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pistachio cream chocolate chip cookies
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Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

These pistachio cream chocolate chip cookies are a bakery-style treat that makes people stop mid-bite and ask for the recipe.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 9 large cookies
Calories: 439kcal

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Filling

  • 9 tablespoon pistachio cream Note: Look for a high quality Italian Brand for that vibrant green. Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fOanR38

For the Cookie Dough

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, cool room temperature
  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon flaked sea salt + more for topping (optional)

Mix-ins

  • ¾ cup chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoon chocolate chips dark chocolate discs or hand-chopped bars, + more for topping
  • ⅓ cup chopped pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios + more for topping

Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the Filling

  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of pistachio cream onto a lined tray.
  • Freeze for 45 minutes until firm.
  • Pro Tip: They must be rock-hard to survive the 350°F heat without emulsifying into the dough.

Step 2 - Make the Cookie Dough

  • In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
  • Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 3 - Add Dry Ingredients

  • Mix in flour, baking soda and salt until just combined.
  • Note: Slowly mix in. Do not mix completely.

Step 4 - Add Mix-ins

  • Gently fold in chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.

Step 5 - Shape & Fill

  • Scoop large portions of dough (about 3 tablespoon each - 60 - 70 g).
  • Create a deep well, place frozen pistachio cream in the center.
  • Pinch the dough twice to ensure a double-thick seal at the bottom.
  • Roll into a tall, rough cylinder rather than a ball.
  • The “Leak” Troubleshooting: If the pistachio cream leaks, it usually means the dough was too thin at the base. Advise readers to “bottom-load” the dough when sealing.

Step 6 - Chill

  • Refrigerate the assembled dough balls for 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
  • Note: Chilling the fat ensures the outside of the cookie sets before the frozen center can melt and leak.

Step 7 - Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake for 12 - 14 minutes until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft. Tops should still look slightly pale and “set”.

Step 8 - Cool

  • Immediately after removing from the oven, use a large round cutter or a glass to “scoot” the cookies into perfect circles.
  • Let cookies rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Cooking Time and Temperature

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.

Taste & Texture

Thick and chewy cookies with crisp edges, melted chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and a creamy pistachio lava center.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the gooey center.

Serving Recommendations

I love serving these slightly warm with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melted pistachio center is at its absolute best while the cookies are still a little warm.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
  • Add chopped toasted almonds.
  • Mix in a little orange zest for extra flavor.
  • Chocolate chips: Dark or semi-sweet recommended. At least 60% cacao. 

Proper Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper.
  • Warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Pro Tips

  • Freeze the pistachio filling completely.
  • Seal the dough well around the center.
  • Slightly underbake for the best lava effect.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg