Print

Pistachio Cutout Sugar Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 57 reviews

Delightfully soft and flavorful Pistachio Cutout Sugar Cookies infused with pistachio extract and finely chopped pistachios. These cookies are tinted a lovely mint green and decorated with melted green candy melts and sprinkles, making them perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups / 375 g all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons / 8 g baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup / 226 g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup / 200 g granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ teaspoon pistachio extract
  • Green food coloring, as needed

Add-ins

  • ¾ cup / 100 g raw shelled pistachios, finely chopped (or pistachio flour)

Decoration

  • 8 ounces / 226 g green candy melts or white chocolate
  • 2 teaspoons unflavored vegetable shortening
  • Sprinkles (white nonpareils and green ball sprinkles)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line one or two sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Then add vanilla extract and pistachio extract, mixing well.
  5. Add Food Coloring: Dip a paring knife tip in green food coloring and add it to the dough, then mix until evenly distributed. Adjust the coloring as needed to achieve a mint green tone, remembering that the dough color will lighten once flour is added.
  6. Incorporate Pistachios and Dry Ingredients: Add the finely chopped pistachios and the dry flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until the dough comes together and forms a crumbly mass. Knead gently to form a ball.
  7. Chill Dough if Needed: If the dough feels too soft, cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before rolling. Otherwise, proceed immediately.
  8. Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface or waxed paper, roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into desired shapes. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  9. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the bottoms begin to turn golden brown. For lighter baking pans, check after 6 minutes to prevent overbrowning. For crunchier cookies, bake a minute or two longer.
  10. Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before decorating.
  11. Melt Candy Melts: Melt the green candy melts with vegetable shortening using a Wilton Candy Melting Pot, double boiler, or microwave in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring until smooth. Keep melted candy warm and fluid while decorating.
  12. Decorate Cookies: Use a fork to drizzle the melted candy melts over the cooled cookies. Immediately sprinkle white nonpareils over the drizzle before the candy sets. Place green ball sprinkles using tweezers for precise decoration.
  13. Set and Store: Allow decorated cookies to sit until the candy melts harden completely. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Using waxed paper as a rolling surface helps prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
  • If you prefer firmer cookies, bake a couple of minutes longer.
  • Doubling up lightweight baking sheets insulates cookies and prevents overbrowning.
  • Adjust food coloring gradually to avoid overly intense color.
  • Store cookies in a cool, dry area to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Keywords: pistachio sugar cookies, cutout cookies, green cookies, pistachio extract cookies, decorated sugar cookies, holiday cookies