If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with buttery sweetness, look no further! This Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining tender, subtly crunchy cookies with a luscious pistachio cream filling. Every bite delivers that unmistakable flavor of pistachios wrapped inside a delicate cookie that’s both elegant and comforting – perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to nailing this Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe. Each component works harmoniously to give you cookies with the perfect texture and a vibrant pistachio flavor that shines through every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures tender cookies with a golden finish.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Adds gentle sweetness and helps create a delicate crumb texture in the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes that complement the pistachios.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- All-purpose flour (1¾ cups): The structural foundation for the cookies, providing the right amount of chew and crisp edges.
- Finely ground pistachios (½ cup): Impart that signature pistachio flavor and a lovely speckled appearance throughout the dough.
- Pistachio butter or homemade pistachio paste (½ cup): The star of the filling, delivering creamy, nutty goodness with every bite.
- Softened butter (¼ cup) for the filling: Creates a smooth, luscious filling texture that holds the sandwich together beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup) for the filling: Sweetens the filling gently, balancing the natural earthiness of the pistachios.
- Heavy cream or milk (1 tablespoon, optional): Helps adjust the filling to a dreamy creamy consistency if needed.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon) for the filling: Enhances the filling’s flavor, adding a lovely aromatic touch.
How to Make Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, mix in the vanilla extract and salt to bring out the depth of flavors. Slowly add the all-purpose flour and finely ground pistachios, folding everything gently to form a soft dough. Once mixed, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill; this helps the dough firm up and roll out smoothly.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Roll the chilled dough out to about ¼-inch thickness, then use a cookie cutter to cut out small rounds roughly 2 inches across – these little rounds are just perfect for sandwich cookies. Arrange them on your baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced slightly apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just turning a light golden hue. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pistachio Cream Filling
In a clean bowl, combine pistachio butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat them together until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and fluffy. If you find the filling a bit too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. This filling is the luscious heart of your Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Spread or pipe a generous dollop of pistachio cream onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to form a sandwich. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, feel free to roll the edges of your cookies in crushed pistachios or drizzle them with melted white chocolate—both add a delightful flair and make these treats look irresistible. Once assembled, your cookies are ready to enjoy or store for later!
How to Serve Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few tiny pistachio bits sprinkled on top elevates the visual appeal and adds just a hint of extra texture. You can also consider a drizzle of white or dark chocolate over the sandwiches for a decorative and delicious finish. These small details make your presentation pop and show off the beautiful green hue of the pistachio cream.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair fantastically with hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk to balance their rich, nutty flavor. They also work as a sophisticated treat alongside light fruit salads or citrus sorbets if you’re serving a dessert platter at a gathering. The subtle sweetness and nutty richness make them extremely versatile for many occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe in pretty gift boxes tied with a simple ribbon for thoughtful homemade presents. You could also serve them atop small dessert plates with edible flowers or a sprig of mint for an elegant look. Another fun idea is placing them in clear jars layered with chopped pistachios or colorful candies to brighten up any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your sandwich cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft and delicious for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigeration can extend their freshness for up to a week, though the texture may firm up slightly.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully to help you prepare ahead. Simply place the assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy them whenever a pistachio craving strikes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to bring back a slight warmth and softness, pop them into a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may soften the filling too much and affect the texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content precisely. Using salted butter might make the cookies slightly saltier than intended, which can throw off the sweet-nutty balance.
What can I substitute for pistachio butter in the filling?
If you don’t have pistachio butter, you can make a simple homemade pistachio paste by blending roasted pistachios with a touch of neutral oil until smooth. Alternatively, almond butter can work but it will change the flavor profile.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
To make this Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and handle the dough gently to maintain the right texture.
How do I prevent the cookie dough from sticking when rolling out?
Lightly dust your rolling surface and rolling pin with flour. Additionally, chilling the dough well before rolling helps reduce stickiness, making it easier to cut out neat rounds.
Can I add food coloring to the filling?
Absolutely! A few drops of green food coloring can enhance the natural pistachio shade if you want a more vibrant look, especially for festive occasions. Just remember to use gel-based colors so they don’t thin out the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of elegance and a burst of nutty flavor to your baking repertoire. From the tender pistachio-studded cookies to the creamy, dreamy filling, these cookies promise pure delight with every bite. Give them a try – whether for a special occasion or a cozy day at home, they’re sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share and savor.
Print
Pistachio Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling time
- Yield: 18 sandwich cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pistachio Cream Cookies feature a delicate, buttery cookie base combined with a luscious pistachio cream filling. Perfectly soft and lightly crisped, these sandwich cookies bring a nutty richness and subtle sweetness that make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (if needed for smoothness)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated to enhance the flavor of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and finely ground pistachios, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll and cut.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll out the chilled dough to a ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- Bake: Arrange the cookie rounds evenly on the lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack before assembling the filling to avoid melting.
- Prepare the Pistachio Cream Filling: In a bowl, beat together the pistachio butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the filling is too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread or pipe the pistachio cream filling evenly onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Form Sandwiches: Gently press another cookie on top of the filled side to create a sandwich cookie, taking care not to squeeze out the filling.
- Optional Finishing Touches: For extra flair, roll the edges of the sandwiches in crushed pistachios or drizzle them with melted white chocolate.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Notes
- Be sure to chill the dough well to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use finely ground pistachios for a smooth dough texture without grit.
- The pistachio cream filling can be adjusted in sweetness or thickness by varying the powdered sugar or cream amount.
- These cookies keep well when stored properly and taste even better the next day as flavors meld.
- For a nut-free variation, substitute pistachio butter with almond or sunflower seed butter.
