
Rich, gooey cookies filled with smooth white chocolate and toasted pistachios make an unforgettable snack for every gathering. These treats blend nutty, sweet, and slightly salty notes in a simple recipe anyone can handle. The mix of melty chocolate chunks and distinctive pistachio bits creates something truly outstanding, offering a fancy spin on traditional cookie favorites.
I whipped these cookies up for a winter party, and folks wouldn't stop asking how I made them. The pistachios bring such a special taste that makes them stand out from regular chocolate chip cookies. Even my hubby, who usually passes on desserts, grabbed three back-to-back!
Cookie Basics
- 170g unsalted butter (softened): Gives that buttery, soft texture and spreads flavor throughout.
- 200g light brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and slight caramel hints.
- 1 medium egg: Holds everything together while giving cookies structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts other flavors without taking over.
- 260g plain flour: Creates the base of your cookie, giving it body and shape.
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda: Makes cookies puff up and helps with texture.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Cuts through sweetness and lifts all flavors.
- 150g white chocolate chips: Create pockets of sweet creaminess in every bite.
- 80g unsalted pistachios (chopped): Add nutty flavor and pleasant crunch.
Baking Steps
- Oven Setup:
- Heat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan / 350°F) and put parchment on two cookie sheets to stop sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Butter Mixing:
- In a big bowl or mixer, whip butter and sugar until it looks lighter and fluffier, about 2 minutes of beating.
- Adding Egg:
- Drop in your egg and vanilla, then keep mixing until everything looks smooth and well-combined.
- Flour Addition:
- Sift flour, soda, and salt together, then stir in gently just until the dry bits disappear, being careful not to overmix which can make tough cookies.
- Chunky Bits:
- With a spatula, gently stir in white chocolate and pistachios until they're spread evenly through the dough so each cookie has plenty of goodies.
- Shaping:
- Use a 5cm scoop to make even cookie balls and place them on your lined trays with enough room between them since they'll spread while baking.
- Oven Time:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers still look a bit soft, which gives you that perfect mix of crisp and chewy.
- Cooling Off:
- Let them sit on the tray for 5 minutes to firm up, then move to a cooling rack so air can flow around them completely.

I've always loved using pistachios in my baking. My grandma used to bake pistachio shortbread when I was little, and these treats take me back to those sweet memories. Their subtle green color makes baked goods look as good as they taste.
Tasty Combos
These cookies go great with cold milk that cuts through their richness and makes every bite better. For grown-ups, try them with sweet wine or coffee liqueur. They also shine on dessert boards next to fresh berries and various cheeses for a wow-worthy end to any dinner.
Cookie Twists
Try switching up your chocolate based on what you like best. Go with milk chocolate for extra sweetness or dark chocolate for something deeper. Throw in some dried cranberries for tangy contrast or orange zest that works wonderfully with pistachios. Got gluten-free guests? Good cup-for-cup gluten-free flour mixes work great in this recipe without changing much.
Storage Tricks
Keep your cookies in a sealed container at room temp for best taste over 4-5 days. Want them to last longer? Pop baked cookies between parchment sheets in freezer containers for up to 3 months. Or roll dough balls, freeze them solid on a tray, then toss in freezer bags for ready-to-bake treats. Just add 1-2 extra minutes when baking from frozen.

These white chocolate pistachio cookies have become my go-to dessert for all kinds of get-togethers. The blend of textures and tastes creates something folks remember that beats ordinary cookie options. What I love most is how they work for any time of year and any event, from family movie nights to fancy dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap white chocolate with other chocolate types?
- Absolutely, you can use dark or milk chocolate instead. It’ll give your cookies a different but equally tasty flavor.
- → What's the best way to store these cookies?
- Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature for 4-5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
- → Can I make gluten-free cookies?
- Yes! Just use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but they'll still be yummy.
- → What can I use if I don’t own a cookie scoop?
- A regular tablespoon works well! Measure about 1.5-inch dough balls for consistent cookie sizes.
- → Can I prepare the dough beforehand?
- Yep! Chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual dough portions for up to 3 months. Bake frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the time.
- → Why is cornflour added to the mix?
- Cornflour makes your cookies perfectly soft and chewy in the center—just the right texture!