Pistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Pistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with sweet, nutty flavor. With golden edges and a tender, pale green center, they offer a beautiful and delicious twist on classic chocolate chip cookies. Featuring creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy pistachios, these cookies are ideal for dessert tables, holiday gifts, or a cozy baking afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the rich, buttery flavor of a classic cookie with the unique combination of pistachio pudding and white chocolate. The pudding mix ensures a moist, chewy texture while giving the cookies their signature green hue. They’re quick to make, hold their shape well, and are an excellent way to add variety to your cookie rotation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3.4 oz (1 box) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Mix in the pistachio pudding mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
- Scoop dough in rounded tablespoons and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Dark chocolate version: Swap white chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
- Extra green: Add a drop of green food coloring for a more vibrant appearance.
- Salted topping: Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Nut-free version: Omit pistachios and increase chocolate chips for a simpler variation.
- Stuffed center: Place a small white chocolate truffle or nut butter center inside each dough ball for a surprise bite.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 4–5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh texture.
FAQs
What does the pudding mix do in the cookie dough?
It adds moisture and chewiness, while also enhancing flavor and color.
Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, sugar-free instant pudding mix can be used, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Are these cookies naturally green?
The green hue comes from the pistachio pudding mix; for a deeper green, add food coloring.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking.
How can I make these cookies softer?
Slightly underbake the cookies and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling is not required, but 30 minutes of chilling can help with shaping and reduce spreading.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
What type of white chocolate chips should I use?
Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best flavor and melting texture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. Bake in batches and store extras for later.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Absolutely. Their festive color and rich flavor make them perfect for holiday cookie boxes or care packages.
Conclusion
Pistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a soft, chewy, and visually appealing treat that stand out in any cookie assortment. The unique combination of pistachio and white chocolate creates a luxurious flavor profile with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether for gifting or indulging, these cookies are sure to impress with every bite.
PrintPistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies infused with nutty pistachio flavor and dotted with creamy white chocolate chips. These bakery-style cookies have golden edges and a pale green center, making them as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for gifting or indulging.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3.4 oz (1 box) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Mix in the pistachio pudding mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in rounded tablespoons, spacing each about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden and centers are still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Do not overbake to maintain soft centers.
- Chill dough for 20 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Can be frozen after baking for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pistachio cookies, white chocolate chip cookies, pudding cookies, soft cookies, nutty dessert, green cookies