
Soft, stretchy cookies bursting with smooth white chocolate and snap-worthy pistachios make an unforgettable snack for every event. These treats blend sweet, nutty, and lightly salty tastes in a simple recipe anyone can pull off. The difference between the melty white chocolate and the unique snap of pistachios makes these cookies something special, giving a fancy spin on traditional cookie favorites.
I whipped these cookies up for a Christmas party, and everyone begged me for how to make them. The pistachios bring such a standout flavor that makes them way better than regular chocolate chip cookies. Even my husband, who usually stays away from desserts, gobbled up three back to back!
Cookie Must-Haves
- 170g unsalted butter (softened): Gives that full, soft crumb and spreads flavor through all the dough.
- 200g light brown sugar: Adds wetness, chewiness, and a light caramel background taste.
- 1 medium egg: Holds everything together while giving cookies their shape.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts all the other tastes without taking over.
- 260g plain flour: Makes up the base of the cookie, giving it body and sturdiness.
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda: Makes sure they puff up right and get that perfect cookie feel.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Cuts the sweetness and makes all flavors pop more.
- 150g white chocolate chips: Create spots of smooth sweetness throughout.
- 80g unsalted pistachios (chopped): Add nutty flavors and different textures.
Baking Steps
- Oven Preparation:
- Get your oven going at 180°C (160°C fan / 350°F) and put parchment paper on two baking sheets so cookies won't stick and cleanup's a breeze.
- Creaming Process:
- In a big bowl or using a mixer, whip butter and sugar together till it looks way lighter, about 2 minutes of mixing time.
- Egg Integration:
- Throw in your egg and vanilla to the butter mix, and keep mixing till it's totally smooth and everything's blended, making one even base.
- Flour Combination:
- Sift your flour, bicarb of soda, and salt, then stir gently just till you can't see dry stuff anymore, taking care not to mix too much or cookies will get tough.
- Mix Addition:
- With a spatula, gently fold white chocolate chips and pistachios till they're spread out in the dough, so every bite has both goodies.
- Portioning:
- Use a 5cm cookie scoop to keep sizes the same, plop dough onto your ready baking sheets, leaving room between each for them to grow while baking.
- Baking Time:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, looking for golden edges while middles stay a bit soft, giving you that perfect mix of crisp and chewy.
- Cooling Period:
- Let cookies sit on the hot tray for 5 minutes to firm up, then move them to a cooling rack to finish cooling, letting air flow all around them.

I've always loved pistachios most for baking. My grandma used to bake pistachio shortbread when I was little, and these cookies bring those special treats to mind. The gentle green color they add to baked goodies is subtle but unique, making them look as good as they taste.
Tasty Companions
These cookies go great with cold milk, which cuts the richness and makes everything taste better. For grown-ups, try them with sweet wine or coffee liqueur. They also fit in nicely on a dessert board with fresh berries and different cheeses to wrap up any dinner party with style.
Cookie Twists
Try different chocolates based on what you like - milk chocolate for extra sweetness or dark chocolate for something deeper. Throw in some dried cranberries for tartness or orange peel for citrus that works great with pistachios. If you've got guests who can't eat gluten, good measure-for-measure gluten-free flour mixes work super well in this recipe without changing much about how they feel in your mouth.
Freshness Ideas
Keep your cookies in a sealed container at room temp to enjoy them for 4 to 5 days. Want them to last longer? Freeze baked cookies between parchment paper sheets in freezer containers for up to 3 months. Or scoop raw dough onto a tray, freeze till hard, then put in freezer bags for cookies whenever you want them - just add 1 to 2 more minutes when baking from frozen.

These white chocolate pistachio cookies have turned into my go-to treat for parties big and small. The mix of textures and flavors creates something truly unforgettable that stands out from regular cookie options. What I love most is how they work for any time of year and any kind of get-together, fitting in at family movie nights or fancy dinner parties just the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Could I use dark chocolate instead of white?
- Absolutely! Swap out the white chocolate for dark for a richer taste. The instructions allow for different chocolate choices.
- → What’s the best way to store these cookies?
- Pop them into a sealed container to keep them fresh at room temp for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make these without gluten?
- Sure thing! Use a high-quality gluten-free flour mix instead. Texture might change a bit, but they'll still taste great.
- → What should I do if I don’t have a cookie scoop?
- No worries! Use a tablespoon to make 1.5-inch dough balls for evenly sized cookies.
- → Can the dough be prepared in advance?
- Yes! Chill the dough for up to 3 days in the fridge, or freeze pre-scooped dough for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough with an extra 1-2 minutes.
- → Why include cornflour in the dough?
- It gives the cookies a soft, chewy middle, adding to the perfect bite.