Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies

Name: Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped pistachios; Additional chopped pistachios; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Holiday Treat Recipes

Delight in the festive flavors of Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies, perfect for your holiday celebrations!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-03T19:03:27.491Z

Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday cookies. The unique combination of pistachios and warm cinnamon creates a festive treat that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love These Cookies
        Crunchy pistachios combined with aromatic cinnamon
Perfectly spiced and sweet for the holiday season
Fun star shape that adds a festive touch to your cookie platter

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are not only delightful to the taste buds but also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings. The star shape adds a whimsical touch, perfect for cookie platters during festive celebrations. These cookies bring a sense of joy and warmth, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.

The combination of crunchy pistachios and aromatic cinnamon creates a unique flavor profile that stands out among traditional holiday cookies. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, complemented by the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon, making these cookies a must-have for the season.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies turn out perfectly, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, as too much can affect the texture of the cookies. Additionally, let your butter soften completely before creaming it with the sugar; this step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy consistency.

Chilling the dough is another key step that shouldn't be overlooked. It not only makes the dough easier to handle but also helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. If you’re short on time, you can chill the dough for as little as 30 minutes, but longer is always better for flavor development.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. They can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

These cookies are not just for the holiday season! Their unique flavor makes them suitable for any occasion. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat, or serve them at birthdays and celebrations throughout the year. Their festive appearance and delicious taste will impress guests no matter the event.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pistachios

For Decoration

Additional chopped pistachios
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped pistachios.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies!

Variations to Try

While the classic Pistachio Cinnamon Star Cookies are a delight on their own, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes. Consider adding a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist or incorporating white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to find your favorite flavor combination.

For a fun holiday twist, try drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies. This adds a rich depth of flavor and a beautiful finish that elevates your cookie presentation. You can also sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch during the winter months.

Nutritional Benefits

Pistachios are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They are a good source of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. Including pistachios in your diet can provide heart health benefits and help with weight management, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence.

Additionally, cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. By incorporating these nutritious ingredients into your holiday baking, you can enjoy a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides some health benefits.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw before rolling out.

→ What can I use instead of powdered sugar?

You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine.