Pistachio Pudding Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Pistachio Flavor

If you're a fan of soft, chewy cookies with a burst of nutty goodness, these pistachio pudding cookies will quickly become your new favorite! With the addition of pistachio pudding mix, these cookies stay moist, tender, and full of delicious pistachio flavor. Plus, the combination of crushed pistachios and white chocolate chips gives every bite a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or a crowd-pleasing cookie for your next get-together, these pistachio pudding cookies are just what you need.

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These cookies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they are also irresistibly soft and flavorful. The pistachio pudding mix adds a rich, creamy texture while enhancing the nutty pistachio flavor. The bits of white chocolate add just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory pistachios. They’re great for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because you need a pistachio fix, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

The Origins and Magic of Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Pistachio pudding cookies might not have as long a history as traditional cookie recipes, but they owe their popularity to the introduction of flavored pudding mixes, especially pistachio pudding, in the 1970s. The pudding mix trend brought a new wave of convenience to home bakers, adding unique flavors and textures to a variety of desserts. Using pudding mix in cookies is a genius hack that not only boosts flavor but also ensures the cookies stay soft and chewy for days.

Pistachios, the star ingredient, have a much deeper history. These small, green nuts were first cultivated in the Middle East and have been enjoyed for over 9,000 years. They were prized by royalty, and their rich, nutty flavor has made them a beloved ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes worldwide. Pistachios didn’t become widely available in the U.S. until the mid-20th century, but they quickly gained popularity for their distinct flavor and vibrant green color, which adds a touch of elegance to any dessert.

In this recipe, pistachio pudding mix pairs beautifully with real pistachios, enhancing the flavor while keeping the cookies soft and moist. The pudding mix acts as a secret weapon, locking in moisture and giving the cookies a unique texture that’s hard to resist. It’s this combination of history, flavor, and texture that makes pistachio pudding cookies a modern baking favorite.

Why Pistachio Pudding Cookies Are the Perfect Dessert

• Soft and Chewy Texture: The pudding mix is the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness that stays even days after baking. The cornstarch in the pudding mix helps the dough retain moisture, giving the cookies their signature chewiness.
• Pistachio Flavor Explosion: By using both pistachio pudding mix and real pistachios, the cookies are packed with pistachio flavor in every bite. The nuttiness of the pistachios complements the sweetness from the white chocolate chips, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
• White Chocolate Chips: The creamy, sweet white chocolate chips are a perfect match for the nutty pistachios. They add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the pistachio flavor.
• Vibrant Green Color: Pistachio pudding mix adds a subtle green hue to the cookie dough, giving these cookies an eye-catching color that makes them perfect for festive occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or holiday cookie trays.

Serving Suggestions

These pistachio pudding cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some creative ways to enjoy them:

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a deliciously indulgent treat. The soft, chewy cookies make the perfect base for ice cream sandwiches.
• With Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up. The nuttiness of the pistachios pairs beautifully with a bold cup of espresso or a calming herbal tea.
• Holiday Dessert Platters: Their green color and festive flavor make these cookies a perfect addition to any holiday dessert spread. You can even drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for a decorative finish.

How to Store and Reheat

These cookies not only taste amazing fresh out of the oven, but they also store beautifully for days:

• Room Temperature Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The pudding mix helps keep them soft and chewy even after a few days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes, or give them a quick warm-up in the microwave.

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Recipe: Pistachio Pudding Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup shelled pistachios (crushed)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using an electric mixer. Mix on medium-high speed for about two minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:Add the vanilla extract and the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Fold in Pistachios and Chocolate Chips:Gently fold the crushed pistachios and white chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Scoop the Dough:Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into small balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake the Cookies:Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as you don’t want to overbake these soft cookies.
8. Cool and Serve:Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful pistachio treats warm, or store them for later!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 75mg

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Enjoy making these soft and chewy pistachio pudding cookies! They’re the perfect combination of nutty, creamy, and sweet, and they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!