Growing up, Pistachio Cream Cookies were a holiday staple in my family. Every Christmas, my grandma would spend hours carefully measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and shaping each delicate cookie. The sweet aroma of roasted pistachios and vanilla would fill the entire house, signaling the start of the most wonderful time of the year. As a kid, I’d eagerly await my turn to help roll the balls of dough in powdered sugar, giggling as the white powder dusted my nose. There was something so comforting and nostalgic about those Pistachio Cream Cookies – their soft, pillowy texture and vibrant green hue always put a smile on my face. To this day, I can’t make a batch without feeling transported back to those cherished holiday memories with my family.
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Why This Pistachio Cream Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Pistachio Cream Cookies
This recipe for Pistachio Cream Cookies is truly something special. Not only does it yield a whopping 24 delectable cookies, but the technique I’ve perfected ensures they turn out soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor every single time. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients – the richness of the cream cheese, the crunch of the pistachios, and the sweetness of the powdered sugar all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, the quick 20-minute prep and cook time means you can whip up a batch in no time, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing treat.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to incredible Pistachio Cream Cookies is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
These simple components come together to create a cookie that’s truly out of this world.
Step-by-Step Pistachio Cream Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Pistachio Cream Cookies
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, a large mixing bowl, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let’s get started!
1- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
2- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.
3- Fold in the chopped pistachios, reserving a handful to press into the tops of the cookies later. Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Scoop the chilled dough into 24 equal-sized balls, about 1 tablespoon each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5- Gently press the reserved pistachios into the tops of the cookies.
6- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Pistachio Cream Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking – this helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Be sure to use room temperature butter and cream cheese for the best texture.
- Adjust the baking time as needed based on your oven – the cookies should be set but still soft in the middle.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Serving and Storing Your Pistachio Cream Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Pistachio Cream Cookies
These Pistachio Cream Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy any time of year, but they’re especially delightful during the holiday season. Serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy, comforting pairing. They also make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter or dessert buffet, complementing other festive favorites like gingerbread and peppermint.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Pistachio Cream Cookies are incredibly easy to make ahead and store. Once the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months – simply thaw at room temperature before serving. For make-ahead convenience, you can even prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pistachio Cream Cookies
Creative Pistachio Cream Cookies Variations
While the classic Pistachio Cream Cookies are always a hit, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this recipe. Try adding a handful of chopped white chocolate or drizzling the cooled cookies with melted dark chocolate for a delectable twist. You could also experiment with different nut varieties, using almonds, pecans, or walnuts in place of the pistachios. For a festive holiday version, roll the dough balls in crushed peppermint candies before baking.
Making Pistachio Cream Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Pistachio Cream Cookies more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. Use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and opt for a low-calorie sweetener in place of granulated sugar. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegans can enjoy these cookies too by using vegan butter and aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of the egg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?
A: You can certainly use salted pistachios, but you’ll want to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 cookies, with each serving being 1 cookie.
Q: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is key to preventing excessive spreading. You can also try using a cookie scoop to portion the dough into uniform balls.
Q: Can I freeze the Pistachio Cream Cookies?
A: Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply store the baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: My cookies turned out flat – what did I do wrong?
A: If your cookies spread too much and turned out flat, it’s likely that the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the oven temperature was too high. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully for the best results.
Pistachio Cream Cookies
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of crunchy pistachios and creamy sweetness with these homemade Pistachio Cream Cookies. These effortless cookies come together in just 10 minutes, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. 6. Fold in the finely chopped pistachios.
7. 7. Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10. Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Notes
For a more pronounced pistachio flavor, you can increase the amount of chopped pistachios to 1 1/2 cups. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Cookies, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Pistachio Cream Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that are sure to delight family and friends of all ages. With their vibrant green hue, soft and chewy texture, and irresistible pistachio flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has been a cherished tradition in my family for generations. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own special memories baking these cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how they turned out!
