Brown Butter Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s a little more elevated yet still cozy and indulgent, Brown Butter Chocolate Pistachio Cookies are the way to go. The rich, nutty flavor of brown butter combined with crunchy pistachios and melty chocolate chunks creates a cookie that’s a treat for the taste buds. The browned butter adds a toasty depth of flavor that pairs so perfectly with the sweetness of the chocolate and the earthy saltiness of the pistachios. Trust me, these cookies are a total game-changer and will make your kitchen smell like pure heaven.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy a cookie craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron, because you’re about to bake a batch of pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Here’s why these cookies are going to be your new favorite:

• Rich and Nutty Flavor: The brown butter adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet & Salty: The pistachios provide a salty crunch that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate and the cookie dough.
• Texture Magic: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center—basically, the perfect cookie texture.
• Gourmet Yet Easy: These may sound fancy, but don’t worry—they’re surprisingly easy to make!
• Impressive: Whether you’re baking for a party or a special someone, these cookies will definitely get all the “wow”s.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:

For the Dough:

• Butter: The star of the show! You’ll brown this butter to bring out its rich, nutty flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness to complement the brown butter.
• Granulated Sugar: A little extra sweetness to balance the richness of the butter.
• Eggs: Binds everything together and gives the dough a soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough that gives the cookies structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise to that perfect chewy consistency.
• Salt: Brings out all the flavors, and enhances that salty pistachio crunch.

For the Mix-ins:

• Pistachios: Chopped, toasted pistachios bring a salty, crunchy contrast to the sweetness of the dough.
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: The gooey, melty chocolate that makes each bite heavenly.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to baking! Here’s how you make these dreamy cookies:

1. Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Keep stirring as the butter starts to bubble and foam. Continue to cook it until it turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and browned butter. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough.

4. Add the Mix-ins

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chunks or chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Chill the Dough

For best results, cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are slightly soft.

7. Let Them Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and ensures the perfect chewy texture.

8. Serve & Enjoy

These cookies are best served warm with a glass of milk or your favorite coffee. They also make an amazing gift if you’re looking to share the love!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20-24 cookies
Calories per serving: 180-200 (depending on size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes (plus chilling time)

How to Serve Brown Butter Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

These cookies are perfect for so many occasions! Here’s how you can serve them:

• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies at the end of your meal for a sweet, irresistible treat.
• With Coffee or Milk: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. It’s a classic pairing that never gets old.
• Gift Them: Package these cookies up in a cute jar or box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift to a friend or loved one. They’ll love the personal touch!
• For a Cozy Movie Night: These cookies are the perfect snack to enjoy while curled up watching your favorite movie. Trust me, you’ll want a few nearby!

Additional Tips

• Customize the Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the pistachios for another nut, like walnuts or pecans, if you prefer. You could also use white chocolate chips or even swirl in some caramel.
• Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps them from spreading too much. It’s worth the wait!
• Bake in Batches: If you have a smaller oven, bake these cookies in batches to ensure even cooking. It also means you’ll have freshly baked cookies to enjoy for longer!
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. It’ll make the process so much easier!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Or, freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake fresh cookies whenever you’re ready.

Q2: Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?
A2: Yes! Just be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the dough since salted pistachios will already bring some saltiness to the recipe.

Q3: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A3: Yes, baked cookies freeze well! Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

Q4: How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
A4: Chilling the dough before baking is key to keeping the cookies from spreading too much. If you want them to be thicker, add a little extra flour to the dough.

Q5: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A5: While butter gives the best flavor, you can use margarine if needed. However, the result may not have the same rich, nutty flavor from the brown butter.

Q6: Can I make these cookies without brown butter?
A6: Yes, you can use regular melted butter if you prefer. It will still be delicious but without that extra depth of flavor from browning the butter.

Q7: How do I get a chewy texture in my cookies?
A7: For chewy cookies, avoid overbaking them. Once the edges are golden and the center is just set, pull them out of the oven. The cookies will continue to cook on the sheet while cooling.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Absolutely! If you want to make a big batch, just double the ingredients. You may need to bake in batches depending on the size of your baking sheet.

Q9: How do I make sure my cookies bake evenly?
A9: Make sure to space the cookies out on the baking sheet, and rotate the sheet halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.

Q10: Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?
A10: Yes, chocolate chips work perfectly in this recipe. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate chips depending on your preference!

Conclusion

These Brown Butter Chocolate Pistachio Cookies are an absolute treat, combining all the best flavors and textures. With a chewy, buttery center, a hint of nuttiness from the pistachios, and that glorious brown butter flavor, every bite is perfection. Whether you’re baking them for yourself, friends, or family, these cookies are bound to be a crowd favorite. So get baking, and enjoy every delicious moment!

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