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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Cream Preparation: Whisk softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in vanilla extract to develop rich aromatic undertones.
- Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and salt into the butter mixture, incorporating chopped pistachios to create a cohesive, nutty dough with even texture.
- Shaping: Roll the dough into a precise cylindrical log about 2 inches thick on a lightly floured surface, ensuring uniform dimensions and smooth exterior.
- Chilling: Wrap the dough log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and dough to solidify completely.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cookie removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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