Pistachio Cream Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s elegant, nutty, and irresistibly creamy, Pistachio Cream Cookies are your go-to treat. These cookies pair a tender, buttery base with a luscious pistachio cream filling, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday baking, or a sophisticated dessert tray, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.

The subtle, nutty flavor of pistachios complements the sweet cream filling beautifully, making them both indulgent and refined. Plus, their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures that each bite is heavenly. In this article, we’ll guide you through making Pistachio Cream Cookies step by step, share tips for perfecting them, suggest serving ideas, and explain how to store them so they stay fresh and delicious.

Why You’ll Love Pistachio Cream Cookies

  1. Elegant and Nutty – Pistachios give these cookies a sophisticated flavor.
  2. Soft and Creamy – The filling adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  3. Perfect for Gifting – Beautiful and delicious for cookie tins or holiday presents.
  4. Customizable – Add chocolate drizzle or extra chopped pistachios for flair.
  5. Crowd-Pleasing – A unique cookie that stands out at any dessert table.

How to Make Pistachio Cream Cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

For the Pistachio Cream Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios (or pistachio paste)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Make cookie dough – Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add salt and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and chopped pistachios until dough forms.
  3. Shape cookies – Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
  4. Bake – Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
  5. Prepare filling – Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, and ground pistachios until creamy. Add milk if needed for a smooth consistency.
  6. Assemble cookies – Spread or pipe pistachio cream onto the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another. Repeat with remaining cookies.
  7. Optional garnish – Roll edges of filled cookies in chopped pistachios for an extra nutty finish.
Pistachio Cream Cookies

What to Serve With Pistachio Cream Cookies

  • Tea or Coffee – Perfect pairing for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
  • Hot Chocolate – A cozy dessert pairing, especially in cooler months.
  • Fresh Fruit – Strawberries or raspberries complement the nutty cream.
  • Ice Cream – Serve alongside vanilla or pistachio ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Tips for Perfecting Pistachio Cream Cookies

  1. Use high-quality pistachios – Fresh, unsalted pistachios give the best flavor and color.
  2. Cool cookies completely – Ensures the cream filling doesn’t melt or slide off.
  3. Adjust filling consistency – Add milk slowly if the cream is too thick for piping.
  4. Optional chocolate drizzle – Melted white or dark chocolate adds a beautiful finishing touch.
  5. Store carefully – Keep in an airtight container to maintain softness and creaminess.

Storing Pistachio Cream Cookies

  • Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Refrigeration – Keeps for up to a week; allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
  • Freezing – Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months; assemble with cream after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pistachio paste instead of ground pistachios?
Yes! Pistachio paste gives a richer, smoother flavor and can be used in the filling directly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store the cookies unfilled for a few days. Assemble with cream right before serving.

Can I color the cream filling?
Absolutely! Add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive or themed presentation.

Conclusion

Pistachio Cream Cookies are an elegant, flavorful, and creamy treat that stands out on any dessert table. With their tender cookies, nutty pistachio flavor, and luscious cream filling, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or a special snack at home.

Pistachio Cream Cookies
Michonne Zendaya

Pistachio Cream Cookies

Soft, buttery cookies filled with pistachio cream and topped with chopped pistachios — a nutty, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for tea time or the holidays.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup pistachio cream (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pistachios (for topping)

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • hand mixer or stand mixer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • cooling rack
  • oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until dough forms.
  4. Scoop dough onto baking sheets. Make a small indentation in each cookie and fill with pistachio cream.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
  6. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. For extra indulgence, drizzle with white chocolate before serving.