Name: Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup dried apricots (approximately 12–15, small diced); ½ cup shelled pistachios (finely chopped)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that beautifully marries fruity sweetness with nutty crunch, this Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe is absolutely calling your name. These cookies boast tender, buttery dough studded with juicy dried apricots and vibrant green pistachios, delivering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Perfect for an afternoon snack or sharing with friends, this recipe is straightforward and yields irresistibly chewy cookies that’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sitting on a white marbled surface, filled with three distinct layers. On one side, there is a smooth, light beige dough-like layer with a creamy texture, softly scooped and shaped. Next to it, there is a pile of finely chopped, dark ruby-colored pieces, appearing sticky and glossy. The third layer consists of a heap of small, rough-textured green and brown chunks, resembling crushed nuts or seeds. A wooden spatula lies beside the bowl, and a white and light gray striped cloth is partially visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe. Each component is simple yet pivotal, bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and even a pop of color that makes these cookies visually inviting and delicious.

Unsalted butter (½ cup + 2 TBSP): Room temperature butter ensures a creamy base that blends perfectly with the sugars.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds rich, caramel undertones that deepens cookie flavor while keeping them soft.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps achieve a delightful cookie structure.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds all ingredients together while adding moisture and tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the cookie’s aroma and rounds out flavor with a sweet floral note.
Fine sea salt (¾ teaspoon): Heightens flavor complexity and balances sweetness beautifully.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps cookies rise just right with a soft but slightly chewy texture.
All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The structure builder that makes the cookie dough sturdy yet tender.
Dried apricots (½ cup, small diced): Offers a natural fruity chewiness and vibrant color contrast to the dough.
Shelled pistachios (½ cup, finely chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and subtle nutty flavor, plus a pop of green that’s irresistible.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, an ideal temperature for golden edges without overbaking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies come off cleanly and retain their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter together with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates your dough, making the cookies wonderfully soft and tender.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the egg and vanilla extract. Beating these in thoroughly will ensure your dough binds well while infusing that classic sweet aroma that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix In Extras

In a separate bowl or directly, add salt, baking soda, and flour to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender—overmixing can make them tough. Then fold in the small diced dried apricots and finely chopped pistachios, bringing bursts of chewy sweetness and crunchy texture.

Step 5: Chill and Scoop

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 15 minutes; however, if you’re in a hurry, skip this and bake immediately. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place about 1 ¾ tablespoons of dough evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching carefully for the edges to turn a lightly golden brown. Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a minute before transferring them to a cooling rack. This prevents them from breaking and lets them firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe

The image shows close-up balls of raw cookie dough placed close together on a baking tray with a gray surface. Each dough ball is round and textured, light beige in color with visible dark brown chunks and bits of green nuts scattered throughout. The dough looks slightly crumbly but moist, with a rough surface and small cracks that show the ingredients inside. The photo highlights the natural unevenness of the dough shapes and their coarse texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar over cooled cookies for an elegant finish. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also amplify their charm if you’re ready to get creative.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, balancing the fruity sweetness with a comforting, spiced drink. Fresh fruit like slices of juicy citrus or a small bowl of yogurt also accentuate the apricots beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside clusters of fresh apricots and pistachios for a stunning dessert spread. You could even sandwich them with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a fancy twist that’s bound to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apricot Pistachio Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their buttery texture and nutty crunch intact for up to five days. Avoid stacking them too tightly to preserve their shape and avoid breakage.

Freezing

For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or box. They can last up to three months this way. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm and soft, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their fresh-baked goodness as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried apricots in this recipe?

Fresh apricots have higher moisture content, which may affect cookie texture and baking time. Dried apricots are preferred to maintain the chewy sweetness and proper dough consistency.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can, but reduce the added sea salt slightly to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Don’t overbake the cookies; pull them out once the edges just start turning golden. Also, chilling the dough a bit helps maintain softness. Storing them properly in an airtight container also prevents them from drying out.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! While pistachios and apricots are classic here, you can experiment with chopped almonds, walnuts, or dried cranberries to add your personal twist.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apricot Pistachio Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little sunshine into your baking kitchen. The delightful medley of flavors and textures makes these cookies truly special yet easy enough to make any day of the week. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—your friends and family will thank you for sharing such a delicious, heartfelt treat!