These Pistachio Shortbread Cookies are absolutely divine. They are buttery, crumbly, packed with chopped pistachios, and dipped in dark chocolate - what's not to love?
TL;DR Recipe Snapshot
What it is: Buttery shortbread cookies packed with chopped pistachios and dipped in chocolate.
Why you'll love it: Authentic Scottish shortbread recipe with only 5 ingredients, no mixer or food processor or cookie cutters needed.
How to make it: Combine butter and sugar, then mix in the flour and bring it together into a dough. Roll into a log, chill, then slice and bake.
Reader Review:
I've made these cookies many times, and every time, I have no leftovers and many requests for the recipe! So easy to make, and the perfect blend of salty and sweet!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Kelley
Shortbread is something I don't mess around with. I grew up in Scotland, and after years as a professional baker and recipe developer, this pistachio shortbread cookie recipe has become one of my favourites.
They're the cookies I bake when I want to impress but don't have hours to spend. The dough comes together using the creaming method - no food processor needed - and is baked slice-and-bake style, so there's no rolling or cutting out. Packed with chopped pistachios and finished with a dip in chocolate, it's a five-ingredient recipe that's simple to make and quietly impressive.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Traditional shortbread recipe with balanced ingredient ratios.
- The recipe uses the 'slice and bake' method, so there is no need for rolling out or cookie cutters.
- Baked low and slow for the perfect crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
Reader Review:
These cookies turned out exactly as the photo shows. They were delicious, easy to make and are suitable for any occasion. No special skills needed and I like the fact that the uncooked dough has to stay in the fridge which means I make them the day before I need them, then its a quick slice and in the oven. I have made them about10 times now and they always turn out perfect.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Sonia
Ingredient Notes
This pistachio shortbread cookies recipe is an easy, melt-in-the-mouth shortbread with added pistachios and dark chocolate. Unlike butter cookies, classic shortbread only contains 3 ingredients, and that is what we use as the base.
- Butter - As with any shortbread recipe, it is important to use high-quality butter with a high-fat content to make sure you get that wonderful crumbly texture. Use salted butter, or if you only have unsalted butter, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the recipe with the flour.
- Sugar - Use granulated white sugar. Some shortbread recipes call for confectioner's sugar, but if you want classic shortbread as it's supposed to be, use granulated (caster sugar in the UK).
- Flour - All-purpose flour is best, we don't want any leavening agents like you find in self-raising flour.
- Pistachios - Of course, you'll need pistachios. I like to make it easy on myself and buy mine already shelled. You can use unsalted or salty pistachios - this is totally down to personal preference. It also doesn't matter if you use roasted or raw pistachios, as we'll be baking them anyway.
- Chocolate - These pistachio cookies are wonderful on their own, but dipping them in chocolate does something magical to them. I've always thought dark chocolate and pistachio were a match made in heaven, but you could use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you prefer. Make sure you use real chocolate and not chocolate chips as chocolate chips have other ingredients in them that stops them from melting properly (so they are bake stable).
See the recipe card for quantities.
Things You'll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cookie sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate).
Reader Review:
This is such an amazing shortbread recipe! Your instructions/tips were very helpful, so thank you! These are delicious on their own but dipped in dark chocolate they are so decadent
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Mary
How to Make Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These pistachio cookies are an adaptation of my classic shortbread cookie recipe, with pistachios and chocolate added in for extra deliciousness!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Put your softened butter into a mixing bowl and mix it with a wooden spoon or spatula just to soften it a little more.
Add the sugar to the butter and mix together, just until combined. You could use a stand mixer with paddle attachment, or an electric mixer for this, but it's not really necessary as it's easy enough to do by hand. If you do use a mixer, just make sure to keep it on low speed, as we don't want to incorporate too much air into the mixture.
Add the Flour and Nuts
Add the flour and mix until it starts to clump together - it will look kind of like large, chunky breadcrumbs. Ditch the spoon and bring it together with your hands to form a smooth dough.
Chop the pistachios roughly and put ⅔ of them into the dough. Reserve the other third for sprinkling on top later. Use your hands to work the pistachios into the dough evenly.
Shape the Dough
Tip the dough out onto your work surface and form it into a long log shape with your hands, about the width of a paper towel roll.
Wrap the dough log in a large piece of plastic wrap and roll it a little to smooth it out into a neat round shape.
