Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

Name: Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 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 (for topping); 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for drizzling)

July 3, 2025

- by Jenna

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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet honey, rich pistachios, and a touch of sea salt in these irresistible cookies. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or just because, these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are a delightful treat that balances sweet and salty flavors in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty:

The drizzle of honey and sprinkle of sea salt elevate these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. The contrast of flavors keeps you coming back for more!

Crunchy, Nutty Goodness:

Pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie base.

Simple Yet Impressive:

With just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies come together quickly but taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.

Ingredients for Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

Unsalted Butter:

Provides richness and helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Granulated Sugar:

Sweetens the cookies and helps them achieve a golden-brown edge.

Honey:

Adds natural sweetness and a subtle floral note, plus a sticky glaze when drizzled on top.

Egg:

Binds the dough together and adds moisture.

Vanilla Extract:

Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic depth.

All-Purpose Flour:

The base of the cookie dough, providing structure.

Baking Soda:

Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft yet chewy texture.

Salt:

Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Shelled Pistachios:

Adds crunch, color, and a nutty richness.

Coarse Sea Salt:

The finishing touch that makes the flavors pop.

(Note: The full list of ingredients with quantities is provided in the recipe card just below.)

Variations

Dark Chocolate Drizzle:

For an extra indulgent twist, melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies along with the honey.

Almond or Walnut Swap:

If you don’t have pistachios, try chopped almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

Gluten-Free Option:

Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly version.

How to Prepare Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3:

Mix in the honey, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a dough forms.

Step 6:

Gently fold in the chopped pistachios until evenly distributed.

Step 7:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and place them on the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.

Step 8:

Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

Step 9:

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

Step 10:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 11:

While still warm, sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Optionally, drizzle with extra honey once cooled.

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Tips and Tricks

Use Room-Temperature Butter:

Softened butter creams more easily with sugar, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.

Chop Pistachios Evenly:

Uniform pieces distribute better in the dough, giving every bite the perfect crunch.

Don’t Overbake:

The cookies will firm up as they cool, so pull them out when the edges are just golden.

How to Serve

With a Cup of Tea:

These cookies pair wonderfully with Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

As a Dessert Platter:

Arrange them on a board with fresh fruit and cheese for an elegant dessert spread.

Gift Them in a Jar:

Layer the dry ingredients in a mason jar, attach the recipe, and give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Freeze the Dough:

Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

Store in an Airtight Container:

Keep cookies fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Revive Stale Cookies:

Warm them in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispness.

FAQ

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid over-salting.

2. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This can happen if the butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

3. Can I substitute the honey?

Maple syrup works in a pinch, but honey gives the best flavor and texture.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Happy baking!