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Moist Chocolate Pistachio Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

These Moist Chocolate Pistachio Cookies combine rich, tender chocolate dough with a luscious pistachio filling for an indulgent treat. The secret to their softness lies in a creamy pistachio center and careful baking that leaves the cookie edges firm while the centers remain slightly underbaked. Finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate and chopped pistachios, these cookies are perfect for anyone seeking a unique, flavorful dessert with a delightful texture contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pistachio Filling:

  • 120 g unsalted pistachio kernels
  • 50 g powdered sugar
  • 30 g soft butter
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (depending on consistency)
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • A pinch of green food coloring (optional, for intense green color)

For the Chocolate Cookie Dough:

  • 180 g all-purpose flour
  • 60 g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 120 g soft butter
  • 100 g brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 50 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 50 g dark chocolate
  • 1–2 tsp coconut oil or neutral-flavored oil
  • 20 g chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling (the key to moistness!)
    Finely grind the unsalted pistachios in a food processor or blender until they resemble flour without turning into paste. In a small bowl, mix the ground pistachios with powdered sugar, soft butter, almond extract, and optional green food coloring. Gradually add milk or cream until the mixture is moldable but non-sticky, like soft modeling clay. Shape into 20–24 small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and refrigerate at least 30 minutes to ensure the filling holds shape during baking.
  2. Make the chocolate cookie dough (for guaranteed soft cookies!)
    Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually fold in dry ingredients just until combined to keep dough moist and tender. Form a dough ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and prevent spreading.
  3. Fill and shape the cookies
    Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) with top and bottom heat. Line baking trays with parchment paper. Flatten 1½ tablespoons of chilled cookie dough in your hand, place a pistachio filling ball in the center, and completely wrap the filling with dough so no green is visible. Roll into balls and place on trays spaced apart. Repeat for all dough and filling.
  4. Bake (the secret to softness!)
    Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes until edges look set but centers remain soft and slightly underbaked. Let cookies rest on the hot tray for 5–10 minutes after baking, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting phase prevents breakage and preserves softness.
  5. Decorate
    Melt dark chocolate with coconut or neutral oil in a heatproof bowl over a water bath or microwave until smooth. Drizzle melted chocolate in thin lines over cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle with chopped pistachios while chocolate is still wet for a decorative finish.
  6. Enjoy!
    Serve and savor these moist, tender chocolate pistachio cookies, showcasing how thoughtful baking techniques can elevate simple ingredients into a delicious treat.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the pistachio filling balls is essential to prevent leakage and retain moisture inside the cookies during baking.
  • Do not overmix the cookie dough once dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
  • Baking until the centers are still slightly underbaked ensures soft, tender cookies after resting.
  • Let cookies cool on the baking tray before transferring to avoid breakage.
  • The optional almond extract and green food coloring enhance flavor and appearance but can be omitted if desired.
  • Use room temperature egg for better dough consistency.

Keywords: Chocolate pistachio cookies, moist chocolate cookies, nut-filled cookies, soft chocolate cookies, pistachio dessert, homemade cookies, chocolate treat

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/moist-chocolate-pistachio-cookies-recipe/