Chill the dough log for an hour or until it is firm to the touch. You can also make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
Slice the Shortbread
Once the dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 340°F / 170°C and line a sheet pan with a sheet of parchment paper.
Shortbread is baked at a low temperature so that it can bake all the way through before the top of the cookie starts to turn brown.
Unwrap the dough from the plastic and use a sharp knife to slice ½-inch rounds, place them on your prepared baking sheet with room to spread.
Bake
Bake shortbread for 15-20 minutes. Bake time will vary depending on how thick you cut your cookies, so keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges are just starting to turn golden brown.
Baked shortbread still looks a lot paler than regular baked cookies, so you really want to take them out just when the edges are turning, otherwise, they'll be overbaked.
Remove the pistachio shortbread cookies from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dip in Chocolate
Once the cookies are cooled, it's time to dip them in chocolate!
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and microwave in 30-second bursts until completely melted.
Dip the pistachio shortbread cookies into the melted chocolate to about halfway. Shake gently to get off any excess chocolate, and then lay on a piece of parchment paper.
Decorate
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the top of the cookies with the reserved chopped pistachios.
Optionally, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on there too. Allow the chocolate to set completely.
Reader Review:
These were amazing! Easy to prep ahead of time and came out perfect with the cooking time listed. Took them to a cookie party and everyone loved them. They won prettiest cookie too! Thanks for sharing.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Jen
Tempering The Chocolate
If you want the perfect finish on your cookies, temper your chocolate! Tempering will allow the chocolate to set hard and shiny and it won't melt easily at room temperature. It's an extra step but it's a lot easier than you think.
Did you know you can temper chocolate in the microwave without a thermometer or any fancy equipment? See my post on how to temper chocolate to find out how.
Pistachio Shortbread Cookie Variations
- Leave out the chocolate - Of course, you don't need to dip your pistachio cookies in chocolate. I think it really adds something to the cookies but they are still absolutely delicious without it! You could also try other kinds of chocolate like milk or white chocolate.
- Extra Flavor - For some flavor variation try adding some extracts to your shortbread dough - i think this recipe would go particularly well with almond extract.
- Different Nuts - You don't have to stick to pistachios! I love pistachios as they are my favorite nut and the green color makes for wonderful Christmas cookies, but you can make this recipe with any kind of nuts you like! Try walnuts or pecans.
- Shapes - You don't have to use the slice-and-bake method for this dough - you could also roll it out and cut into whatever shapes you like, just make sure the shapes are very chilled (almost frozen) before putting them in the oven so they retain their shape. See my Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies recipe for instructions on this.
How To Store Shortbread
Store your pistachio shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough in the log shape, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and sealed in a Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then slice and bake as normal.
Alternatively, you can chill the dough log and then slice the cookies and freeze individual slices so you can bake a few at a time as needed. You can bake from frozen by adding 2-3 minutes to the bake time. So you can have wonderful homemade cookies anytime!
More Pistachio Desserts
Hey pistachio lover! If you can't get enough of pistachio desserts, check out some of these recipes:
Watch How To Make Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
See my video tutorial for how to make these Pistachio shortbread cookies:
Recipe
Pistachio Shortbread Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 227 g (2 sticks) Salted Butter (room temperature)
- 100 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar
- 250 g (2 cups) All-purpose Flour
- 120 g (1 cup) Pistachios (without shells)
- 113 g ( 4 oz) Dark Chocolate
Equipment
Instructions
- Put the room-temperature butter in a mixing bowl and beat it lightly with a wooden spoon to soften some more.227 g (2 sticks) Salted Butter
- Add the sugar and beat together with the butter. You can use an electric mixer if you want, but it's not necessary. Just beat until combined and no more, we don't want to incorporate any air here.100 g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar
- Add the flour and mix until it starts to form clumps and looks like large chunky breadcrumbs. Ditch the spoon and use your hands to bring it together into a smooth dough.250 g (2 cups) All-purpose Flour
- Roughly chop the pistachios and add ⅔ of them into the shortbread dough. Reserve the other third of them to sprinkle on top later. Use your hands to knead the pistachios into the dough so they are evenly dispersed. Don't overwork the dough.120 g (1 cup) Pistachios
- Shape the shortbread dough into a log shape, roughly the width of a paper towel roll. Wrap it in plastic wrap and twirl the edges like a Christmas cracker to seal it in. Roll it on your work surface to smooth out the edges and make it rounder.
