Pistachio Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness, thanks to instant pistachio pudding mix. These cookies are not only vibrant in color but also rich in texture with a soft center and crispy edges. Whether you’re making them for St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday cookie tray, or just because, they’re a delightful twist on a classic cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy texture thanks to pudding mix
- Beautiful green color perfect for holidays or themed events
- Quick and easy to make with no chilling required
- Full of delicious pistachio flavor
- Customizable with white chocolate chips or nuts
- Great for gifting or bake sales
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
- No fancy tools needed—just basic pantry ingredients
- Easy to double for a crowd
- Stays soft for days
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz box)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- Optional: chopped pistachios or green food coloring for a brighter hue
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the instant pistachio pudding mix and beat until well combined.
- Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate chips and optional chopped pistachios.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 30 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
- Add green food coloring for a brighter, more vibrant green
- Mix in chopped pistachios for extra crunch and nuttiness
- Swap white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or semi-sweet
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative touch
- Add a touch of almond extract for a unique flavor twist
- Make sandwich cookies by filling with pistachio or vanilla buttercream
storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed.
FAQs
What does the pudding mix do in cookies?
It adds moisture, enhances flavor, and gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding?
No, make sure to use instant pudding mix for this recipe to work properly.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No, this recipe works best with fresh, unchilled dough.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for similar results.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
Absolutely! Try vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for a different twist.
How can I make the green color more vibrant?
Add a few drops of green food coloring to enhance the color.
What kind of pistachios should I use?
Roasted and salted pistachios work best for extra flavor and texture.
Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
Yes, the cookies are still delicious without them, or you can substitute another mix-in.
Are these good for holidays?
Yes, they’re especially popular for St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas.
How do I keep them soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container to maintain softness.
Conclusion
Pistachio Pudding Cookies are a unique and flavorful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With their soft, chewy texture and subtle nutty sweetness, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for something a little different. Try them once, and they might just become a new favorite.
PrintPistachio Pudding Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pistachio Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of delicious pistachio flavor thanks to instant pudding mix. With crunchy pistachios and optional white chocolate chips, they’re a colorful and easy treat perfect for holidays, springtime, or everyday snacking!
Ingredients
-
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup brown sugar
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix (not cook & serve)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
3/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
-
3/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Cream Butter & Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and the pistachio pudding mix until well combined. -
Add Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. -
Stir in Mix-Ins:
Fold in chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips if using. -
Scoop Dough:
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. -
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just golden. Centers will still be soft – they’ll set as they cool. -
Cool:
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
-
For a festive touch, add green sanding sugar or a few chopped pistachios on top before baking.
-
These cookies freeze well—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
-
Try swapping white chocolate for dark chocolate or dried cranberries for a flavor twist.
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