Pistachio Dark Chocolate Cookies with Sea Salt

Chewy pistachio cookies studded with dark chocolate and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Instant pudding mix creates a tender crumb and rich pistachio flavor, while the contrast of sweet and salty makes these sophisticated enough for gifting. The dough requires chilling, so plan ahead for best results.
Ingredients
- 4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 3.4 ounce box instant pistachio pudding mixvanilla pudding mix1:1dairytree_nuts-free
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- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup pistachios, chopped
- sea salt(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
- 2
Cream sugars and butter together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- 3
Add egg and vanilla and beat until well blended.
- 4
Gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined.
- 5
Fold in chocolate chips and pistachios. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
- 6
Preheat oven to 325F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- 7
Roll cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and place on prepared cookie sheet, pressing together to form ball if dough is dry. Sprinkle each cookie with sea salt.
- 8
Bake for 11-13 minutes or just until set, removing from oven if you see browning on the edges.
- 9
Cool on baking sheet for several minutes before moving to a wire rack.
Tips
Dough will be dry; press pieces together firmly when rolling into balls.
Watch cookies carefully in final minutes to prevent browning edges.
Room temperature egg incorporates more smoothly into butter mixture.
Good to Know
Airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months before baking. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 1 month.
Serve at room temperature as an accompaniment to coffee or tea.
Common Mistakes
Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid tough cookies.
Do not skip the chilling step to avoid spreading dough.
Do not bake beyond first signs of browning at edges to maintain chewy center.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
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