Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking, and there's something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of Chocolate Pistachio Cookies. The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the salty crunch of pistachios, creating a flavor combination that transports me to a cozy café every time I take a bite. These cookies are not only delicious, but they are also surprisingly easy to make. Whether I’m entertaining friends or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies always hit the spot—trust me, you’ll want to add them to your baking rotation!

Created by

Adele Summers

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:34:11.268Z

Recently, I decided to experiment with my favorite cookie recipe by adding pistachios to my traditional chocolate chip mix. The outcome was nothing short of delightful! The sweetness of chocolate beautifully contrasts the nutty flavor and crunch of the pistachios. I quickly learned that to get the best flavor from the nuts, lightly toasting them before mixing into the dough makes a significant difference.

This little twist brought a new dimension to my cookies, sparking joy in every bite. The crisp edges and chewy centers create a lovely texture that everyone has raved about. I can’t wait to make these again!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Decadent chocolate flavor combined with nutty pistachios
Perfect balance of chewy and crispy textures
Great for sharing at gatherings or indulging at home

      

The Role of Ingredients

The foundation of the Chocolate Pistachio Cookies lies in the quality of the ingredients used. Unsalted butter provides the ideal creamy texture while giving you full control over the saltiness in the cookies. It's crucial to soften the butter to room temperature beforehand, as this will help it cream well with the sugars, contributing to a light and fluffy cookie base. Additionally, the balance of granulated and brown sugar is essential; the brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

Pistachios are not just an added crunch but also bring a unique flavor profile. When selecting pistachios, opt for shelled ones that are unsalted to maintain control over the cookie's seasoning. If you're in a pinch or wish to experiment, walnuts or pecans could serve as substitutes; however, be mindful that they will impart a different flavor compared to the distinct nuttiness of pistachios.

Perfecting Your Technique

Mixing the cookie dough should be done carefully to achieve the perfect texture. After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies due to the development of gluten in the flour. To know when to stop, look for a dough that is slightly uneven with some streaks of flour visible—this is the ideal texture for chewy cookies that will spread nicely during baking.

Scoop uniform mounds of dough onto the baking sheet for even baking. I recommend using a cookie scoop to help maintain consistent sizes, which promotes uniform cooking and results in equally baked cookies. Space them about 2 inches apart on the sheet to allow for spreading. Keep an eye on them in the oven; ideally, you want to bake until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked to achieve a delicious chewy middle.

Ingredients

The following ingredients will make the perfect batch of Chocolate Pistachio Cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Gather these ingredients to get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your delicious Chocolate Pistachio Cookies:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Add Chocolate and Pistachios

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.

Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Pistachio Cookies!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the flavors.

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Pistachio Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a longer shelf life, consider freezing the cookies. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or zipper bag, and they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy a cookie, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their original texture.

For make-ahead preparations, you can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough. After scooping the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, then transfer the balls to a freezer bag. When you’re in the mood for fresh cookies, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Pistachio Cookies are delightful on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that combines warm cookies and cold ice cream, creating an irresistible contrast of temperatures and textures. For an extra splash of flavor, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top.

Consider pairing these cookies with a strong beverage such as a cup of espresso or a rich hot chocolate. The deep, rich flavors of the chocolate in the cookies complement these drinks beautifully. If you’re hosting a gathering or a cookie exchange, arrange the cookies on a platter garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt and crushed pistachios for an appealing visual presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, walnuts or pecans work well as alternatives.

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

→ Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes, once baked, they freeze well. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container.

→ What other variations can I try?

You can add ingredients like dried cranberries or coconut for a different twist.