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Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Pistachio shortbread cookies are simple, buttery, crumbly, and flecked with chopped pistachios and chunks of white chocolate. With or without a white chocolate drizzle, these holiday cookies are the best! 

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 28 mins
Servings: 20 cookies
Calories: 196 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and diced into small cubes
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup pistachios chopped
  • ½ cup white chocolate roughly chopped
For a white chocolate drizzle, optional
  • 2 ounces white chocolate roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pistachios chopped finely
  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cold butter and powdered sugar and beat with an electric mixer creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and salt and blend to combine in well.
  3. Gradually add in the flour and stir each addition in with a spatula just until the flour is barely incorporated Be very careful not to over-mix the dough or the cookies will be more dense instead of light.
  4. Stir in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate.
  5. Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a log about 6 inches long and 1 ½ to 2 inches in diameter., pressing as you roll to remove as many air pockets. Roll on a lightly floured surface if necessary to smooth the shape.
  6. Wrap each log in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least one hour to chill before slicing.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  8. Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and slice each log into ½ inch thick cookies and place them on the cookie sheet.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Place the dough back in the refrigerator between batches so it stays cold.
  11. After baking, place them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the ganache drizzle, if using.
  1. Add the chopped white chocolate and cream to a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat for another 30 seconds. Repeat one more time if needed but be very careful to not overheat it or it will seize and not be usable. (you can also use a double boiler on the stovetop)
  2. Drizzle the ganache over cooled cookies and top with finely chopped pistachios if desired.

Notes

  • Variations
  • Use a dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate drizzle instead. Or you could dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate. Continue with the sweet and salty theme by sprinkling a bit of flaky salt on top.2. ​You could also swap the white chocolate chunks for toffee or caramel bits.3. Add a little lemon zest or fresh orange zest to brighten it up.4. Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract and chopped almonds in place of the pistachios.5. Dried tart cranberries always pair well with white chocolate and pistachios, so toss some into the dough.
  • If the cookie dough has softened after slicing, place the baking tray back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before baking so they hold their shape when baking.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you add the drizzle, place parchment paper or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Nutritional information includes white chocolate drizzle.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1cookie Calories 196kcal (10%) Carbohydrates 17g (6%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 0.4g Cholesterol 27mg (9%) Sodium 36mg (2%) Potassium 74mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 312IU (6%) Vitamin C 0.2mg (0%) Calcium 21mg (2%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 196

% Daily Value*

Serving 1cookie
Calories 196kcal 10%
Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 0.4g 20%
Cholesterol 27mg 9%
Sodium 36mg 2%
Potassium 74mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 312IU 6%
Vitamin C 0.2mg 0%
Calcium 21mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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