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White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

If you love cookies that are bursting with unique flavor and just the right amount of sweetness, you’re going to adore this White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how the creamy white chocolate blends beautifully with the crunchy, salty pistachios — it’s like every bite surprises you in the best way. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or bringing a batch to a gathering, these cookies are pure magic!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Texture: Thanks to instant pistachio pudding mix, these cookies stay soft and chewy longer than your average cookie.
  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet white chocolate and salty roasted pistachios is downright addictive.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy techniques, and the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find.
  • Great for Sharing: Whether it’s a potluck, holiday, or just a cozy night in, these cookies always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe plays its part perfectly — the pudding mix adds moisture and flavor, while the pistachios give a satisfying crunch. You’ll want to pick good-quality pistachios and real white chocolate chips for the best results.

White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe - Ingredients
  • All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements to avoid dry cookies.
  • Baking soda: This is your rising agent, so fresh baking soda is key to those light, tender cookies.
  • Sea salt: I love using fine sea salt here to perfectly balance the sweetness.
  • Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it creames smoothly with sugars to create that tender dough.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note and keeps the cookies moist — I always pack it lightly to get the texture right.
  • Granulated sugar: For that balanced sweetness and a bit of crispness around the edges.
  • Instant pistachio pudding mix: The secret ingredient! It keeps these cookies super soft and gives them that subtle nutty flavor.
  • Large eggs: Room temperature eggs bind everything together and help with the cookie’s structure.
  • Pure vanilla extract: A must-have for depth of flavor — always use real vanilla if you can.
  • White chocolate chips: These melt into creamy, luscious pockets of sweetness.
  • Roasted, salted pistachios: Roughly chopped for crunch and saltiness that balances the sweet white chocolate.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe my own by swapping out nuts or trying different chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative — these cookies are super forgiving and make a great base for your ideas.

  • Nut Swap: If you don’t have pistachios on hand, try chopped macadamias or walnuts — they bring a different but equally delightful crunch.
  • Chocolate Variations: Dark or milk chocolate chips work well, especially if you want a less sweet cookie.
  • Diet-Friendly: For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but keep the rest of the ingredients the same for best texture.
  • Seasonal Twist: During holidays, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy flavor lift.

How to Make White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the bottoms from burning and helps clean-up — always a win. While the oven warms, prepare your dry ingredients so everything is ready to go when you start mixing.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. I like this step because it ensures everything is evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake uniformly. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld mixer, beat your softened butter with the light brown and granulated sugars on medium speed. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You’re aiming for a fluffy, pale cream — this aeration gives your cookies a lovely soft texture. Don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Add Pudding Mix, Eggs, and Vanilla

Next, stir in the instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix just until everything is combined — overmixing here can make the cookies tough. The pudding mix is the game-changer for keeping these cookies moist and rich.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding by hand until just combined. The key is not to overmix — a few streaks of flour left is okay. This step ensures your cookies stay tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Pistachios

Using a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. I always add the nuts last to keep their texture and to evenly distribute the goodies throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough balls about 1.25 to 1.5 tablespoons each and place them on your lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. These cookies spread a bit, so giving them room is essential. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes — you’ll want to check at 10 minutes because ovens vary. The edges should be just set and lightly golden, but the centers will look soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This short cooling time on the hot pan helps the cookies finish baking without becoming too hard. Then, get ready to fall in love with these chewy treats!

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Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

  • Butter Softening: I discovered this trick: pop your butter cubes in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time to soften quickly without melting.
  • Measuring Flour: I used to add too much flour until I learned to spoon and level it gently—this keeps your cookies tender, not dry and cakey.
  • Scooping Consistency: Using a medium cookie scoop helps keep the size even and ensures all cookies bake evenly.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Take cookies out just before they’re fully set; they’ll firm up as they cool, keeping them soft and chewy.

How to Serve White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios on top of the cookie dough balls right before baking. It gives a beautiful finish and a boost of nutty crunch every time. For special occasions, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty, festive touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. When I’m feeling indulgent, I serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — it’s like a dessert party in every mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I arrange these cookies in a festive tin lined with parchment paper in multiple layers, separated by sheets of wax paper. I’ve also wrapped small stacks in clear cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon for gifting — everyone always asks for the recipe. Little touches like a sprinkle of edible gold dust can make these cookies shine for special parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps them soft and tasty for up to 5 days, although they tend to disappear sooner because, well, they’re irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, I recommend freezing the dough balls instead of baked cookies. Just scoop the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want fresh cookies, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them gently in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back their fresh-baked softness and melts the white chocolate just perfectly.

FAQs

  1. Can I use salted pistachios in this recipe?

    Yes! Using salted pistachios adds a nice balance to the sweetness. If you use unsalted pistachios, just increase the salt in the dough to ¼ teaspoon to keep the flavor balanced.

  2. What does the instant pistachio pudding mix do in the cookies?

    The instant pudding mix adds moisture, helps the cookies stay soft longer, and infuses a subtle pistachio flavor that makes these cookies unique and extra delicious.

  3. Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?

    Absolutely! You can swap for milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer less sweetness, or even try chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for variety.

  4. How do I keep my cookies soft and chewy?

    Don’t overbake! Take the cookies out when the edges are set but centers still look soft. Also, the pudding mix keeps moisture locked in, so it’s a great trick to maintain chewiness.

  5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

    Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and your cookies should turn out wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe, I was hooked instantly — the textures and flavors just sing together. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress friends without fuss. I can’t recommend enough giving these a try; I promise once you do, they’ll be your go-to cookie for every occasion. Happy baking!

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White Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 30 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these White Chocolate Pistachio Pudding Cookies — chewy, flavorful cookies enhanced with instant pistachio pudding mix, studded with creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy roasted pistachios. Perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, these cookies offer a unique twist on classic cookie recipes, delivering a soft texture and a rich pistachio flavor in every bite.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt (increase to ¼ teaspoon if using unsalted pistachios)
  • 1 box instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 ounces)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup shelled, roasted, and salted pistachios, roughly chopped


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt. Set this mixture aside as it will be gradually combined with the wet ingredients.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or an electric mixer in a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add Pudding Mix and Eggs: Incorporate the instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until all ingredients are well combined.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and pudding mixture. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in White Chocolate and Pistachios: Stir in the white chocolate chips and roughly chopped roasted pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Scoop Cookies: Using a medium cookie scoop (approximately 1.25 to 1.5 tablespoons), portion the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring cookies are at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
  9. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 3 minutes; then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their soft texture.

Notes

  • If you are using unsalted pistachios, increase the salt in the dough to ¼ teaspoon to maintain the right flavor balance.
  • To measure flour correctly, spoon it into the measuring cup and level off with a knife rather than scooping directly to avoid dense cookies.
  • Softening butter quickly can be done by microwaving it at low power or slicing it into small cubes to reach room temperature faster.
  • If brown sugar has hardened, soften it by microwaving in short bursts with a damp paper towel or learn to make a quick substitute using granulated sugar and molasses.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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