The Easiest Pistachio Pudding Cookies – Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas
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I always find myself reaching for this Pistachio Pudding Cookie recipe when it comes to easy and seasonal baking. These cookies are as simple as they are delicious, with their soft texture, nutty flavor, and vibrant green color. They’ve become a staple in my kitchen—not just because they’re a breeze to make, but because they bring festive cheer to our St. Patrick’s Day and Christmas celebrations!
This is the one if you’re looking for a no-fuss, ready-in-minutes cookie recipe that still impresses your family and friends. For years, these cookies have been my go-to dessert for both holidays, and they’re always an instant hit. With just a few basic ingredients, you can bake a batch of these cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.
Add some food dye for an extra dark green color cookie to make your cookies festive!
1 Each Red, Yellow, Green, Blue, Total Four 0.3 oz bottles, 4 Count (Pack of 1)
Why I Love Making These Cookies
I’ll admit—I don’t always have the time (or energy) to bake something elaborate. That’s where these pistachio pudding cookies come in. They offer that perfect balance of simplicity and flavor and always turn out amazing.
Two reasons I love making these cookies are how seasonal they feel and how customizable they can be:
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: The green hue of the cookies is a natural fit for the holiday. I like to offer them alongside a spread of themed treats, and they’re always one of the first plates to disappear.
- Great for Christmas: Their softness, gentle pistachio flavor, and optional sugar sprinkles or pistachio toppings make them ideal for holiday cookie trays or homemade gifts.
No matter the occasion, these cookies are always a hit. And for me, it’s a joy knowing I can whip up something special without making a mess of the kitchen or spending hours baking.
For more St. Patrick’s Day entertaining ideas, check out my post for party food inspiration.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of my favorite things about this recipe? You don’t need anything fancy to make it! Here’s what I use:
Original, Makes About 145 Pancakes, Giant Size, 96 oz
- Biscuit Baking Mix (e.g., Bisquick): This pre-made mix keeps things super simple and gives the cookies their perfect soft texture.
- Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix: The star ingredient! It provides the pistachio flavor and unique green color.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- Optional Toppings: Chopped pistachios and sugar sprinkles bring a fun, festive element.
- Optional Green Food Coloring: Use a few drops for an even more vibrant green if you’re feeling festive.
With so few ingredients, these cookies come together in no time. And if you’re like me, you probably already have most of these items on hand!
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Cookies
Let’s dive into how to make these tasty cookies step by step. Trust me, you won’t believe how easy they are!
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes cleanup a breeze!
- Combine Ingredients: The dough will start to come together quickly, forming a soft, slightly sticky texture. If you want a brighter green color, now’s the time to add a drop or two of green food coloring.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll about one tablespoon of dough into small balls and place them on your baking sheet about two inches apart. The dough is forgiving, so don’t worry about making them perfectly round—they’ll bake beautifully regardless.
- Optional Toppings: For added flair, lightly press chopped pistachios into the tops of the cookies or sprinkle them with sugar crystals for a festive sparkle. Both are optional but add a nice touch if you have the time.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Watch closely, as the cookies should just set around the edges while remaining soft and slightly underbaked in the middle (this keeps them wonderfully chewy).
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack. Though it’s hard to resist sneaking one while warm!
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overbaking: The cookies might still look soft when you pull them out of the oven, but that’s perfect! Overbaking will make them lose their soft texture.
- Leave Room for Spreading: These cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so give them space on the baking sheet.
- Add a Festive Touch: For St. Patrick’s Day, I often use green sugar sprinkles. For Christmas, I might roll a few cookies in simple white sugar or top them with crushed pistachios to mimic holiday snow.
Bringing the Festive Spirit
Every year, when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around, these cookies become a staple with their cheerful green color. Equally, these cookies feel like a refreshing, nutty addition to the cookie lineup at Christmas. While gingerbread and chocolate flavors dominate the holiday dessert table, these pistachio cookies provide a light, surprising flavor that stands out.
Storing and Sharing
These cookies are so easy to store—you can keep them fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. Or, if you want to prep ahead for a party, stash them in the freezer. They freeze beautifully for up to three months—just defrost, and they’re ready to eat!
I also love how portable these cookies are. They’re durable enough to pack up for school lunches, parties, or even a small gift for someone who needs a sweet pick-me-up.
Pistachio Pudding Cookies
Soft, chewy pistachio cookies made with just a handful of simple ingredients! Using biscuit baking mix, pistachio pudding mix, an egg, and vegetable oil, these cookies are quick to whip up and perfect for any occasion. A burst of nutty flavor in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of biscuit baking mix (e.g. Bisquick)
- 1 package (4-Serving size) Pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- chopped Pistachios for topping (optional)
- sugar sprinkles (optional)
- green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- In a medium size mixing bowl combine all indredients.
- Mix thoroughly
- Shape into 1" balls
- Place onto an ungreased cookie sheet
- Flatten with a fork
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios (optional)
- Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles (optional)
- Bake at 350ºF. for 12 minutes or until just golden
Notes
This recipe can be changed to any different pudding flavor. Chocolate and butterscotch taste great too!
Why You’ll Want to Make These Cookies Again and Again
Ultimately, these pistachio pudding cookies are more than just a quick recipe. They’re a tradition, a crowd-pleaser, and a personal favorite all wrapped into one. Whether it’s the luck of the Irish, the joy of Christmas, or just a Tuesday afternoon, these cookies add a touch of happiness to my day.
So, if you’re looking for a no-stress recipe that tastes incredible and looks festive, you’ve found it! Whip up a batch today and let me know how they turn out. I’d love to hear if you add your own spin or create a new tradition with them. Happy baking!
What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Drop a comment below—I’m always looking for fun new ideas to try!
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