Description
These Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies are buttery, crisp at the edges, and tender in the center with the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory smoked pistachios. They are an easy recipe for holiday baking, dessert boards, cookie trays, and food ideas when you want a cozy homemade treat that feels a little special.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 cup smoked pistachios, chopped
2 tablespoons coarse sugar, optional for topping
Instructions
1. Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix in the honey and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Add the flour and sea salt, then mix just until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in most of the chopped smoked pistachios, reserving a small handful for topping.
5. Shape the dough into a log or thick disk, wrap it, and chill until firm.
6. Slice or portion the dough into rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Press the reserved pistachios onto the tops and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.
8. Bake at 350°F until the edges are lightly golden, about 12 to 15 minutes.
9. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Do not overbake these cookies, because shortbread should stay pale with only lightly golden edges to keep the texture tender and buttery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: salty smoked pistachio and honey shortbread cookies, shortbread cookies, pistachio cookies, honey cookies, easy recipe, dessert ideas, cookie tray recipe, holiday cookies