Dreamy Buttery Pistachio Shortbread Recipe for Cookie Lovers

Shortbread cookies reach new heights of deliciousness with this buttery pistachio recipe that blends rich, nutty flavors into every crumbly bite.

Pistachios add a wonderful green-flecked texture to the classic Scottish treat, creating a sophisticated twist on a beloved traditional dessert.

Each carefully crafted cookie promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that balances sweet and nutty notes perfectly.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a delightful option for bakers of all skill levels.

Crumbly, golden edges and a delicate pistachio crunch characterize these elegant cookies that pair wonderfully with afternoon tea or coffee.

The fragrant blend of butter and ground pistachios transforms an ordinary shortbread into an extraordinary culinary delight.

Serve these irresistible cookies and watch as smiles spread across the faces of everyone who takes a bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling time)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 195 kcal

Servings: 16

Pistachio Shortbread Ingredient Lineup

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth, silky texture that helps cookies melt in your mouth.
• Granulated Sugar: Delivers delightful sweetness and helps create crisp, golden edges during baking.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall flavor profile of shortbread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates sturdy structure and gives classic shortbread crumbly, delicate consistency.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other ingredient flavors with subtle complexity.

• Pistachios: Introduces delectable green color, provides delightful textural contrast and earthy, slightly sweet nuttiness to classic shortbread.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures cookies won't stick and allows easy removal with clean, smooth edges.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps dough maintain shape and facilitates smooth, controlled chilling process.

Tools to Shape Perfect Shortbread Rounds

• Large mixing bowl: essential for combining ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• Electric mixer or whisk: perfect for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy consistency.
• Sharp knife: crucial for slicing even, uniform cookie rounds.
• Cutting board: provides stable surface for log shaping and slicing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Parchment paper: prevents cookies from sticking and helps even baking.
• Baking sheet: holds cookies during baking process.
• Wire cooling rack: allows cookies to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Plastic wrap: helps chill and shape dough log.

Bake Pistachio Shortbread with a Delicate Crumble

• Mix Creamy Butter

Whip softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

• Create Dough Texture

Sprinkle flour and salt into butter mixture. Gently fold until the dough starts coming together. Toss in crunchy pistachios and distribute evenly.

• Shape Delicious Log

Dust a clean surface with flour. Roll dough into a smooth cylindrical shape about two inches wide. Wrap tightly in plastic and chill in refrigerator for one hour.

• Slice and Bake Cookies

Pull out chilled dough and unwrap. Slice into thin rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping space between them.

• Perfect the Bake

Heat oven to 350F. Slide cookie sheet inside and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Nutty Finish

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookies' crisp shape during baking.
• Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer taste to the shortbread.
• Prepared dough logs can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, allowing you to slice and bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender texture and delicate crumb.
• Experiment with different nut variations like almonds or walnuts, or add a hint of orange zest to create a unique twist on the classic shortbread recipe.

How to Serve Pistachio Cookies Elegantly

• Tea Time Delight: Pair these crisp pistachio shortbread cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a sophisticated afternoon treat.
• Dessert Plate Elegance: Arrange cookies alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful and delectable dessert presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Serve these buttery shortbread cookies as a perfect side to a rich espresso or cappuccino for a delightful coffee break indulgence.
• Gift Packaging Charm: Stack cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a rustic ribbon for a homemade gift that looks professional and tastes incredible.

Store Pistachio Shortbread with a Crisp Texture

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, ensuring maximum crispness and nutty pistachio taste.
• Layer cookies between parchment paper sheets when storing to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
• Wrap unbaked dough log tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in freezer for 3 months. Slice and bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to baking time.
• Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days before baking, keeping wrapped log in refrigerator. This technique allows flexibility and enhances flavor development for richer shortbread taste.

FAQs

• Why use pistachios in shortbread cookies?

Pistachios add a unique nutty flavor and delightful crunch to traditional shortbread, creating a more sophisticated and interesting cookie that stands out from classic recipes.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed – just basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a sharp knife will work perfectly for these shortbread cookies.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough log and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking, which makes these cookies great for advance preparation and convenient baking.

• How can I tell when the shortbread cookies are done baking?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set appearance. The cookies will be slightly soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Buttery Pistachio Shortbread Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Pistachio shortbread cookies blend Middle Eastern nutty richness with classic Scottish baking traditions. Crisp, crumbly edges complement delicate pistachio notes, offering a sophisticated treat perfect for afternoon tea or elegant dessert occasions.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (240 g/8.5 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g/8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) shelled unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
• ½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Cream Preparation: Whisk softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in vanilla extract to develop rich aromatic undertones.
2. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and salt into the butter mixture, incorporating chopped pistachios to create a cohesive, nutty dough with even texture.
3. Shaping: Roll the dough into a precise cylindrical log about 2 inches thick on a lightly floured surface, ensuring uniform dimensions and smooth exterior.
4. Chilling: Wrap the dough log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to solidify completely.
5. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cookie removal.
6. Slicing and Positioning: Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 1/4-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing to accommodate minimal spread.
7. Baking: Bake shortbread for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
8. Cooling: Transfer cookies to a wire rack, letting them cool completely to achieve the perfect crisp texture and intensify the buttery, pistachio-infused flavor.

Notes

• Soften Butter Correctly: Ensure butter is at room temperature but not melting, as this impacts the shortbread’s texture and creates a smoother, more even dough.
• Chop Pistachios Finely: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, small pistachio pieces that distribute evenly throughout the dough without disrupting the cookie’s delicate structure.
• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigeration is crucial; a minimum 1-hour rest helps the dough firm up, prevents spreading, and allows flavors to develop more intensely.
• Slice Precisely: Use an extremely sharp knife and make clean, consistent cuts to create uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally prepared.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Scottish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 0.15 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg