Italian Pistachio Cookies

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Italian Pistachio Cookies are a classic Italian cookie with chopped pistachios that are so simple to make! You’re going to love the subtle pistachio flavor of these soft cookies that are ready in 20 minutes!

Italian Pistachio Cookies piled on top of each other on a white countertop.

If you love pistachios, these cookies are for you! They are soft and mildly pistachio-flavored with a sweet and melt-in-your mouth bite!

Italian Pistachio Cookies are one of those cookies you make once and will make forever. They are also a great way to use up leftover pistachios you may have on hand.

If you love nut-flavored cookies, be sure to try these super soft Almond Ricotta Cookies. And, definitely don’t miss Italian Almond Chocolate Cookies. For a delicious nutty cake, be sure to check out this recipe for Almond Ricotta Cake. If you love fall flavors, be sure to try these Apple Spice Cookies!

Why These Pistachio Cookies are the BEST!

This recipe has been tested and perfected! And, I can tell you they the best Italian Pistachio Cookies out there.

What makes these cookies so special is the focus on the pistachios. The pistachios really stand out and don’t get lost in the other flavors like almond extract or lemon.

Italian Pistachio Cookies on a white countertop with pistachios scattered around them.

These cookies are also super soft. Here, I instruct to beat the egg and sugar until light in color. This will help ensure that you get a soft and fluffy cookie with the best texture.

Also, these cookies are made with roasted and lightly salted pistachios. The roasted pistachios help to intensify the pistachio flavor without being overwhelming.

Lastly, these Italian Pistachio Cookies are made with just a few ingredients and not too much added sugar. They really are intended to focus on the delicious pistachio flavors.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make Italian Pistachio Cookies include: flour, butter, sugar, egg, baking powder, vanilla, and roasted and salted pistachios.

Pistachios: use the roasted and salted shelled pistachios for this recipe. The roasted variety adds a nice flavor and, by using salted, you don’t need to add any additional salt to the recipe.
Extracts: vanilla extract is all you need for these cookies. Many different recipes call for almond extract and lemon zest. However, these tend to overpower the cookies in my opinion. Feel free to add them in if you are looking for a stronger nut flavor.
Butter: use room temperature, unsalted butter.

Now that you have the ingredients, read on to see how easy it is to make these delicious Italian cookies!

How to Make Italian Pistachio Cookies

This recipe comes together fast and only requires a few ingredients. As for equipment, you will need a baking sheet, food processor, and mixing bowl.

process shots showing how to make the recipe including grinding the nuts in the food processor and mixing the dough.

Step 1: Firstly, you will need to chop the pistachios. Place the shelled nuts in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Process the pistachios until they are finely chopped, slightly larger than the size of sand. Remove a tablespoon of the mixture for topping the cookie and set aside.

Step 2: Next, make the dough. Start by using a handheld mixer to cream together the egg and sugar. You want to mix until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Then, add in the room temperature unsalted butter and vanilla. Mix until well combined. To the same bowl, add in the flour, baking powder, and ground pistachios.

Step 3: Mix all of the ingredients until you get a smooth cookie dough.

Step 4: Use a cookie scoop to scoop balls of dough on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle on the remaining crushed pistachios. Bake in a preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, being careful not to over bake.

overhead photo of baking sheet lined with parchment with baked recipe on it.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

Check out these tips and frequently asked questions so that you can make the best Italian Pistachio Cookies every time!

Use roasted and salted shelled pistachios for this recipe. If you can’t find them, you can de-shell the pistachios and then roast them in a 200 degree oven for a couple of minutes (until you can smell them). If all you have is unsalted, add a ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the cookie dough batter.
The dough for this cookie can be made ahead and refrigerated for a couple of hours before baking.
When warm, this is a very soft cookie. Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before moving them to a storage container.

How do you enhance pistachio flavor in baking?

Pistachio cookies will have a mild nutty pistachio flavor. If you did want a stronger flavor, consider adding almond extract along with the vanilla extract into the batter. However, note that the almond flavor has the tendency to be overpowering so use with caution when baking.

Are pistachios common in Italian cuisine?

Pistachios are very common in Italy and can be found in both sweet and savory dishes. Italians loves to use pistachio cream to sweeten their breads or as a filling for donuts of pastries. And, you’ll often find Italian using crushed pistachios as a coating for fish or in salads.

What can I make with leftover pistachios?

Make Italian Pistachio cookies! With just a cup of pistachios (146 grams) you can make simple and delicious pistachio cookies that are ready in just 20 minutes.

Italian Pistachio Cookies on a white countertop with pistachios around them a cup of black coffee.

Italians make the best cookies! Here are some fan-favorites:

Italian Pistachio Cookies stacked on each other.

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