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Pistachio Drop Cookies with Brown Butter Icing Recipe

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3.9 from 45 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 1 hour including chilling
  • Yield: 3 servings (approximately 18 cookies)

Description

These Pistachio Drop Cookies offer a delightful nutty flavor combined with a rich, creamy brown butter icing. Perfectly soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, these cookies are an indulgent treat that pairs the subtle sweetness of confectioners’ sugar with the unique taste of finely chopped pistachios. Ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea, this recipe features easy-to-follow steps and a luscious homemade icing made with browned butter for a warm, nutty finish.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (130g) salted or unsalted pistachios*
  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring (1 drop gel used)

Brown Butter Icing

  • 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Chop Pistachios: Pulse pistachios in a food processor until small crumbs form, measuring out 3/4 cup of very finely chopped pistachios and set aside.
  2. Mix Cookie Dough: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract, then beat on medium-high speed until fully combined. Add the flour, 3/4 cup pistachio crumbs, and optional food coloring; beat on medium-high speed until dough forms a thick mixture.
  3. Chill Dough: Cover dough tightly and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 3 days. If chilled longer than 2 hours, allow dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping as it will be stiff.
  4. Prepare Icing: While dough chills or cookies bake, prepare the brown butter icing.
  5. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  6. Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. If dough is crumbly, keep warming and working dough with your hands to bring it together.
  7. Bake Cookies: Bake for 14-15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned and tops are barely browned.
  8. Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
  9. Bake Brown Butter: Slice butter and melt in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After 5-6 minutes, butter will brown with a nutty aroma and specks forming; remove immediately and let cool for 5 minutes.
  10. Make Icing: Whisk the browned butter with confectioners’ sugar, milk or heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or milk as needed.
  11. Ice Cookies: Dip cookies into icing or drizzle on top. Allow icing to set for 1-2 hours if lightly coated. Store leftover iced cookies at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 1 week. Uniced cookies keep for up to 1 week at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use either salted or unsalted pistachios according to preference; adjust added salt in dough if using salted nuts.
  • Optional green food coloring enhances the pistachio look but is not necessary.
  • Let dough rest at room temperature if too stiff to shape, especially after extended refrigeration.
  • Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to better monitor color and prevent burning.
  • Browned butter imparts a rich, nutty flavor making the icing uniquely delicious.
  • Store cookies properly to maintain freshness and icing texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/pistachio-drop-cookies-with-brown-butter-icing-recipe/