If you’re craving a cookie that’s nutty, sweet, and just a little salty, these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are a must-try. They strike the perfect balance with a chewy center, golden edges, and the irresistible crunch of pistachios. Sweetened naturally with honey and finished with a touch of sea salt, these cookies are elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday baking.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet & Salty Combo – Honey and sea salt create a flavor-packed bite.
Unique & Gourmet – A refreshing twist on classic cookies.
No Refined Sugar – Sweetened mainly with natural honey.
Simple to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gifting, tea time, or snacking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
For Topping:
1–2 tbsp extra chopped pistachios
Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for sprinkling
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop or spoon
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roughly chop the pistachios and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pistachios.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop 1½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle tops with extra pistachios and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still look slightly soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm or store once fully cooled.
Tips for the Best Cookies
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the dough blend smoothly.
Don’t Overbake – They’ll firm up as they cool, so keep an eye on them.
Fresh Pistachios – Use unsalted, fresh pistachios for the best flavor.
Try a Honey Drizzle – For extra sweetness and shine.
Chill the Dough – Optional, but chilling for 30 minutes helps with shape and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a glass of milk, chai tea, or espresso.
Pair with Greek yogurt and berries for a sophisticated dessert.
Great for cookie boxes or holiday trays.
Add to a brunch spread with fresh fruit and pastries.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 4–5 minutes to refresh texture.
Microwave: Heat for 10 seconds for a soft, gooey treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for great results. - Can I use salted pistachios?
Yes, but reduce or skip the added sea salt on top. - Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different and more earthy. - Are these cookies chewy or crispy?
They’re soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge.
Final Thoughts
Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, nutty, sweet, and salty. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or simply treating yourself, this elegant cookie recipe is sure to impress. With a soft texture and bursts of crunchy pistachio in every bite, they’re a truly unique treat that will have everyone asking for more.
Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 120mg

Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
If you’re craving a cookie that’s nutty, sweet, and just a little salty, these Salted Honey Pistachio Cookies are a must-try. They strike the perfect balance with a chewy center, golden edges, and the irresistible crunch of pistachios. Sweetened naturally with honey and finished with a touch of sea salt, these cookies are elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for everyday baking.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
For Topping:
1–2 tbsp extra chopped pistachios
Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roughly chop the pistachios and set aside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and brown sugar until light and creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pistachios.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Scoop 1½ tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle tops with extra pistachios and a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Centers should still look slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm or store once fully cooled.
Notes
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the dough blend smoothly.
Don’t Overbake – They’ll firm up as they cool, so keep an eye on them.
Fresh Pistachios – Use unsalted, fresh pistachios for the best flavor.
Try a Honey Drizzle – For extra sweetness and shine.
Chill the Dough – Optional, but chilling for 30 minutes helps with shape and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American