Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

Name: Chocolate Pistachio Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Chocolate Pistachio Cookies—it’s one of my favorite ways to blend rich chocolate with the unique crunch of pistachios. The combination adds a delightful twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Each bite is packed with flavor, and the vibrant green of the pistachios against the dark chocolate is so beautiful that these cookies always feel like a special treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them perfect for last-minute bake sales or cozy evenings at home.

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:01:12.046Z

When I first baked these Chocolate Pistachio Cookies, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would meld together. To my surprise, the rich chocolate paired beautifully with the nutty, earthy flavor of the pistachios, creating a delightful contrast. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate to really elevate the taste.

Through trial and error, I found that chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps to intensify the flavors and results in a chewier texture that is just irresistible. Trust me, that's the key to achieving cookie perfection!

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Decadent chocolatey goodness balanced with the crunch of pistachios
Simple and quick to make, perfect for any occasion
They look stunning on a platter, making them a great gift or party treat

      

The Importance of Ingredients

Each ingredient in your Chocolate Pistachio Cookies plays a crucial role in developing their signature flavor and texture. The unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, while the granulated sugar not only sweetens but also aids in creating a chewy, satisfying texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content precisely, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the crunch of the pistachios beautifully.

Don't overlook the influence of pistachios in this recipe. Their unique flavor and crunchy texture add a delightful contrast to the smooth chocolate. If you can’t find pistachios, consider experimenting with other nuts like walnuts or pecans, but this may alter the overall taste. You could also use roasted pistachios for a deeper flavor. Just remember to include them for that artistic pop of green against the dark cookie!

Baking Techniques for Success

When it comes to mixing your ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies due to gluten formation, which isn't ideal for the soft, chewy texture we're aiming for. Mix until you just see the dry components incorporated, then gently fold in the chocolate and pistachios to maintain their integrity.

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the size of your cookie dough scoops. It’s a good idea to start checking for doneness around 10 minutes. The cookies should have set edges, with a slightly soft center; they will continue to firm up as they cool. If you prefer a crispier cookie, leave them in for an extra minute or two—but be cautious not to overbake.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious batch of cookies!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Make sure to prepare your baking tray with parchment paper before you get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cookies perfectly!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in Chocolate and Pistachios

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.

Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Pistachio Cookies with a glass of cold milk!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies just before baking to enhance the flavors.

Storing Chocolate Pistachio Cookies

To keep your freshly baked cookies tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain delicious for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave for a few seconds.

If you're worried about the cookies losing their moisture during storage, adding a slice of bread to the container can help keep them soft and chewy. This works because the bread releases moisture which the cookies will absorb.

Variations to Try

Feel free to mix things up by incorporating other flavors into your cookies! Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before baking can enhance the overall taste, giving a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you’re looking for a bit of zest, try adding the zest of an orange or lemon; the citrus balances the chocolate perfectly.

For a twist on presentation, you could even drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or roll them in crushed pistachios before baking for an eye-catching finish. These variations not only enhance the flavor profiles but also elevate the visual appeal, making your cookies stand out at gatherings!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?

Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake the cookies straight from the freezer.

→ What can I serve these cookies with?

These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!