Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and chewy texture that lasts for days
Beautiful green color that’s visually striking—perfect for holidays or themed events
Quick to mix up, with just 30 minutes of chilling required
Combines nutty crunch and sweet creaminess from pistachios and white chocolate
Easy to tweak—swap pudding flavor, nuts, or chocolate types

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all purpose flour
instant pistachio pudding mix
baking soda
salt
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
unsalted butter, softened
clear vanilla extract
egg
white chocolate chips
chopped pistachios
green or blue food coloring (optional)

Directions

Whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 to 5 minutes).
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. If using, fold in food coloring now to intensify the green color.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios.
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and place on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, just until the cookies are set (avoid browning the edges).
Immediately after baking, gently press a few extra white chocolate chips on top of each cookie (if desired).
Let cookies cool a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Yield: 24 cookies
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 52 minutes

Variations

Swap the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for contrast
Use other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead of (or in addition to) pistachios
Try a different pudding flavor (e.g. vanilla, banana) to change the base flavor profile
Use almond extract instead of—or alongside—vanilla for a nutty aroma

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
To freeze: place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating

FAQs

1. Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes — the cookies will still taste delicious without the color. The food coloring only enhances the green hue.

2. What’s the role of the pudding mix?

The instant pistachio pudding mix adds flavor, color, and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.

3. Can I use regular vanilla instead of clear vanilla?

Yes, but regular vanilla may slightly darken or alter the green color of the cookies.

4. What if I don’t like pistachios?

You can omit them or substitute with other nuts such as almonds or pecans, or change the pudding flavor to something you prefer.

5. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Absolutely. Just adjust baking time as needed—smaller cookies bake faster and larger ones need a bit more time.

6. Are these cookies gluten-free?

No, but you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary depending on the blend used.

7. Can I omit chilling the dough?

It’s not recommended. Chilling prevents excess spreading and improves texture. Skipping it may result in flatter cookies.

8. Why press extra chips on top after baking?

This makes the cookies look more appealing and ensures that the chips don’t melt or brown too much in the oven.

9. How do I prevent overbaking?

Remove the cookies once the edges are set and the centers still look soft. They’ll continue baking slightly on the hot tray.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — just double all the ingredients and bake in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Pistachio & White Chocolate Pudding Cookies are a fun, flavorful twist on classic cookie recipes. Their soft, chewy texture and eye-catching green color make them perfect for everything from holiday trays to everyday treats. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in any kitchen.