Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

If you’re craving a cookie that’s both sweet and sophisticated, these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are just the treat you need. They’re soft and chewy in the center, crisp at the edges, and bursting with roasted pistachios, golden honey, and a delicate touch of sea salt. This unique flavor combo brings elegance to a classic cookie, perfect for tea time, gifting, or a cozy afternoon snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet Meets Salty – A balanced blend of honey sweetness and sea salt savoriness.
Nutty & Buttery – Roasted pistachios add crunch and rich flavor.
Chewy Perfection – Slightly crisp edges with a soft, tender center.
No Mixer Needed – Just a bowl and a spoon—simple and approachable for all.
Ideal for Gifting – Beautifully golden cookies that make a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup honey (use good-quality for best flavor)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (unsalted or lightly salted)

For Topping:
• Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
• Extra chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• Optional drizzle of honey before serving

Tools You’ll Need
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Dough

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy (you can do this by hand or with a hand mixer).
3. Add in the honey, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no dry streaks remain.
5. Fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.
6. Cover the dough and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to help the cookies hold their shape and develop flavor.

Step 2: Shape & Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the chilled dough into 1.5 tablespoon-sized balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
3. Lightly press down on each ball to flatten slightly, then sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt and a few extra pistachio bits on top.
4. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the centers still look slightly underbaked.
5. Remove from the oven and let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

1. Once fully cooled, drizzle with a touch of extra honey for shine and added flavor if desired.
2. Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk for a perfectly balanced snack.

Tips for the Best Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps everything mix evenly and gives better texture.
Chill the Dough – Prevents the cookies from spreading too much and concentrates the flavor.
Don’t Overbake – The centers should be soft when pulled from the oven—they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Use Good Honey – A floral or lightly spicy honey adds depth to the flavor.
Salt at the End – Add flaky sea salt after baking for that perfect sweet-salty finish.

Serving Suggestions
• Dessert Platter – Pair with shortbread, fruit, or dark chocolate squares.
• Cookie Gift Box – These make elegant additions to holiday or housewarming gifts.
• With Tea or Coffee – A warm cup pairs beautifully with the nutty, sweet flavor.
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Scoop vanilla or pistachio ice cream between two cookies for a gourmet twist.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Fridge: They’ll last slightly longer refrigerated, though they may firm up a bit.

Freezing:
Dough: Scoop and freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.
Baked Cookies: Freeze in layers with parchment between cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Reheating:
To restore fresh-baked texture, warm cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

2. Can I substitute other nuts?
Absolutely—try almonds, walnuts, or macadamias if you prefer or have them on hand.

3. What if I don’t have honey?
Maple syrup or agave can be used, but honey gives the richest, most distinctive flavor.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! These cookies double beautifully and are great for batch baking.

Final Thoughts
Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are the perfect combination of comfort and elegance. With their chewy texture, nutty richness, and sweet-salty finish, they offer a delicious twist on everyday cookies. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a lucky friend, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Give them a try today and don’t forget to leave a review or tag your creation online—I’d love to see how they turn out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 90mg

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