Name: Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 2 sticks); 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup white sugar; 3 large eggs (two eggs plus one yolk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 drops green food coloring; 3.4 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix (one box); 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pistachios (shelled and chopped, salted and roasted or raw); 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips (plus extra for decorating)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser, you’re absolutely going to love this Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic, packed with the unique nuttiness of pistachios and the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chips. The instant pistachio pudding mix adds a moisture and flavor boost that makes each bite irresistibly tender and subtly green, making these cookies not just delicious but pretty on the plate too. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the left, three white eggs rest in a wooden tray with round compartments. Above eggs, a glass bowl filled with white flour is placed next to another glass bowl containing light brown sugar. To the right, a white bowl holds green and brown pistachios, and another glass bowl contains small white chocolate chips. Below the eggs, a small white bowl has dark vanilla liquid. Two sticks of butter wrapped with light paper sit beneath that. Near the bottom center, a white bowl contains white granulated sugar, with two small wooden bowls beside it—one with white baking soda and the other with salt. Above and slightly right of these, a small open brown paper bag has light green instant pistachio pudding powder and next to it is a green food coloring bottle. The organized setup is brightly lit, clear, and simple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It might look like quite a list, but each ingredient in this Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and appearance. From the rich butter that creates that melt-in-your-mouth softness to the instant pistachio pudding that gives these cookies their signature taste, every component matters.

Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures the cookies are rich and tender without any excess salt.
Brown sugar: Adds a slight caramel depth and contributes chewiness to the cookie texture.
White sugar: Balances the brown sugar with just a hint of crispness around the edges.
Large eggs: The perfect binder that helps the dough come together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie.
Instant pistachio pudding mix: The star ingredient, giving these cookies their signature green color and luscious flavor.
Green food coloring: Optional but highly recommended if you want that vibrant pistachio vibe.
All-purpose flour: The base that provides structure to the cookies.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise evenly and stay soft.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the pistachio flavor.
Pistachios: Chopped for crunch and authenticity, plus some extra for decorating.
White chocolate chips: Melts into sweet pockets, adding creamy bursts in every bite.

How to Make Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both the brown and white sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, setting the stage for irresistibly soft cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs, Vanilla, and Pudding Mix

Next, add the eggs—two whole plus one extra yolk—to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix in vanilla extract and the instant pistachio pudding mix thoroughly. This instantly transforms the dough, infusing that distinctive pistachio flavor and a beautiful green tint once the food coloring is added.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning before adding to the wet ingredients, which helps maintain consistent texture throughout the cookies.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing until a soft cookie dough forms. The dough will be perfectly pliable and lightly green, ready for the next step of incorporating the mix-ins.

Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips. These add delightful texture and bursts of flavor that make each bite interesting and satisfying. After mixing, chill the dough for 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out two-tablespoon dough balls with a couple of inches of space between each. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each ball to elevate the look of your baked cookies.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. It’s important to avoid overbaking here; a slightly underbaked center means your cookies will be soft and chewy, which is exactly what you want.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling fully lets them set without losing any of their tender texture. Then, dig in and enjoy the magic of your Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe!

How to Serve Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe

The image shows a shiny metal baking tray lined with brown parchment paper. On the tray, there are fifteen small, round green dough balls evenly spaced in a grid of three columns and five rows. Each dough ball is studded with white chips and small brown pieces, creating a colorful, textured look. In the upper left corner, a large silver mixing bowl filled with more green dough is partly visible, placed on a white marbled surface. Near the bowl, there is a scoop with green dough inside and a striped cloth partially in view. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios or white chocolate chips on top before serving to add both texture and visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming touch, especially for festive occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a creamy cup of hot tea. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting your cookies in a layered glass jar with colorful ribbons makes a thoughtful gift. For parties, stack them on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by fresh pistachios and edible flowers for a stunning display that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Pistachio Pudding Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, layering the cookies between sheets of parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps them intact.

Freezing

The cookie dough itself freezes beautifully; portion it out into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy a quick treat anytime.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This gently revives their softness and enhances the melty white chocolate chips.

FAQs

Can I substitute the pistachio pudding mix?

While the instant pistachio pudding mix is what gives these cookies their signature flavor and texture, if you can’t find it, you might try using a vanilla instant pudding mix with added chopped pistachios, but the color and distinctive taste will be less pronounced.

What if I don’t want to use food coloring?

Food coloring is optional, so feel free to skip it if you prefer your cookies without the bright green tint. The pistachio pudding will still provide some natural greenish hue, but it will be subtler.

Can I use salted pistachios?

Yes, salted and roasted pistachios work just fine and can add a nice salty contrast to the sweet cookie. Just adjust the amount of additional salt in the dough if you want to keep the balance perfect.

How do I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, be careful not to overbake them. Underbaking slightly in the center is ideal. Also, chilling the dough helps control spread and contributes to a moist, chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.

Final Thoughts

This Pistachio Pudding Cookies Recipe really is a total gem in the world of cookies. It’s got that perfect combination of softness, flavor, and color that makes it so special. Whether you’re sharing these treats with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so happy you did, and these cookies might just become your new favorite go-to sweet!