Pistachio Cookie Cups

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both unique and irresistible, Pistachio Cookie Cups are the way to go! These little cookie cups have a soft, buttery texture that’s perfectly complemented by the subtle, nutty flavor of pistachios. And the best part? They’re filled with a delicious surprise—whether it’s chocolate, caramel, or whipped cream, these bite-sized goodies are guaranteed to impress. Perfect for holidays, parties, or just because you deserve a little something special, these cookie cups will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Pistachio Cookie Cups

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pistachios and a soft, buttery cookie base creates a flavor profile that’s both nutty and sweet—truly a match made in dessert heaven. The filling inside the cookie cup can be anything from chocolate ganache to a fruit preserve, making every bite an exciting surprise!

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or just treating yourself, these cookie cups are a fun and impressive treat. They’re easy to eat with your hands and make the perfect individual-sized dessert.

Customizable: The beauty of these cookie cups is that you can tailor them to your tastes. Fill them with different fillings—chocolate, caramel, whipped cream, or even fruit preserves! The possibilities are endless, and you can create a variety of flavors in one batch.

Fun to Make: Shaping the dough into little cups is part of the fun! It’s a great baking project that’s perfect to do with friends or family.

Miniature But Mighty: These bite-sized treats are the ideal balance of rich flavor and bite-size convenience. They’re just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your cravings without being overly indulgent.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Pistachio Cookie Cups:

  • For the Cookie Cups:
    • Unsalted butter (softened)
    • Granulated sugar
    • Brown sugar (light or dark)
    • Eggs
    • All-purpose flour
    • Baking soda
    • Salt
    • Ground pistachios (finely ground)
    • Vanilla extract
  • For the Filling:
    • Your choice of chocolate chips, caramel sauce, fruit preserves, or whipped cream

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these delicious Pistachio Cookie Cups:

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and finely ground pistachios. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be sure not to overmix, as that can make the dough tough.

3. Form the Cookie Cups

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place each ball into a mini muffin tin (greased or lined with paper cups). Gently press down in the center of each dough ball to form an indentation (this will be your cup shape).

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. You want them to be firm around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes.

5. Make the Indentation Deeper

While the cookie cups are still warm, use the back of a teaspoon or your thumb to press down further into the center of each cookie, creating a deeper indentation for the filling.

6. Fill and Serve

Let the cookie cups cool completely before adding the filling of your choice. If you’re using chocolate chips, melt them and drizzle them inside. For caramel sauce or fruit preserves, simply spoon a small amount into the center of each cup. If you’re opting for whipped cream, pipe a dollop on top just before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Pistachio Cookie Cups as a delightful treat at your next gathering, or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 8g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
    Cholesterol: 30mg
    Sodium: 60mg
    Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
    Protein: 2g
    Vitamin A: 6%
    Vitamin C: 0%
    Calcium: 2%
    Iron: 4%
    Potassium: 80mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Pistachio Cookie Cups

Pistachio Cookie Cups are a treat on their own, but you can take them up a notch with these fun serving suggestions:

  • With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These mini treats pair perfectly with a hot beverage. Enjoy with a soothing cup of tea or a bold cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
  • As Part of a Dessert Platter: Serve these cookie cups as part of a dessert buffet, alongside other bite-sized treats like brownies, cookies, or mini cheesecakes.
  • With Fresh Fruit: To balance the richness, pair them with a bowl of fresh berries or sliced fruit. The fresh, juicy fruit adds a light contrast to the sweet cookie cups.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: The cookie cups can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Just fill them with the topping right before serving.
  • Experiment with Fillings: Try different fillings, such as Nutella, cream cheese frosting, or even a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftover cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut instead of pistachios?
A1: Yes! You can substitute ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I use a store-bought cookie dough?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-made cookie dough. Just be sure to choose a variety that complements the pistachio flavor.

Q3: Can I fill the cups with frosting?
A3: Yes, frosting works wonderfully as a filling. You can use buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or any flavor you like. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the cookie cup.

Q4: Can I make these without the muffin tin?
A4: While a mini muffin tin is ideal for shaping the cookie cups, you can also free-form them on a baking sheet. Just be sure to press down the centers once they come out of the oven.

Q5: How do I make these gluten-free?
A5: To make these cookie cups gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients, like the baking soda, are also gluten-free.

Q6: Can I make these with a dairy-free option?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or margarine, and use dairy-free chocolate for the filling.

Q7: How can I make these more festive?
A7: To make these more festive, add colored sprinkles on top of the frosting, or use red and green pistachios for a holiday-themed treat.

Q8: How do I store the cookie cups?
A8: Store the cookie cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them and thaw when needed.

Q9: Can I use larger muffin tins instead of mini muffin tins?
A9: Yes, but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Larger tins will need more time to cook through. Start checking at around 15 minutes.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! If you’re serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.


Conclusion

Pistachio Cookie Cups are a fun, bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their nutty, buttery cookie base and endless filling possibilities, these treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a special gathering or just for yourself, these cookie cups will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful way.

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Pistachio Cookie Cups


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These Pistachio Cookie Cups are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional cookies. With a buttery pistachio-flavored dough and a creamy, sweet filling, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any occasion. The cookie cups are crispy on the outside and soft in the center, offering the perfect balance of nutty flavor and sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Cups:


  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour


  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened


  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar


  • 1/2 cup pistachio pudding mix (instant, dry mix)


  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda


  • 1/4 teaspoon salt


  • 1 large egg


  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped (optional for garnish)


For the Filling:


  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened


  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar


  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk


  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (optional, for extra flavor and garnish)



Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and pistachio pudding mix until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

  2. Shape the Cookie Cups:
    Roll the dough into 12 equal-sized balls, about 1 tablespoon of dough each. Place each ball into a muffin cup, pressing down gently to create a small indentation in the center. You can use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press the dough down, forming a cup shape. If desired, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top of the dough before baking for added texture.

  3. Bake the Cookie Cups:
    Bake the cookie cups in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  4. Make the Filling:
    While the cookie cups are cooling, make the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream or milk and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Fold in the chopped pistachios, if using.

  5. Assemble the Cookie Cups:
    Once the cookie cups have cooled completely, spoon or pipe the filling into the center of each cookie cup. Garnish with extra chopped pistachios, if desired.

  6. Serve:
    Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy these sweet, nutty cookie cups at your next gathering or as a delicious snack!

Notes

  • You can make the cookie cups ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

  • For a more intense pistachio flavor, add a few drops of pistachio extract to the dough or filling.

  • If you don’t want to use cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or a whipped topping for a different filling texture.

 

  • The pistachio pudding mix in the dough helps to give these cookie cups their unique flavor, so make sure to use the instant pudding mix.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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