Description
Crumbly, buttery, and rich with contrasting notes of sweet honey and smoky pistachios, these Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies are an indulgent treat for any time of day. Perfect for anyone seeking easy recipes, food ideas with flair, or unique cookie gifts, this recipe delivers both flavor and texture. Whether you need breakfast ideas, a healthy snack, or an elegant dinner dessert, these cookies check all the boxes. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—this is one easy recipe you’ll come back to often.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
0.5 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons honey
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
0.75 cup smoked or roasted pistachios, chopped
0.25 teaspoon smoked sea salt
1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Cream the cold butter with powdered sugar until smooth but not overly whipped. Add honey and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
2. Add flour and sea salt; mix until a dough begins to form. Gently fold in pistachios and zest if using.
3. Transfer dough to a floured surface, shape into a disc (or log for slice-and-bake), and chill for 30–45 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut using your cookie cutter. Place on the sheet about 1 inch apart.
6. Sprinkle tops with smoked sea salt and extra pistachios. Press gently to help them stick.
7. Bake for 14–16 minutes until edges are just golden. Rotate tray halfway for even baking.
8. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with honey once completely cooled.
Notes
Use cold, cubed butter to keep the texture light and crumbly.
Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps cookies hold their shape.
Only drizzle honey after cooling to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 135
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: shortbread cookies, honey cookies, pistachio cookies, easy recipe, food ideas, cookie gift, snack, holiday dessert