Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you adore nutty flavors and tender, buttery textures, you are going to fall head over heels for this Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the subtle crunch and rich taste of pistachios baked into delicate cookies with a luscious pistachio cream filling that’s just dreamy. Perfect for cozy afternoons, gifting, or any time you want to impress with a homemade dessert that feels fancy without a fuss, these cookies are a total crowd-pleaser and a true celebration of pistachio goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in creating those irresistible textures and flavors. From the creamy butter to the finely ground pistachios, every component works harmoniously to give these cookies their unique character and inviting color.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that creates the perfect tender cookie texture.
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a delicate crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and adds a comforting aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the nutty flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, giving it the right bite.
- ½ cup (50g) finely ground pistachios: Infuses the dough with nutty color and subtle crunch.
- ½ cup (120g) pistachio butter or homemade pistachio paste: The star ingredient of the cream filling, delivering intense pistachio richness.
- ¼ cup (60g) butter, softened: Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly without graininess.
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (if needed): Adds moisture for a silky, spreadable consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complements the nutty flavors in the filling.
How to Make Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, leading to cookies with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add vanilla extract and salt to heighten the flavors before mixing in the flour and finely ground pistachios. Stir everything just until the dough comes together—overworking it can make the cookies tough. Finally, wrap your dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
With your dough chilled and ready, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to a quarter-inch thickness—this thickness ensures the cookies bake evenly with a tender bite. Using a cookie cutter about 2 inches in diameter, cut out rounds and arrange them carefully on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn just a delicate golden shade, then let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Step 3: Make the Pistachio Cream Filling
While the cookies cool, whisk together pistachio butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious cream. If your filling feels too thick or stiff, stir in a little heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect spreadable consistency that will hold between the cookie layers without oozing.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Now for the magical part—take one cookie and spread or pipe a generous dollop of pistachio cream on the flat side. Press a second cookie gently on top to form a sandwich. For a special touch, you can roll the edges of the filling in crushed pistachios to add texture and visual appeal or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence. Let them sit for a few minutes so the filling sets slightly before enjoying.
How to Serve Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe to eye-catching perfection. Dusting the tops lightly with powdered sugar adds a classic bakery look, while finely chopped pistachios pressed gently onto the cream edges add extra crunch and vibrant green speckles that scream indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine beautifully alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a delicate green tea, or even a smooth glass of cold milk, each pairing enhancing their rich pistachio flavor in different ways. For a dessert spread, consider serving them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the nutty sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the cookie jar and consider stacking these Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe beauties on a pretty cake stand or arranging them in decorative boxes tied with a ribbon for gifting. You could also layer them between delicate cupcake wrappers for an elegant party platter that invites guests to indulge without fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After assembling your pistachio cream cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cookies wonderfully soft and the cream filling fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerating them for up to a week is a great option to maintain their shape and flavor.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? These cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange cooled, unfilled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze the filling separately in an airtight container or piping bag. When ready to serve, thaw both components and assemble fresh for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, briefly let refrigerated cookies sit out before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the filling excessively and make the cookies too soft.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter in this Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Using salted butter is possible, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting. Unsalted butter allows better control over the seasoning, which is ideal for this cookie’s delicate balance.
How do I make homemade pistachio paste?
To make pistachio paste, simply blend shelled pistachios with a little neutral oil until smooth. You can add powdered sugar and a pinch of salt if you want it sweeter and more flavorful, perfectly substituting store-bought pistachio butter.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the perfect cookie texture here. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour, but expect slight differences in texture and spread.
What is the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking?
Chilling the dough before baking is essential to prevent excessive spreading. Also, make sure your baking powder or soda is fresh and your oven temperature is accurate to get those perfectly shaped sandwiches.
Can these cookies be made larger or smaller?
Absolutely! Adjust the cookie cutter size to fit your preference. Keep in mind smaller cookies will bake faster and larger ones need a little extra baking time, so watch them closely to prevent overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe that keeps people coming back for more. Their tender cookie shells paired with the creamy, nutty filling make them a delightfully sophisticated yet comforting treat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—whether for a special occasion or a simple homemade indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these Pistachio Cream Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery cookie infused with finely ground pistachios and sandwiched with a luscious, creamy pistachio filling. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft inside, these cookies are an elegant treat for gatherings or a special homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) finely ground pistachios
Pistachio Cream Filling
- ½ cup (120g) pistachio butter or homemade pistachio paste
- ¼ cup (60g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (if needed for smoothness)
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and salt thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and finely ground pistachios, stirring gently until a soft dough forms, careful not to overwork.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm it up for rolling and cutting.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough out to a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut out small rounds approximately 2 inches in diameter using a cookie cutter.
- Bake: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack to firm up before filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, beat together pistachio butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread or pipe the pistachio cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Complete the Sandwich: Gently press another cookie on top to create a cookie sandwich.
- Optional Decoration: For a decorative touch, roll the edges in crushed pistachios or drizzle with melted white chocolate.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cookies.
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean cookie shapes and optimal texture.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before assembling to prevent melting of the filling.
- Crushed pistachios or white chocolate drizzle add both flavor and an attractive presentation.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and cream with suitable plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
