A Sweet Treat with a Nutty Twist

Pistachio Kiss Cookies combine the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of a Hershey’s Kiss at the center. These cookies are soft, chewy, and full of delightful textures from the nuts and chocolate, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies are sure to impress.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps of making these irresistible cookies, share helpful tips, suggest possible substitutions, and provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Why Pistachio Kiss Cookies Are So Special

Pistachio cookies alone are a delicious treat, but adding a Hershey’s Kiss in the middle turns them into something extraordinary. The combination of buttery cookie dough, a hint of almond extract, and crunchy pistachios is already indulgent, but the Kiss candy adds a surprising, melty burst of chocolate in every bite. The pistachio flavor is subtle but rich, and the texture is perfectly soft and chewy.

These cookies are ideal for anyone who loves both nuts and chocolate. They also work wonderfully as gifts, for potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find these Pistachio Kiss Cookies easy to make and simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness to the dough and helps the cookies stay soft.
2/3 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar gives the cookies a light, tender texture and sweetness.
1 egg: The egg binds everything together and adds to the chewiness.
1 teaspoon almond extract: This enhances the pistachio flavor and adds a lovely aroma to the cookies.
3.4-oz instant pistachio pudding mix: This is the secret ingredient that infuses the dough with a delicious pistachio flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Flour provides structure and ensures the cookies hold their shape.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies spread slightly and rise while baking.
1 1/2 cups chopped salted and shelled pistachios (optional for rolling): Chopped pistachios add extra crunch and flavor to the cookies.
24 Hershey Kiss candies: The signature candy that makes these cookies even more special. The chocolate Kiss melts into the dough, creating a sweet surprise in the center.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

To make these Pistachio Kiss Cookies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Stand mixer or hand mixer with a paddle attachment
Large mixing bowls
Whisk
Small cookie scoop (or tablespoon)
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create these delectable cookies. The process is simple, and you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier. This will also ensure that the bottoms of the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer (fitted with the paddle attachment), or in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. This will take about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix, flour, salt, and baking soda. This step is important because it ensures the dry ingredients are well-mixed before adding them to the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Mix the Dough

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Dough

Use a small cookie scoop (or tablespoon) to scoop out portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a ball. If desired, roll the dough balls in the chopped pistachios, pressing them into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches between each one. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the tops are cracking slightly and the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on the cookies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 8: Add the Hershey Kiss

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately press an unwrapped Hershey’s Kiss into the center of each cookie. The warm cookie will hold the candy in place. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pistachio Kiss Cookies

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This allows for better incorporation with the sugar and helps create a smooth dough.
Chopped Pistachios: Rolling the dough balls in chopped pistachios is optional but highly recommended. The added crunch and flavor from the nuts take these cookies to the next level.
Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are cracked and the edges are lightly golden.
Freezing the Dough: If you’re not planning to bake the cookies immediately, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for long-term storage. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual (may need a minute or two longer).

Storage Instructions

To store any leftover Pistachio Kiss Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days. If you need them to last longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid the cookies sticking together.

FAQ Section

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted pistachios for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the salt content in the recipe. You may want to reduce the amount of added salt to balance the flavors.

Can I substitute the almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or pistachio extract for an even more intense pistachio flavor.

Can I make these cookies without the Hershey Kiss?

While the Hershey Kiss is a signature part of the recipe, you can omit it if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious, and you can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a sweet touch.

Pairing Suggestions

Pistachio Kiss Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages:

Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolatey taste of hot cocoa complements the pistachio flavor beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee enhances the nuttiness of the pistachios and balances the sweetness of the cookie.
Milk: Of course, a classic glass of milk is always a great option with cookies.

Conclusion

Pistachio Kiss Cookies are a fun and delicious treat that will impress anyone who tries them. With their soft texture, crunchy pistachios, and gooey Hershey Kiss, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! And be sure to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes and baking tips.

Happy baking!

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