Name: Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup honey; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt; 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re hunting for a show-stopping dessert that’s equal parts sweet and sophisticated, let me introduce you to Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies. These cookies marry buttery goodness with bursts of crunchy pistachios, a gentle kiss of honey, and a finishing sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect contrast that makes each bite pop. Whether you’re impressing guests at brunch or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies truly deliver a memorable flavor experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of pantry staples come together for bakery-worthy results! Each ingredient plays a star role in either building flavor, creating that ideal chewy texture, or giving the cookies their signature salted finish.

Unsalted Butter: Creamy, rich butter is the base, giving the cookies structure and that signature melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies lightly brown during baking.
Honey: This not only brings a unique, floral sweetness but also ensures the cookies are irresistibly chewy.
Egg: Binds everything together while adding tenderness.
Vanilla Extract: Lends warmth and deepens the cookie’s flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect structure and keeps them tender, not cakey.
Baking Soda: Adds lift so your cookies turn out light instead of dense.
Salt: Balances sweetness and revs up the honey and pistachio flavors.
Pistachios: Roughly chopped for texture, these deliver rich nuttiness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Coarse Sea Salt: A finishing touch that sparks up each bite with an addictive salty crunch.
Extra Honey (optional): A final drizzle is a decadent treat if you’re craving more honey goodness.

How to Make Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps your cookies bake evenly. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this step is key for light cookies! Next, mix in the honey, egg, and vanilla extract. The dough should look creamy and smooth with a heavenly aroma wafting up already.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. Whisking here helps distribute the baking soda evenly so each cookie puffs up just right. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet dough, stirring gently until it all comes together. Don’t overwork it; just mix until you see no more streaks of flour.

Step 3: Fold in the Pistachios

Time for the star ingredient! Gently fold in the chopped pistachios, aiming for even distribution so every cookie gets that classic Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies bite. The pistachios lend a delightful crunch and their gorgeous green color makes the dough look so pretty.

Step 4: Shape and Flatten the Dough

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball. Arrange the balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches between them for spreading. Press each dough ball gently with the back of a spoon—this little move helps create beautifully uniform cookies with a soft center and slightly crispy edges.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake the trays for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges look golden. The honey in the dough helps these cookies brown beautifully. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes—the cookies will continue to set up! Then transfer to a wire rack so they cool completely and stay perfectly chewy.

Step 6: Add the Topping

While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle on the coarse sea salt so it sticks. If you want an even more pronounced honey note, let the cookies cool fully and then give them a light drizzle of honey just before serving. You’ll swoon over how the sweet, fragrant honey and salty crunch play together!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Grab your favorite beverage—tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk—and enjoy the sweet-salty-nutty magic of Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies. Try to stop at just one!

How to Serve Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra touch, serve these cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, an extra sprinkle of chopped pistachios, or even a delicate drizzle of warmed honey right before plating. A tiny bit of edible gold leaf or a few rose petals can also make them truly dazzling for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are sensational with a cup of rich espresso or a frothy matcha latte. At brunch, try pairing with a bowl of fresh berries or alongside creamy Greek yogurt for a contrast of flavors and temperatures.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or special events, arrange the cookies in a rustic basket lined with parchment and tie them up with a bow. They also look stunning stacked on a tiered dessert stand for afternoon tea, or tucked into small decorative boxes as edible party favors. Include a small jar of honey on the side for a sweet bonus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep your Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days—if they last that long! If your kitchen runs warm, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain their moisture.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Freeze the shaped, unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray until firm, then move them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to your baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—simply wrap tightly before freezing and thaw at room temp as needed.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a cookie (or a few) into a low oven (about 300°F) for 3-5 minutes, or give them 10 seconds in the microwave. If you’ve added a honey drizzle, reheating makes it wonderfully gooey all over again.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Absolutely! Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate. Remember, the final sprinkle of sea salt is what really brings the magic, so be sure not to skip that finishing touch.

Are there substitutions for pistachios?

While pistachios are integral for that classic Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies flavor, you can use chopped almonds or cashews in a pinch. Just know that the flavor profile will shift slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten free baking blend. The textures and flavors will still shine, so everyone can indulge in Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies!

What’s the best way to drizzle honey without making a mess?

Warm your honey slightly in the microwave, then use a spoon or a small squeeze bottle to drizzle gently over the cooled cookies. Lining your counter with parchment paper makes clean-up quick and easy.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Yes, the recipe doubles or halves beautifully! If you make a big batch, consider freezing half the dough for later so you can whip up fresh Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies whenever the craving hits.

Final Thoughts

Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are a little bit of luxury in every bite—salty, sweet, nutty, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe for yourself and share the love (and the leftovers) with friends and family. Trust me, everyone will be begging you to make another batch!

Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies. These chewy cookies are loaded with crunchy pistachios and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for an irresistible treat.

Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in honey, egg, and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in pistachios.
Form the Cookies: Scoop dough, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle sea salt over warm cookies. Drizzle with honey if desired.
Serve: Enjoy the cookies with your favorite drink.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American