Where do I start with these pistachio shortbread cookies? I remember the first time I made this recipe; the buttery smell filled the house, and my husband, who isn’t a huge cookie fan, ate three in a row! If you love a classic shortbread but crave something a bit more exciting, a bit more…well, *you*, then you absolutely need to try these. Isn’t it like a sugar cookie?
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What is Pistachio Shortbread Cookies?
What are some of the best pistachio shortbread cookies? What’s a classic shortbread recipe, but with a generous dose of finely ground pistachios folded right into the dough? They have a delicate, almost sandy texture that just crumbles in your mouth. The pistachios add a lovely subtle nuttiness and beautiful green flecks, making them as pretty as they are delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them incredibly moreish – warning, it’s hard to stop at just one! I mean you have been warned.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about these cookies is how surprisingly easy they are to make. Don’t let the “shortbread” part intimidate you This is one of those recipes that comes together in minutes, especially if you have a food processor.
- Flavor Explosion:The buttery shortbread base combined with the earthy pistachios is just divine. It’s not overly sweet, which I personally love, and the pistachios add a wonderful depth of flavor. I sometimes sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty combination.
- Seriously Simple:What is the easiest way to make a food processor? What are some things that kids can help with?
- Budget-Friendly:What are some of the best cookies you’ve ever made? Pistachios can be a bit pricey, but you don’t need a huge amount, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
- Versatile Treat:What are some good side dishes to serve with coffee, milk, or ice cream? What are some good holiday cookies to serve at a potluck?
How do you make homemade shortbread cookies? You know exactly what’s going into them, and you can customize the flavors to your liking.
How do you make pistachio shortbread cookies?
Quick Overview
How do you make pistachio shortbread cookies? How do I make a dough from pistachios? What is the hardest part of baking?
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. I always use high-quality butter; it makes a huge difference in the flavor!
- 12 cup granulated sugar. Feel free to experiment with brown sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
- I haven’t tried this with gluten-free flour, but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground. You can buy them pre-shelled to save time. I pulse them in my food processor until they’re almost a powder.
- 12 teaspoon salt. This balances the sweetness and enhances the pistachio flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Adds a lovely warmth to the cookies.
Optional:
- How do I add salt to a dish?
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Make sure your butter is truly at room temperature. If you don’t have a cream, it won’t cream properly.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
How do you beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined?
Step 3: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and ground pistachios. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; If the dough is too thick, stop mixing as soon as it comes together.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
How do you wrap cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes?
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. I love using festive shapes during the holidays.
Step 6: Bake
If you bake cookies on a baking sheet, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; they can burn easily!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Is it safe to eat all the cookies at once?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of my favorite shortbread recipes?
- With Coffee:What are the best cookies to serve with a cup of coffee in the morning?
- With Tea:What are some of the best cookies to serve with tea?
- With Ice Cream:What are some of the best cookies with pistachio ice cream?
- As a Holiday Treat:Add them to your holiday cookie platter for a touch of elegance and sophistication.
I also love serving them with a cheese board. The sweet and savory combination is unexpected but delicious. Try pairing them with a creamy brie or a tangy goat cheese. My family loves dipping them in whipped cream, which is such a treat. I highly recommend that you try this out!
How do I make a perfect Pistachio Shortbread Cookie?
What are some tips for making pistachio shortbread cookies?
- How do you use room temperature butter?If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream, and your cookies will be tough. This is crucial for creaming the butter and sugar properly. If the cookie is too melted, it will spread too much in the oven.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Don’t overmix the doughOvermixing develops gluten in the flour, which will result in tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Chill the Dough:How do I keep cookies from spreading in the oven?
- Use Finely Ground Pistachios: The finer the pistachios, the better they will incorporate into the dough. I use my food processor to grind them into almost a powder.
- Don’t Overbake: Shortbread cookies should be pale golden brown around the edges. If they’re too dark, they’ll be dry and crumbly.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a wonderful salty-sweet flavor that really enhances the cookies.
I always bake a test cookie first. This helps me determine if my oven temperature is accurate and if the cookies are spreading too much. If they are, I’ll chill the dough for a bit longer.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
What are some good ways to store pistachio shortbread cookies for later?
- Room Temperature:Can you store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days?
- Refrigerator:Can you store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week?
- Freezer:To freeze cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
I usually don’t bother reheating them, as they’re delicious cold or at room temperature. But if you really want to warm them up, you can pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What are some of my favorite shortbread cookies? What are some of the easiest cookie recipes? What are some of my other shortbread recipes? I can’t wait to hear what you think, and please feel free to reach out in the comments to share what you think and how yours turn out!
Irresistible Lemon Almond Cookies with a Zesty Twist
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1.5 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup almond meal finely ground
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond meal, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a log, approximately 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the dough into 1/4 inch rounds and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are just golden.
