NYC Style Pistachio Cookies

Home » NYC Style Pistachio Cookies

If you’re craving a unique and delightful cookie, these NYC Style Pistachio Cookies are a perfect choice. With a buttery base, a touch of vanilla, and the nutty crunch of pistachios, they make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter. The soft, chewy texture of these cookies combined with the earthy flavor of pistachios will make them a favorite in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love NYC Style Pistachio Cookies

  • Delicious Nutty Flavor: Pistachios give these cookies a rich and earthy flavor with a satisfying crunch.
  • Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of softness and chewiness makes every bite irresistible.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is easy to follow.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your NYC Style Pistachio Cookies:

For the Cookies:

  • All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough and helps achieve a soft, chewy texture.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them the perfect texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted butter: Provides the base for a buttery, soft texture.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough, giving the cookies their signature sweetness.
  • Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the dough.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the pistachios.
  • Shelled pistachios: The star ingredient of this recipe! Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture shine in the cookies.
  • White chocolate chips (optional): Adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pistachios.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Add Pistachios and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips (if using). The pistachios will give the cookies their nutty flavor and crunch.

Step 7: Scoop Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers are still soft.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 160
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 85mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 2g

How to Serve NYC Style Pistachio Cookies

  • With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot beverage, making them a perfect snack.
  • As a Dessert: Serve these cookies after dinner as a sweet treat.
  • In a Cookie Box: Package them up in a cute box to give as a gift for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion.

Additional Tips

  • Customize the Toppings: Add chopped chocolate, dried fruit, or coconut for different flavor variations.
  • Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough in balls before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use salted pistachios?
A1: Yes, but be sure to reduce or omit the salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

Q2: Can I substitute the white chocolate chips?
A2: Yes! You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even omit the chocolate chips entirely for a more pistachio-forward cookie.

Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookies?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cookies after they cool completely. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Q5: How can I make these cookies chewier?
A5: To make these cookies chewier, you can add a little extra brown sugar and slightly reduce the baking time.

Q6: Can I add other nuts to this recipe?
A6: Yes, feel free to add other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews along with the pistachios for added texture and flavor.

Q7: How can I make these cookies more festive for the holidays?
A7: You can add sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking, or even shape the dough into holiday-themed shapes.

Q8: Can I use roasted pistachios?
A8: Yes, roasted pistachios work great in this recipe, but make sure they are unsalted to keep the balance of flavors just right.

Q9: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A9: The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should look slightly soft but set. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Q10: Can I use unsweetened pistachios in this recipe?
A10: Yes, unsweetened pistachios will work just fine and won’t affect the sweetness of the cookies.

These NYC Style Pistachio Cookies are the perfect balance of nutty, buttery goodness and soft, chewy texture. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies that are perfect for any occasion!

Print

NYC Style Pistachio Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rich and decadent NYC-style cookie packed with pistachio praline, pistachio spread, and three kinds of chocolate. Crispy edges, gooey centers—perfect for pistachio lovers!

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minute
  • Total Time: 4 hours 42 minutes
  • Yield: 13 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pistachio Praline:

  • ¾ cup white sugar
  • 1 cup pistachios (unshelled, lightly salted)

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup pistachio spread (heaping)
  • ⅛ cup pistachio paste (optional)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp malted milk powder
  • Pistachio praline (from above)
  • 1¼ cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup white chocolate
  • 1 drop green food coloring (oil-based)
  • 3 drops yellow food coloring (oil-based)
  • Chopped pistachios

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pistachio Praline:
    Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spread pistachios evenly on a baking tray and bake for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
    In a clean, dry pan over medium heat, melt 1/3 of the sugar until it begins to caramelize. Gradually add the remaining sugar in thirds, swirling the pan to ensure even caramelization.
    Once fully melted and caramelized, quickly add the roasted pistachios, coating them evenly.
    Transfer the mixture to a lined baking sheet and let cool for 15–20 minutes.
    Break the praline into chunks and pulse in a food processor until you have a mix of fine and small pieces.
  • Make the Cookie Dough:
    In a stand mixer, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until combined.
    Add the vanilla extract, pistachio spread, and pistachio paste (if using). Mix until smooth.
    Beat in the eggs, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
    Add the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, malted milk powder, and pistachio praline. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
    Fold in the white and milk chocolate chips.
  • Shape and Chill:
    Weigh out 4.7-ounce balls of dough using a food scale. Split each ball in half, creating an indentation with your thumb in one half.
    Add 1 tbsp pistachio paste and 1 tbsp white chocolate spread to the indentation. Place the other half on top and seal well, forming a ball.
    Place dough balls on a baking tray or Tupperware and freeze for 3–4 hours (or overnight for best results).
  • Bake the Cookies:
    Preheat the oven to 410℉ (210℃).
    Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a baking tray. Bake for 12 minutes on the middle rack until the tops are dull but the edges are golden.
    Allow cookies to cool on the baking tray for 15 minutes before carefully transferring them to another tray.
  • Add the Topping:
    Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
    Mix in green and yellow food coloring (1:4 ratio) to achieve a pistachio color.
    Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Notes

  • Resting Time: The dough needs to be frozen for 3–4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
  • Optional Pistachio Paste: If you can’t find pistachio paste, you can omit it or use extra pistachio spread.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: If you prefer a richer chocolate topping, you can use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star