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Pistachio Drop Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats & Baked Goods.

Pistachio Drop Cookies are a delightful twist on classic shortbread cookies, featuring real crushed pistachios for authentic flavor and texture. These tender, crumbly cookies start with a simple dough made from butter, confectioners' sugar, and flour, enhanced with both vanilla and almond extracts for depth of flavor. The addition of finely ground pistachios gives them their distinctive nutty taste and delicate texture. What makes these cookies special is the optional brown butter icing, which adds a rich, caramelized note to complement the pistachios. The recipe is straightforward yet yields impressive results, making them perfect for holiday cookie plates, special occasions, or whenever you're craving a sophisticated sweet treat.
Comfort Cravings Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:37:54 GMT
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Pistachio Drop Cookies | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Experience pure bliss with these melt in your mouth pistachio drop cookies. Using real pistachios and almond extract instead of artificial flavoring, these one bowl wonders deliver authentic flavor in every bite. Topped with brown butter icing, they're truly little drops of heaven.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pistachios: Finely ground
  • Butter: Room temperature
  • Confectioners' Sugar: For texture
  • Almond Extract: Enhances flavor
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth
  • All Purpose Flour: Base structure

Perfect Cookie Creation

Pistachio Prep:
Pulse nuts until fine crumbs. Choose salted/unsalted based on preference. Ensure even grinding
Dough Formation:
Cream butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar. Add extracts and pistachios. Incorporate flour gently
Baking Process:
Chill dough 30 minutes. Roll into uniform balls. Bake until lightly golden. Cool completely before icing
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Nutty Pistachio Delights | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Brown Butter Icing

  • Brown butter carefully
  • Mix with confectioners' sugar
  • Add vanilla and milk
  • Achieve drizzling consistency

Storage Solutions

  • Store in airtight container
  • Keeps fresh 5 to 7 days
  • Layer with parchment paper
  • Freeze uniced cookies
  • Ice after thawing

Remember: The key to these cookies' success lies in properly ground pistachios and careful mixing. Don't rush the process each step contributes to their perfect texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Guide

If Cookies Spread: Chill dough longer, check butter temperature, measure flour precisely, don't flatten before baking, check oven temperature.

If Cookies Are Dry: Don't overbake, check flour measurement, ensure proper butter amount, watch room temperature, don't overprocess nuts.

Brown Butter Icing Tips

  • Watch color carefully
  • Scrape brown bits
  • Cool slightly before mixing
  • Adjust consistency as needed
  • Work quickly when icing

Customization Options

Mix Ins: Mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, chopped white chocolate, additional chopped pistachios, dried rose petals.

Flavor Variations: Add cardamom, include orange zest, try rosewater, add more almond extract, include vanilla bean.

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Crunchy Pistachio Bites | comfortcravingsrecipes.com

Make Ahead & Gifting

  • Prepare dough in advance
  • Freeze shaped cookies
  • Make fresh icing when serving
  • Package in decorative boxes
  • Include recipe card

Perfect Pairings

Beverages: Turkish coffee, green tea, chai latte, almond milk, espresso.

Special Occasion Tips

  • Tint icing naturally
  • Add sparkle sugar
  • Create gift packages
  • Make mini versions
  • Arrange on tiered stands

These pistachio cookies represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Their delicate texture and authentic pistachio flavor make them ideal for everything from afternoon tea to holiday gift giving.

The addition of brown butter icing transforms them from lovely to extraordinary, while their make ahead potential makes them perfect for busy bakers. Remember that patience in preparation yields the most rewarding results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the pistachios by hand, but ensure they're very finely chopped for the best texture.
→ Why do you use confectioners' sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Confectioners' sugar creates a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them with or without icing for up to 3 months. The dough can also be frozen.
→ Why is the dough crumbly?
This is normal for shortbread-style cookies. The warmth of your hands while rolling will help bring the dough together.
→ How do I know when the brown butter is ready?
The butter will foam, then develop golden brown specks and a nutty aroma. This usually takes 5-6 minutes.

Pistachio Drop Cookies

These homemade Pistachio Drop Cookies feature real crushed pistachios and a decadent brown butter icing for a perfectly sweet and nutty treat.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Baking & Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Dough

01 1 cup (130g) salted or unsalted pistachios
02 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
03 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners' sugar
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 1 teaspoon almond extract
06 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
07 optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring

→ Brown Butter Icing (Optional)

08 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
09 1 cup (120g) confectioners' sugar
10 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream
11 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Pulse pistachios in a food processor until small crumbs form. You need 3/4 cup of very finely chopped pistachios. Set aside.

Step 02

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat on medium-high speed until combined. Add the flour, 3/4 cup pistachio crumbs, and food coloring (if using) and beat on medium-high speed until combined. The dough may not come together at first, but keep mixing. The cookie dough will be thick.

Step 03

Cover the cookie dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and up to 3 days. (If chilling for 2+ hours, let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls.)

Step 04

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Step 05

Roll the cookie dough into balls, about 1 Tablespoon of dough each, and place dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. If the cookie dough is too crumbly, keep rolling and working it with your hands. Bake the cookies until lightly browned on the bottom edges and just barely browned on top, about 14-15 minutes.

Step 06

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Make sure cookies are cool to the touch before dipping in icing.

Step 07

Slice the butter into pieces and place in a light-colored skillet. Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, the butter will begin to foam. Keep stirring occasionally. After 5-6 minutes, the butter will begin browning and you'll notice lightly browned specks begin to form and a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove from heat immediately and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

Step 08

After 5 minutes, whisk in the rest of the icing ingredients until smooth. Add more confectioners' sugar for a thicker texture, if desired. Likewise, add more milk to thin out if needed.

Step 09

Dip cookies in icing or drizzle on top. If coated lightly, the icing will set after 1-2 hours.

Notes

  1. Adapted from snowball cookies, these soft and crumbly pistachio cookies are made from REAL pistachios and topped with brown butter icing.
  2. The cookie dough is made from 6 easy ingredients and requires just 1 mixing bowl.
  3. Only use 3/4 cup pistachios in the cookie dough because any more will make the cookies too crumbly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand)
  • Food Processor
  • Baking Sheet
  • Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
  • Cooling Rack
  • Light-Colored Skillet

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Nuts
  • Dairy
  • Gluten