NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for bakery-style cookies packed with love and a little nutty surprise, this NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe is going to steal your heart. These cookies balance chewy edges with a tender center, combining the rich flavor of roasted salted pistachios and sweet white chocolate chips for that perfect bite you crave. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon treat, a get-together, or simply because you deserve something special, these cookies bring that authentic New York bakery vibe right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create that iconic NYC charm. Each component plays a vital role, from the buttery dough to the crunchy pistachios adding texture and the white chocolate chips giving delightful sweetness.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Helps create that perfect tender and chewy cookie texture when properly creamed with sugars.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that gives these cookies depth.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides balance to the brown sugar, keeping the sweetness bright and the cookies crisp around the edges.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for binding and giving structure, making these cookies soft and rich.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for warmth and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: Pairs beautifully with pistachios for that classic nutty aroma and taste.
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base of your cookies, ensuring just the right chew and hold.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: A secret weapon for softness and a delicate crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough spread evenly and rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds gentle lift without making the cookies cakey.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 cup roasted salted pistachios (roughly chopped): Delivers that signature nut crunch and savory punch.
• 1½ cups white chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of creaminess that contrast beautifully with the nuts.
• Extra chopped pistachios and sea salt for topping (optional): Adds a lovely finishing touch and makes each cookie look irresistible.

How to Make NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cold cubed butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step introduces air, which helps your cookies rise and gives them that sought-after texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts—the combination sets a warm, nutty foundation that complements the pistachios beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix provides structure and ensures your cookies have that chewy yet tender consistency.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining just until no flour streaks remain. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so take care to keep the dough tender.

Step 6: Fold in Pistachios and White Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chopped roasted salted pistachios and white chocolate chips, distributing them evenly so every bite bursts with flavor and texture.

Step 7: Scoop and Top

Using about ¼ cup for each cookie, scoop large mounds of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press a few extra chopped pistachios on top and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if you like that extra savory kick.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look just set but still soft. This timing gives cookies a delightful chewy middle with crisp edges.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them firm up slightly without losing their tender texture.

How to Serve NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle coarse sea salt or a few edible gold flakes on top. This brings visual appeal and a sophisticated flavor contrast that makes these cookies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these pistachio cookies with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to echo that New York City café experience. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side turns this simple cookie into an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of pistachios and white chocolate chips for a lovely interactive snack platter. You could also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist that will wow your friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked pistachio cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This preserves their chewy texture and keeps the pistachios fresh and crunchy.

Freezing

The cookie dough freezes beautifully! Shape the dough into balls and place them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For fresh-from-the-oven warmth, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their softness and lets the white chocolate melt into that mouth-watering gooeyness once again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips for another type?

Absolutely! You can swap white chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries if you want a tart contrast. Each variation brings a new personality to the classic NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe.

Why use both baking soda and baking powder?

Combining both gives the cookies an ideal lift and spread, balancing tenderness and chewiness without becoming cakey. It’s a small detail that really affects texture.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough for 1 to 2 hours enhances the flavor and helps prevent excessive spreading during baking, creating those neat bakery-style cookies NYC is famous for.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Unfortunately, no—this recipe relies on all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free blends, keeping in mind texture might be slightly different.

How large should I make each cookie?

The recipe calls for about ¼ cup of dough per cookie, making them nice and large—perfect for that indulgent, bakery-style experience with plenty of pistachios and chocolate in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the scoop on this NYC Style Pistachio Cookies Recipe, there’s no reason to wait before diving into the joyful, comforting world of homemade bakery cookies. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pistachio beauties are sure to become a beloved staple in your cookie jar. Go ahead—bake them with care, share with friends, and savor every nutty, chocolaty bite.

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