If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies with a hint of nutty sweetness, these Pistachio Pudding Cookies are going to be your new favorite treat. Made with instant pistachio pudding mix, these cookies are wonderfully moist with a lovely green hue and just the right amount of crunch from chopped pistachios. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft and Chewy – Pudding mix keeps these cookies tender and moist.
Unique Flavor – Subtle pistachio flavor that stands out from the usual cookie crowd.
Easy to Make – No chilling required, ready in under 30 minutes.
Pretty Green Color – Eye-catching and fun for themed parties or holidays.
Customizable – Add white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra chopped pistachios
- White chocolate drizzle
- Powdered sugar dusting
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the pudding mix and blend until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and Optional Add-ins
- Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips if using.
- Do not overmix—just enough to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.

Tips for Perfect Pistachio Pudding Cookies
Use Instant Pudding Mix – Only the dry mix goes into the dough, not prepared pudding.
Soften Butter Properly – Room temp butter creams better for fluffy cookies.
Don’t Overbake – Cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Add a Pop of Color – A drop of green food coloring enhances the pistachio hue if desired.
Customize It – Add cranberries, toffee bits, or dark chocolate chips for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Cookie Platter – Adds color and unique flavor to any dessert spread.
Afternoon Snack – Delicious with coffee or tea.
Gift Idea – Wrap a batch in a cute box or jar for a homemade present.
Dessert Table – A standout cookie for parties and celebrations.
How to Store & Freeze
Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps fresh a little longer (up to a week), but may lose a bit of chewiness.
Freezing:
Freeze Dough: Scoop dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the time.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?
Yes, though the texture may be slightly different. The cookies will still turn out tasty. - What if I don’t have pistachios?
You can substitute with chopped almonds or walnuts, or omit nuts altogether. - Can I make these cookies vegan?
Try using vegan butter, plant-based pudding mix, and egg replacers like flaxseed or aquafaba. - Why use pudding mix in cookies?
It adds moisture and a soft texture, while also infusing subtle flavor. - Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time—smaller cookies may bake in 8-9 minutes, larger ones in 13-15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Pistachio Pudding Cookies are soft, nutty, and irresistibly good. With their lovely green color and chewy texture, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress and disappear fast.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 95mg

Pistachio Pudding Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies with a hint of nutty sweetness, these Pistachio Pudding Cookies are going to be your new favorite treat. Made with instant pistachio pudding mix, these cookies are wonderfully moist with a lovely green hue and just the right amount of crunch from chopped pistachios. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies are as pretty as they are delicious.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup brown sugar
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp salt
-
1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
-
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For Garnish (Optional):
-
Extra chopped pistachios
-
White chocolate drizzle
-
Powdered sugar dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
-
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add in the pudding mix and blend until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and Optional Add-ins
-
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips if using.
-
Do not overmix—just enough to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
-
Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
-
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
-
Once cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
-
Serve with a glass of milk or a warm cup of tea.
Notes
Use Instant Pudding Mix – Only the dry mix goes into the dough, not prepared pudding.
Soften Butter Properly – Room temp butter creams better for fluffy cookies.
Don’t Overbake – Cookies should be soft in the center when removed from the oven.
Add a Pop of Color – A drop of green food coloring enhances the pistachio hue if desired.
Customize It – Add cranberries, toffee bits, or dark chocolate chips for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American