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Are you craving a cookie that perfectly marries sweet richness with nutty crunch and just a hint of salt? These Sweet and Salty Pistachio Cookies deliver just that—an unforgettable balance of buttery dough, roasted pistachios, and a gentle sea salt sprinkle.
Ideal for baking marathons, dessert tables, or thoughtful gifts, these cookies are as easy to make as they are indulgent. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or a cozy night in—each bite offering depth, comfort, and delight.
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Delightful contrast of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
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Elegant texture—crispy edges and tender centers.
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Simple ingredient list with easy prep.
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Versatile for gifting, platters, and everyday enjoyment.
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Easily customizable with flavors like citrus, chocolate, or spices.
Ingredients
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Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¾ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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Wet & Sweet Ingredients:
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
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1 large egg (room temperature)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Crunch & Salt:
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1 cup shelled pistachios (toasted and roughly chopped)
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½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)
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Optional Twists:
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½ teaspoon lemon zest
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¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
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½ cup white or dark chocolate chips
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pans
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars
Beat softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla; mix until well incorporated.
3. Combine with Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into the butter mixture just until combined.
4. Fold in Pistachios
Gently mix in chopped pistachios and any optional flavorings like lemon zest or cardamom.
5. Scoop Dough
Form dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each with the palm of your hand.
6. Bake Until Just Right
Bake for 10–12 minutes—edges should be set and lightly golden, while centers remain tender.
7. Add Final Touch of Salt
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on warm cookies. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a rack; drizzle honey or melted chocolate at this point if you like.
Pro Baking Tips
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Ensure butter is softened—not melted—for proper consistency and structure.
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Toasting pistachios enhances their flavor and aroma.
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Avoid overmixing—combine just until flour is no longer visible.
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Let cookies cool fully before storing to preserve texture and prevent sogginess.
Flavor Variations to Try
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Citrus Harmony: Add lemon or orange zest and top with candied citrus.
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Chocolate Fusion: Mix in or drizzle white or dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
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Warm Spice: Infuse with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for cozy warmth.
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Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachios with sunflower or sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
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Enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee for a delicate indulgence.
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Include on dessert boards with chocolates, fruit, or cheeses.
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Pack into festive tins for beautiful edible gifts.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Room Temperature: Store in a sealed container—stays fresh for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment—lasts up to 3 months. Thaw gently before serving.
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Make-Ahead: Form and freeze cookie dough; bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
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Calories: ~130 kcal
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Fat: ~6g (rich in healthy fats from pistachios)
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Carbs: ~17g
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Protein: ~2g
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Balanced sweetness with added depth from nuts and salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure pistachios are certified gluten-free if needed.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
Chill dough briefly if your kitchen is warm to control spread.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
Use a fine grind static salt but sprinkle lightly to mimic texture.
Are these too sweet?
You can reduce granulated sugar by 2 tbsp or pair with an unsweetened hot drink.
Final Thoughts
These Sweet and Salty Pistachio Cookies are a statement in every bite—elegant, cozy, and simply irresistible. From first bite to last, they deliver deep flavor, lovely texture, and little moments of crunch and surprise.
Bake a batch for yourself or someone special—you won’t be disappointed.
