Salted Pistachio Chocolate Shortbread

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

Experience the perfect balance of buttery, crumbly shortbread enriched with roasted pistachios and rich chocolate chunks. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these treats offer a delightful crunch and a subtle savory touch. The dough is chilled before baking, ensuring tender, flavorful results. Ideal for make-ahead baking, these cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or tea and provide a satisfying texture and taste in every bite.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:05:00 GMT
Golden, crumbly salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, a perfect dessert ready to enjoy with coffee. Save to Pins
Golden, crumbly salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, a perfect dessert ready to enjoy with coffee. | cocoastone.com

Buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies studded with roasted pistachios and rich chocolate chunks, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for make-ahead baking and irresistible with coffee or tea.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household thanks to its perfect balance of rich chocolate and nutty pistachios.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 3/4 cup (100 g) roasted, shelled pistachios, roughly chopped, 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate (60-70%) chopped into chunks
  • Topping: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
Step 5:
Fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.
Step 6:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Step 7:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 8:
Unwrap the dough logs and slice into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds. Place the rounds 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 9:
Sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Step 10:
Bake for 13 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 11:
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Freshly baked salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, oozing rich chocolate, and appealingly textured with nuts. Save to Pins
Freshly baked salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, oozing rich chocolate, and appealingly textured with nuts. | cocoastone.com

Making these cookies became a cherished weekend tradition for my family gathering around the kitchen.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or stand mixer, rubber spatula, plastic wrap, sharp knife, baking sheets, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (butter chocolate), nuts (pistachios), soy (possible in chocolate). Double-check chocolate for soy lecithin or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 140, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 14 g, Protein 2 g per cookie

Close-up of buttery, crumbly salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, sprinkled with flaky sea salt and ready to eat. Save to Pins
Close-up of buttery, crumbly salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbread, sprinkled with flaky sea salt and ready to eat. | cocoastone.com

These shortbread cookies are your perfect companion to afternoon tea or a cozy coffee break.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare the pistachios for the best flavor?

Toast the shelled pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and deepen the overall taste.

Can I substitute dark chocolate with other types?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used instead if you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate flavor.

What is the purpose of chilling the dough before baking?

Chilling firms the dough, helping maintain the shape of the shortbread and intensifying flavors during baking.

How do flaky sea salt toppings affect the final texture?

Flaky sea salt adds a light crunch and enhances the sweetness with a subtle savory contrast on top.

Can these shortbreads be stored or frozen after preparation?

Dough logs freeze well up to two months; slice and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Salted Pistachio Chocolate Shortbread

Buttery shortbread with roasted pistachios and chocolate chunks, topped with flaky sea salt.

Prep duration
20 minutes
Cooking duration
15 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Mara Ellison

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portion size 24 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meatless

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2/3 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 3/4 cup roasted, shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
02 4 ounces dark chocolate (60-70%), chopped into chunks

Topping

01 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the pure vanilla extract thoroughly.

Step 04

Incorporate Dry Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined.

Step 05

Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dark chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.

Step 06

Shape and Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 07

Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 08

Slice Dough Logs: Unwrap dough logs and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange slices 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 09

Add Topping: Sprinkle each cookie lightly with flaky sea salt.

Step 10

Bake Cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until edges turn lightly golden brown.

Step 11

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Necessary equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergen details

Review the ingredients for allergies and reach out to a healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk (butter, chocolate), nuts (pistachios), soy (potentially in chocolate). Verify chocolate for soy lecithin or other allergens.

Nutrition per portion

This nutritional data is intended for reference and doesn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Total calories: 140
  • Total fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Proteins: 2 g