloring (optional)
- 1⅔ cups (208g) all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips
- ½ cup (65g) chopped pecans or pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 375ºF (190ºC). Line 3 baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugars:
Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in egg, almond extract, and food coloring (if using) until combined. - Combine & Fold:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using). - Shape & Bake:
Roll dough into 1.5–2 tbsp-sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
Bake for 11–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. - Optional Finish:
Press extra white chocolate chips on top while still warm. - Cool & Enjoy:
Let cool on sheet 5–10 mins before transferring to a rack.
Tips
- For deeper pistachio flavor, add extra chopped pistachios.
- Chill dough 30 mins for thicker cookies.
- Add white or dark chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Store in an airtight container for 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
Perfect For
Holiday cookie trays
Afternoon tea
Potlucks & parties
Ice cream sandwiches
