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Pistachio cream cookies arranged on a plate, showcasing their enticing texture and color.

Pistachio Cream Cookies

These delightful cookies feature a hidden dollop of creamy pistachio spread, offering a sweet surprise with every bite. They are soft, slightly chewy, and easy to make, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 27 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Baking
Servings 12 cookies
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough

  • 180 g all-purpose flour Measure properly for accuracy.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch Helps keep cookies tender.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt Plus extra flaky salt for finishing.
  • 115 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled Cool until warm to the touch before adding egg.
  • 100 g brown sugar Light or dark.
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature Helps the dough mix smoothly.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling and Garnish

  • 150 g pistachio cream spread Store-bought or homemade.
  • 100 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, roughly chopped Or use chocolate chips.
  • 50 g unsalted pistachios, shelled and roughly chopped For texture and garnish.
  • Flaky salt For sprinkling after baking.

Optional Add-Ons

  • 2 tbsp white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate For contrast.
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract For extra nutty aroma (optional).
  • 1 zest lemon or orange For a bright lift.
  • 1-2 tsp cocoa powder For a cocoa-pistachio twist.

Instructions
 

Prepare and Freeze the Pistachio Cream

  • Line a small plate or tray with parchment paper. Spoon the pistachio cream into small dollops about 1 teaspoon each (approximately 12-14 dollops). Place in the freezer for at least one hour.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine the Wet Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter with brown and granulated sugars. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then add the room-temperature egg and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined.

Bring the Dough Together

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Fold in the Mix-Ins

  • Fold in chopped chocolate and pistachios, reserving some for garnish.

Scoop and Chill the Cookie Dough

  • Use a cookie scoop to portion dough into equal balls, place on a lined tray, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

  • About 15 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Assemble the Filled Cookies

  • Flatten each dough ball into a disk, place a frozen dollop of cream in the center, seal well, and roll gently into a ball.

Garnish Before Baking

  • Sprinkle extra chopped chocolate and pistachios over each cookie, adding a pinch of flaky salt if desired.

Bake and Cool

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Optional additions can enhance flavor and presentation.
Keyword Baking, Chocolate Cookies, Cream Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Pistachio Cookies