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A close-up of soft Pistachio Drop Cookies topped with a smooth, glossy glaze. The cookies are arranged in a wooden bowl, with one cookie broken in half to reveal the soft, pistachio-filled interior.

Pistachio Drop Cookies

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These soft, crumbly pistachio cookies are topped with a delicious brown butter icing for the perfect sweet treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 36 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup 130g salted or unsalted pistachios (Finely chopped using a food processor)
  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup 90g confectioners’ sugar (Powdered sugar not granulated)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2and ¼ cups 281g all-purpose flour Spoon and leveled
  • Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring Gel food coloring recommended
For the Brown Butter Icing (Optional):
  • ¼ cup 56g unsalted butter
  • 1 cup 120g confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons 30ml milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped.
  2. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat on medium-high speed until fully combined.
  4. Add flour, pistachio crumbs, and optional food coloring. Beat until dough forms.
  5. Cover and chill dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls (about 20-22g) and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. If dough is too crumbly, warm with your hands to bring it together.
  8. Bake cookies for 14-15 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges. Remove and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
  9. Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, the butter will foam, then begin to brown after about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat once browned and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Whisk in powdered sugar, milk (or heavy cream), and vanilla extract until smooth. If desired, add a pinch of salt.
  11. Dip cooled cookies in the icing or drizzle over the top. Allow icing to set for 1-2 hours at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1CookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg

Notes

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. The brown butter icing is optional, but it takes these cookies to a whole new level!

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