These Pistachio Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat everyone will love. They’re soft, sweet, and have a lovely nutty flavor that adds a nice twist to your usual cookie lineup. Plus, they come together easily, making them perfect for any day of the week, whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy family snack.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are a fantastic choice for families. They’re simple to make and only require a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of pistachio flavor and a soft texture makes them a hit with both kids and adults. You’ll enjoy making these together, and they’ll be gone before you know it!

How to Make These Cookies

Making these cookies is straightforward and fun. Start by mixing the butter and sugars until it’s fluffy, then add the other ingredients. Chill, scoop, and bake! You’ll have beautiful cookies in no time. It’s an easy recipe that allows beginners to shine in the kitchen.

What You Need

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3.4 ounce box instant pistachio pudding mix
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4-5 drops green food coloring

Step-by-Step

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and beat until light and fluffy.
Add in the powdered sugar, pudding mix, vanilla, almond extract, and green food coloring. Mix well.
Add in flour and combine.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Using a dough scoop or 1 ½ tablespoons, scoop dough and roll into balls. Place dough on the prepared pan about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 9-11 minutes until just barely turning light brown on the edges. Leave on cookie sheets for 3-5 minutes to firm up before transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Serve These Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed by themselves or paired with a glass of milk or a cozy cup of tea. They are great for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as an after-school snack. Feel free to sprinkle some crushed pistachios on top for an extra touch!

How to Store These Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Chill the dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
Don’t overbake: The cookies continue to cook a little after you take them out, so keep an eye on them.
Use fresh ingredients: Be sure your baking powder and extracts are fresh for the best flavor.
Experiment with colors: The green food coloring is optional, so feel free to skip it or use different colors for holidays.
Try different nuts: If you love other nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or almonds for variety.

Variations & Swaps

Chocolate Chip: Add some chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat.
Nut-Free: Swap in vanilla pudding mix instead of pistachio mix for a nut-free option.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make them suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Absolutely! Once the cookies have cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw them before eating.

What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up nicely without making them dry.

What if I don’t have pistachio pudding mix?
If you can’t find pistachio mix, vanilla pudding mix works great too. The flavor will be different, but they’ll still be delicious.

How can I avoid cookies that are dry or crumbly?
Be careful not to overbake them. When the edges just start to turn light brown, they’re ready. Underbaking slightly can help keep them soft and chewy.