- Chill the dough log in the fridge for one hour or until it feels very firm to the touch. You can also make the dough ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
- Once you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 320°F / 160°C (140° fan-assisted) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the shortbread dough from the fridge and unwrap it from the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to slice it into rounds about ½ an inch thick. Place the rounds on the prepared cookie sheet with enough room to spread.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are just starting to turn golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once the shortbread has cooled, chop up your dark chocolate and melt it in the microwave in 30-second increments until totally melted. Or for an even more professional finish, temper your chocolate.113 g ( 4 oz) Dark Chocolate
- Dip the shortbread cookies into the chocolate to about halfway, then lay them on a sheet of parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios on top and let them set. Optional: You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on there if desired.
June
I LOVE this recipe! The slice and bake method is so much faster and easier to use all the dough without having to reroll the extra bits. I did struggle some with the microwave tempering method, (the chocolate was a bit thick for dipping) but I do have a tempering machine, so tomorrow, I'm going to dig that out of the garage where it's been since we moved. These cookies are a huge hit even without the chocolate! But MY favorite is with that bit of extra dark chocolate and extra pistachios.
Jules Grasekamp
The chocolate definitely makes them extra special!
Oh wow I wish I had a tempering machine! Glad you loved the cookies 🙂
Jules
Amy
I tripled the recipe and my dough came out dry and crumbly. Can’t firm into log. Help!!
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Amy,
Did you measure your ingredients with cups or a kitchen scale? It sounds like maybe the flour to butter ratio is off. Either that or the butter may be too cold. If you work it with your hands a little does it come together more as it warms up?
If not, you can try carefully kneading in some very soft butter to save the dough.
I hope this helps!
Jules
Kelley
I've made these cookies many times, and every time, I have no leftovers and many requests for the recipe! So easy to make, and the perfect blend of salty and sweet!
Jules Grasekamp
I'm so happy to hear that Kelley! Thank you so much for trying my recipe and for taking the time to let me know you loved it!
Jules
June
Amy, my first batch was a little crumbly, too. But it held together if I pinched them. Today I reduced the amount of flour and they were super easy to cut after chilling. I do use my KitchenAid on the slowest speed to get the batter to come together before rolling it out, because I have shoulder pain and tire easily. This last batch was just perfect.
Katherine Ryan
These cookies are delicious! I love 5e crunch of the pistachios!com
Jules Grasekamp
So glad you love the pistachio shortbread Katherine! It's one of my favorite recipes!
Jules
Shanie
I haven't tried this recipe yet, it looks great though. Just wondered if you had tried adding dried cranberries too. I was thinking of adding these for Christmas, would they be too source do you think?
Shanie
I meant too sour... auto correct got me and can't amend my comment.
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Shanie,
I think dried cranberries would be lovely in the shortbread! I think the sweetness of the dough should balance out the cranberries, but if you bake them and feel like they are sour then you can always sprinkle with a little extra sugar.
Jules
Shanie
Thanks Jules, I'll give that a try. Shanie
Chef Emily
These cookies are absolutely divine! 😍 The texture is buttery and tender, with just the right amount of crumble. The pistachios add a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Mary
This is such an amazing shortbread recipe! Your instructions/tips were very helpful, so thank you! These are delicious on their own but dipped in dark chocolate they are so decadent
Jules Grasekamp
Thank you Mary! I'm so happy to hear you loved the pistachio shortbread!
I am a sucker for dipping anything in chocolate 😀
Thanks for trying my recipe and for taking the time to let me know! 🙂
Jules
Sonia
These cookies turned out exactly as the photo shows. They were delicious, easy to make and are suitable for any occasion. No special skills needed and I like the fact that the uncooked dough has to stay in the fridge which means I make them the day before I need them, then its a quick slice and in the oven. I have made them about10 times now and they always turn out perfect.
Jules Grasekamp
I'm so happy to hear this Sonia, thank you so much!
Jules
Michele S
Easy and delicious! I could not get my roll to be perfectly round so after slicing I rolled into a ball and flattened the cookies on the cookie sheet. They came out perfectly! Thanks for the recipe
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Michele,
So glad you love the pistachio shortbread as much as I do!
The roll definitely doesn't need to be perfectly round, just a rough log shape so you'll have circular cookies. It should be soft and pliable enough to easily roll out on the countertop.
