Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I poured the brown butter into my mixing bowl, the captivating aroma instantly transported me to cozy afternoons spent baking with family. Today, I’m thrilled to share my favorite recipe for Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies—an indulgent twist on a classic treat that elevates your cookie game. These little delights boast soft, chewy centers with crispy edges, all enhanced by the nutty essence of brown butter and the luxurious melt of dark chocolate chunks. Plus, they require no chilling time, making them perfect for a spontaneous baking session when cravings hit! Ready to impress your friends or simply enjoy a gourmet dessert at home? Let’s dive into these irresistible cookies that balance flavor, texture, and joy. What will your first batch look like? Why Are These Cookies Irresistible? Decadent Flavor: The perfect combination of nutty pistachios and rich dark chocolate makes every bite a taste sensation. No Chill Time Needed: Get baking fast with this no-chill recipe, allowing you to satisfy your cookie cravings in no time! Gourmet Touch: Elevate your classic cookie game with the luxurious notes of brown butter, adding sophistication to a beloved treat. Effortless Preparation: Simple steps and common ingredients mean you can whip these up even on busy weeknights — they’re that easy! Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a gathering with friends, these cookies will surely be a hit. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, or pair with a sweet treat like Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake for a delightful dessert experience! Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; essential to use unsalted if you’re adding salted pistachios. Light Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture for chewy texture; can swap for dark brown sugar for a richer flavor. White Sugar – Balances sweetness and enhances spreadability, crucial for the right cookie texture. Large Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; using a room temperature egg helps emulsify the mixture better. Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the most authentic flavor. All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure and cookie formation; make sure to measure accurately for perfect results. Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and spread; it’s key for achieving that ideal fluffy texture. Salt – Enhances flavor, but can be omitted if you’re using salted pistachios. Roasted and Salted Pistachios – Offers a delightful nutty flavor and texture; roasted nuts provide the best impact on taste. Dark Chocolate Bar – Rich in flavor; aim for high-quality chocolate with at least 75% cacao for maximum indulgence. For the Finishing Touch Flakey Sea Salt – Adds a burst of flavor and contrast to the sweetness; sprinkle right after baking for best results. Dive into making these Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, and treat yourself and loved ones to an extraordinary baking experience! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Step 1: Brown the Butter Melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 30 minutes before using in your Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies. Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with ¾ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup white sugar. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Then add one large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is light in color and well combined, creating a beautiful base for your cookies. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt (if using). Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix—just until everything is incorporated and a dough forms. This step is key for creating the right texture in your Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies. Step 4: Add Mix-Ins Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped roasted and salted pistachios and 1 cup of dark chocolate chunks into the cookie dough. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough, enhancing each bite of your cookies with a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Step 5: Scoop and Bake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a 2-ounce cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the lined baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop for spreading. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the centers still look slightly soft—an indication they’ll continue to cook as they cool. Step 6: Finishing Touches As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This finishing touch enhances the flavor and provides a beautiful contrast to the sweetness. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they maintain their irresistibly chewy texture. Make Ahead Options These Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and follow the baking instructions as usual. For best results, let the dough come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. This way, you’ll have fresh, warm cookies with minimal effort—just as delicious as if you baked them on the spot! What to Serve with Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Indulging in these sweet creations is only half the journey; let’s explore delightful companions that will elevate your cookie experience! Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly contrasts with the warm, chewy cookies. The cold melts gently, enhancing every bite. Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries brightens the flavors, balancing the richness of dark chocolate. Their juicy burst adds a fresh, vibrant touch. Espresso or Coffee: A bold cup of espresso complements the nutty flavor of the pistachios, enhancing the chocolate’s depth. It’s the perfect pick-me-up alongside your cookies. Nutty Coffee Cake: Pair your cookies with a slice of moist coffee cake for a delightful brunch experience. The combination draws out the earthy flavors of both treats. Milk Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These salty-sweet bites create a wonderful textural contrast. The crisp of the pretzels plays beautifully against the chewy cookies. Orange Zest Scones: A scone with citrus notes offers brightness to your decadent dessert table. The subtly sweet flavors harmonize and provide a refreshing contrast. Rich Hot Chocolate: Luxuriate in a warm cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, creating a comforting pairing that emphasizes indulgence and sweetness. Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies: If you’re feeling adventurous, these fudgy brownies pair wonderfully with your cookies. The combination of flavors makes for an irresistible treat. Let your imagination run wild as you create an unforgettable dessert spread alongside these Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies! Storage Tips for Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft. Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and bake directly from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to your baking time! Reheating: To enjoy warm, gooey cookies, reheat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, bringing back that fresh-baked goodness with your Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies! Expert Tips for Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Butter Temperature: Let your brown butter cool until just warm; too hot can cause cookie dough to spread too much during baking. Measuring Flour: For accurate measurements, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents dense cookies. Mixing Method: Gently combine ingredients without overmixing—this ensures a tender texture while avoiding tough cookies. Baking Tray Spacing: Leave enough space between cookies on the baking sheet. They will spread while baking, so give them room to breathe! Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This helps set their shape and maintains that perfect chewiness. Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies: Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these cookies and make them your own—a world of flavor possibilities awaits! Nut-Free: Substitute pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without nuts. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to create a cookie that’s just as tasty, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and give your cookies an extra depth. Fruit Twist: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. Texture Adventure: Incorporate oats into the dough for added chewiness—just substitute ½ cup of flour with rolled oats. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and salt. Chocolate Variety: Swap dark chocolate for a mix of milk and white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier cookie experience. Decadent Layers: Layer a piece of your favorite caramel candy in the center of the dough ball before baking for a gooey surprise. Looking for more cookie inspiration? Try these delightful variations like Peanut Butter Cookies or indulge in some Butter Toffee Chocolate for a different flavor journey! Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting pistachios? Absolutely! Choose roasted and salted pistachios for this recipe. Ensure they have a vibrant green color and a pleasant crunch, avoiding any that have dark spots or are overly soft. The fresher the pistachios, the better the flavor in your cookies! How should I store my cookies after baking? You can store your Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy. If you want to keep them longer, transfer the cookies to the fridge for up to a week. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes! To freeze your unbaked dough, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer the frozen dough balls into a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time. What if my cookies spread too much while baking? Very! If your cookies are spreading excessively, it might be due to the butter being too warm before mixing. Next time, let the brown butter cool thoroughly. You can also chill the dough for about 30 minutes in the fridge before baking to help maintain their shape. Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies? These cookies contain nuts and aren’t suitable for individuals with nut allergies. If you’d like to enjoy a similar cookie without nuts, consider substituting the pistachios with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. How can I extend the shelf life of my baked cookies? To extend the shelf life of your Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a piece of apple. This helps keep them soft for up to a week! However, enjoy them fresh; they are best just out of the oven. Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies to Savor Indulge in Salted Pistachio Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies that elevate your baking with nutty flavors and chewy texture. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and browned3/4 cup light brown sugar packed1/2 cup white sugar1 large egg room temperature1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt omit if using salted pistachios1 cup roasted and salted pistachios chopped1 cup dark chocolate chunks at least 75% cacaoFor the Finishing Touchto taste flaky sea salt for sprinkling Equipment Medium saucepanlarge mixing bowlWhiskMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsBaking sheetParchment papercookie scoop Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBrown the Butter: Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until golden brown and nutty aroma is released. Let cool for 30 minutes.Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with light brown sugar and white sugar, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.Add Mix-Ins: Gently fold in chopped pistachios and dark chocolate chunks into the dough, ensuring even distribution.Scoop and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Scoop dough onto the sheet, leaving space in between. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are slightly soft.Finishing Touches: Immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie after baking. Let cool briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, allow brown butter to cool before mixing. Measure flour accurately to prevent dense cookies. Leave enough space between dough scoops on the baking sheet for spreading. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
