Italian Pistachio Cookies are sure to be your new favorite! This simple cookie with a mild pistachio flavor, comes together quick and has a delicious soft texture that melts in your mouth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick cooking mat; set aside.
In a food processor fitted with the blade attachment, add the shelled pistachios. Process until a fine crumb forms. Remove a tablespoon of the pistachios for topping the cookies and set the rest aside.
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the sugar and egg until light and fluffy. Add in the butter and vanilla and mix until well combined. Pour in the chopped pistachios, flour, and baking powder, and mix until just combined.
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to measure out cookie dough on to prepared pan. Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the leftover chopped pistachios.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until cookies just start to turn color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a cookie rack to cool completely.
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Notes
Pistachios: use the "roasted and lightly salted" variety of pistachios. If you can only find unsalted, add a ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the batter.
Be sure to mix together the egg and sugar for at least a minute so that you get a fluffier cookie.
Use room temperature butter so that it combines with the other ingredients without being lumpy.
Almond Extract: if you prefer a stronger nut taste in your cookie, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze for up to a month.