Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 large package (5.1 oz) or 2 small packages (3.4 oz each) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pistachio extract or almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
For the drizzle:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or white candy coating, melted
- Coarse sugar crystals, for sprinkling
- Finely chopped pistachios, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the oil, water, egg, instant pudding mixes, vanilla extract, and pistachio (or almond) extract. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If desired, fold in white chocolate chips and/or chopped pistachios.
- Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons and roll into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, melt the white chocolate in the microwave or on a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Immediately sprinkle the cookies with sugar crystals and chopped pistachios before the chocolate sets.
- Allow the chocolate to harden completely before storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
This recipe yields about 2 dozen delightfully soft and chewy pistachio-flavored cookies with a delicate crunch from the sugar crystals and chopped pistachios. The white chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea.