Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pistachios; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I adore chocolate pistachio cookies for their delightful combination of flavors and textures. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the crunchy pistachios, creating a cookie that's both sweet and nutty. When I bake these, the aroma that fills my kitchen is irresistible, and they make the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, making it hard to resist just one. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your own collection!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:52:10.860Z

I remember the first time I made chocolate pistachio cookies; it was a delightful experiment that soon turned into a kitchen staple. The key is to balance the sweetness of the chocolate with the saltiness of the pistachios, and I’ve found that toasting the nuts enhances their flavor considerably. It adds an extra depth that really takes these cookies to the next level.

Another tip I swear by is to chill the dough for a few minutes before baking. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much, resulting in thick, chewy cookies that everyone loves. Trust me, these are worth adding to your recipe rotation!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        The perfect combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Great for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion

      

The Magic of Combining Chocolate and Pistachios

The combination of chocolate and pistachios not only provides a delightful flavor contrast but also contributes to the overall texture of these cookies. The smoothness of melted chocolate pairs perfectly with the crunchy, nutty pistachios, creating a satisfying bite. The richness of chocolate helps balance the slightly salty flavor of the pistachios, enhancing the complexity of each cookie. For the best results, use high-quality chocolate chips, as they will melt beautifully and add a luxurious taste.

If you're wondering about the role of cocoa powder in this recipe, it’s crucial for achieving that deep, rich flavor profile. Unsweetened cocoa powder not only adds chocolatey goodness but also provides structure to your cookies. This means you don’t want to substitute it with sweetened cocoa, as it will alter the cookie's overall sweetness and texture.

Chilling and Baking for Perfect Cookies

Chilling the dough is a step you don’t want to skip. It allows the fats in the butter to firm up again, which helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. If you find your dough too sticky during preparation, lightly flour your hands or the surface to help with shaping. Chilling for 15 minutes is typically sufficient, but you can refrigerate for up to 30 minutes if you have the time to spare; the longer chill can enhance the flavor even more.

When baking the cookies, keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time. Ideally, you'll remove them from the oven when the edges look set, but the centers remain slightly soft. This ensures a chewy texture. Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so trust your instincts—remove them sooner rather than later if you prefer a soft cookie.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients for your chocolate pistachio cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious chocolate pistachio cookies:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until well combined.

Stir in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips.

Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon, scoop out dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers are slightly soft.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Enjoy these delightful cookies with your family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before they go into the oven for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storing and Freezing

These chocolate pistachio cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer cookie, a quick trip to the fridge after they cool will help maintain their texture. For longer storage, consider freezing them. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

To refresh frozen cookies, you can pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore some of their original crispiness. This quick reheat not only revives the texture but also enhances the chocolate aroma in your kitchen.

Variations and Customizations

If you want to experiment beyond pistachios, try substituting with other nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for a different flavor. Each nut brings its unique qualities—hazelnuts offer a rich, buttery taste while almonds add a subtle sweetness. Alternatively, you can mix in different types of chocolate, such as dark and white chocolate chips, to create a more complex flavor profile.

For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. These additions can elevate the flavor, making your cookies even more memorable. Just remember to keep the overall balance in mind; it's easy to go overboard, so start with small increments and adjust to taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use nuts other than pistachios?

Absolutely! You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I use instead of butter?

You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option.