NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that combine rich, buttery goodness with the unique crunch and flavor of nuts, then you are going to adore this NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe. These cookies perfectly capture the iconic bakery flavor from the city that never sleeps, blending roasted pistachios and luscious white chocolate chips into a chewy, tender cookie that’s as eye-catching as it is irresistible. Whether you crave cookies for a cozy afternoon treat or want to impress guests with something a little different, this recipe brings that distinctive New York flair right into your kitchen. Plus, the optional green tint adds a classic pop of color, making these cookies just as delightful to look at as to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect NYC style pistachio cookie. From the buttery base to the burst of nutty pistachios and creamy white chocolate, these ingredients combine simply yet brilliantly to deliver a cookie with amazing texture and flavor.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture essential for chewy cookies.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel note enhancing the cookie’s richness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding structure and softness.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Amplifies overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Brings out the pistachio’s nutty profile for a more complex bite.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation, giving body to the dough and ensuring the perfect chew.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Softens the cookie’s texture and adds a slight tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with a slight rise and the desirable cookie spread.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor by balancing sweetness.
• 1 cup roasted salted pistachios (roughly chopped): The star ingredient, packed with crunch and rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness that beautifully complements the nuts.
• Green gel food coloring (optional): For achieving that classic New York pistachio cookie appearance.

How to Make NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cream Your Base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This creaming step is key to achieving those beautifully tender cookies with the right texture.

Step 2: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are fully incorporated, providing structure without weighing your batter down. Add the pure vanilla extract for a warm flavor foundation and, if you’re using it, the almond extract to add that extra layer of nutty flavor that really enhances the pistachios.

Step 3: Mix in Food Coloring (Optional)

If you want that signature green tint reminiscent of classic NYC pistachio cookies, now is the time to stir in a small amount of green gel food coloring until you reach the shade you love. This step is purely visual but adds a fun, nostalgic touch.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed and the salt flavor is balanced throughout, so every bite is just right.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then, fold in the chopped roasted salted pistachios along with the white chocolate chips. The nuts add crunch and bite, while the chips bring a sweet, creamy contrast.

Step 6: Shape and Chill the Dough

Use a large scoop, about 1/4 cup each, to form dough balls and place them spaced a few inches apart on your baking sheet. Chilling them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes helps control spreading so you get thick, bakery-style cookies with an irresistible texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for edges that turn a delicate golden color while the centers remain slightly underbaked, ensuring a chewy middle. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling and firm up.

How to Serve NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of crushed pistachios on top of warm cookies for an elegant touch and added texture. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate their visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of rich espresso or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and bring out the nutty flavor of the pistachios. For a more decadent twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your NYC style pistachio cookies in a clear, decorative jar or gift box for a gift that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a layer of white chocolate ganache or pistachio cream for a show-stopping treat that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your baked pistachio cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them sealed ensures they stay soft and chewy without drying out, so you can enjoy that fresh-baked taste even days later.

Freezing

If you want to prepare dough in advance, scoop the dough balls onto a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container; just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven softness and bring out the rich flavors once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute white chocolate chips with another type?

Absolutely! While white chocolate chips complement the pistachio flavor beautifully, you can swap them for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer contrast, or even butterscotch chips for a different twist.

What does the cornstarch do in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps make the cookies super tender and soft by weakening the gluten formation in the flour, giving you that delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture typical of NYC style cookies.

Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading while baking, which is essential for achieving the thick, chewy texture associated with classic NYC pistachio cookies.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Since pistachios are the star ingredient, this recipe isn’t suited for nut-free diets, but you could experiment by replacing pistachios with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, though the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional version.

How large should the cookie dough balls be for the best result?

Using about 1/4 cup of dough per cookie makes for large, bakery-style cookies that have a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers. Smaller dough balls will bake faster and produce thinner cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope this NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe inspires you to bring a little slice of New York City to your home kitchen. These cookies offer a fantastic combination of textures and flavors that can turn any moment into a special one. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful, nutty delight—your taste buds will thank you!

NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 32 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
• Yield: 12 large cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These NYC Style Pistachio Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the nutty flavor of roasted pistachios and the sweetness of white chocolate chips. Enhanced with a touch of almond extract and optionally tinted with green gel food coloring, these bakery-style cookies offer a perfect balance of texture and taste that brings classic New York bakery vibes to your home kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances pistachio flavor)
• Green gel food coloring (optional, for classic NYC look)

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 cup roasted salted pistachios (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes using a mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract (if using), which elevates the pistachio flavor. Add green gel food coloring if you want the iconic green color of NYC pistachio cookies.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasonings.
5. Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
6. Fold in Pistachios and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the roughly chopped roasted salted pistachios and white chocolate chips to evenly distribute the chunks throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and Chill Dough: Scoop large portions of dough (about 1/4 cup each) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies for spreading. Chill the dough balls on the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up, which helps maintain shape during baking.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden while the centers still look slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy center and crisp edges.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents breaking.

Notes

• For an authentic NYC bakery texture, form larger dough balls and chill them overnight before baking to enhance flavor and texture.
• You can substitute white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American