Either way, I'm glad your cookies are delicious! Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Jules
Rebecca
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe and if so, is it the same amount of flour or do I need to adjust the amount?
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Rebecca,
I haven't tested the recipe with gluten free flour so I can't say for certain, but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Having said that, the texture will likely be slightly different with a gluten free flour, but it should still be delicious!
If you try it I'd love to know how they turn out 🙂
Jules
Sha
These are truly the Most Delicious cookies everEasy to make .
Will be making these again for sure
Jules Grasekamp
I'm so glad you loved the pistachio shortbread! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Barbara
By far, Our Favorite Cookie. But, can I substitute Brown sugar for granulated and sliced almonds for pistachios...just for a different take...for Variety?
Are you for real though
Girl are you serious with this question? That's a whole different cookie hahahahah
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Barbara,
I'm so glad you love the pistachio shortbread - it's my favorite too!
You can use brown sugar instead, but I would add slightly less as it will make the cookies softer and might cause them to spread more in the oven.
As for the almonds, you can add whatever mixins you like!
Hope they turn out great!
Jules
Sonia
Can I use salted pistachios?
Jules Grasekamp
Yes you can use salted pistachios if you prefer - it's all personal taste, but I definitely like the extra salt!
Jules
Karen
Lovely! Nice flavour and easy to make. I used lightly salted nuts, so omitted the added salt. I left the dough in the fridge overnight. This was my first time tempering chocolate and your microwave method worked perfectly. 100 gm bar of 78% Lindt smooth dark. My only query - at 1/2" thick, I got 36 cookies. Thanks for a new treat.
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Karen,
I'm so glad you loved the pistachio shortbread and that the tempering worked for you! It's a great trick, I use it all the time!
Yes the quantity varies depending on how thick you roll your dough log, but I tend to go on the conservative side so nobody is disappointed if they make less cookies!
Thanks for trying my recipe!
Jules
May
Excellent base recipe I used lightly salted pistachios. I noticed upon tasting the dough in it's raw state it needed a flavor boost. 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/8 teaspoon of salt rocketed the dough into the stratosphere of flavor harmony I found to be homey and festive. Thank you
Jules Grasekamp
So glad you loved the pistachio shortbread May. I am always a fan of extra salt as well - excellent choice!
Thanks for trying my recipe 🙂
Jules
Colleen
Sorry, not worth the time spent making them…rather bland.
JoAnn Turner
Sadly mine was very dry and fell apart when I attempted to cut them. I followed the recipe and even added more butter to hold the dough together but it didn’t work.
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Joann,
I'm sorry to hear you cookies didn't turn out.
May I ask how you measured your ingredients? The most common issue I see is when people have used cups to measure as it's quite difficult to measure accurately that way and can lead to adding too much flour, which would explain the dry shortbread. I always recommend using a kitchen scale to get consistent results.
If you did use a scale, I'm happy to help you troubleshoot what else could have gone wrong?
Jules
Cathy Compton
Is it ok to leave dough in refrigerator overnight and how long should I leave out before cutting and baking?
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Cathy,
Yes you can keep the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. I just leave it out until it is soft enough to cut with a sharp knife - usually 5-10 minutes. You don't want to let it get too soft or it won't cut cleanly.
You can also freeze the dough if you want to make it further in advance, you can see details of this in the 'storage' section in the post above.
Hope you love the pistachio shortbread when you make them!
Jules
Colleen
These r delicious and so pretty. I will make them again. Thank you for the recipe!
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Colleen,
Yay I'm so glad you like them! Thank you for trying my recipe 🙂
Jules
Angie
Can i add in vanilla and almond extract? If so, how much? Thanks!
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Angie,
You can definitely add any kind of extract you like! For this recipe I would add a teaspoon of extract in total. So either 1 tsp of vanilla or almond extract, or 1/2 a tsp of each.
Happy baking!
Jules
Crystal Smith
Can i freeze and bake later
Jules Grasekamp
Hi Crystal,
Yes absolutely! You can freeze for up to 3 months. You can either freeze the dough as a log and then thaw in the fridge and slice and bake as normal.
Or you can chill the dough and cut it into slices, then freeze the slices and bake them from frozen as needed by adding 2-3 minutes on to the bake time.
You can see details of this in the 'storage' section of the blog post.
I hope this helps and I hope you love the pistachio shortbread!
Jules