Pistachio Cookies Recipe: A Festive Treat Straight from the Family Recipe Box
These Pistachio Cookies are a true family favorite, thanks to a recipe from Michael Salvatore Gottuso. They’re soft, just the right amount of sweet, and have a light nutty flavor that’s perfect for any time of year – but they look especially festive during the holidays. The secret ingredient? Pistachio pudding mix, which gives them that beautiful light green color and a deliciously soft texture.
Here’s everything you need to know to make these colorful, tasty cookies.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 large package instant pistachio pudding (or 2 small packages)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups flour
How to Make Pistachio Cookies
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until it’s light and creamy. You want to make sure the sugar is fully mixed in with the butter so you get a smooth texture.
- Add in the oil, water, and egg, and keep mixing until everything is well blended.
- Now for the pistachio magic! Add the pistachio pudding mix and vanilla to the bowl, and mix it all together. You’ll see the dough take on a pretty green color.
- Add the salt, baking powder, and flour, and stir until it forms a soft dough that holds together.
Step 2: Roll and Bake
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Leave a little space between them so they bake evenly.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 13-15 minutes. The cookies should look set, and the edges should just be starting to turn golden.
Step 3: Decorate!
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before decorating. This part is fun and totally up to you!
- You can drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
- For toppings, sprinkle crushed pistachios over the chocolate drizzle or, if you want a pop of color, add a green glacé cherry to the center.
Serving and Storing Tips
These cookies are soft and buttery with a subtle pistachio flavor, so they’re perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. They keep well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them great for holiday gifting or bringing to gatherings. The green color, white chocolate drizzle, and toppings make them look just as festive as they taste!
Give these a try – they’re sure to become a family favorite in your house, just like they are in ours. Enjoy and happy baking!
