Hey y’all! Are you craving something sweet with a nutty twist? Our Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or a festive holiday dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich pistachio flavor, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
- They’re irresistibly soft and creamy with a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Beautifully green and festive, perfect for holidays and parties.
- Can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients for Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pistachio cream (or paste)
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
Directions to Make Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Add Pistachio Elements
Gently fold in the pistachio cream and chopped pistachios. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a more vibrant color, consider adding a drop of green food coloring to the dough. Learn more about cookie baking techniques.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Variations of Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Pistachio: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter.
- Lemon Pistachio: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest for a zesty twist.
- Gluten-Free Pistachio: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Storage Instructions for Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Suggested Pairings for Soft Pistachio Cream Cookies
These cookies are delightful with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Pro Tips
- Use freshly shelled pistachios for the best flavor. Learn more about choosing pistachios.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Bake a test cookie to check the dough’s texture and adjust as needed.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead?
Yes, but be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough thoroughly before baking and ensure the baking sheets are cool before placing dough scoops on them.