Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

There’s something magical about baking with Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies that takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked cookies would fill the air. I remember my mom would gather us around the table, flour dusting our faces, as we cut out intricate shapes from the dough. These vibrant green cookies, with their nutty flavor and sweet frosting, were always a hit at family gatherings. Every bite is a delightful experience, blending the creaminess of pistachio pudding with the rich sweetness of frosting.

What I love most is how these cookies can bring everyone together, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether it’s a springtime celebration or a cozy evening at home, baking these cookies fills my heart with warmth and joy. The process itself is a labor of love, from mixing the dough to frosting each cookie with care. It’s these moments that make the effort worthwhile.

Main Ingredients for Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

The ingredients for Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies are thoughtfully selected to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The key players include pistachio pudding mix for that unique flavor, unsalted butter for richness, and all-purpose flour for structure. Together, they come together in a delightful cookie that’s both soft and slightly crispy at the edges.

• Pistachio pudding mix (3.4 ounces) – This mix provides the unique flavor and color, setting these cookies apart from the ordinary.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup) – Using unsalted butter ensures that you can control the saltiness of your cookies, allowing the sweetness to shine through.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup) – This sweetens the dough and helps achieve a lovely golden color when baked.
• Large egg (1) – Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together.
• All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups) – This is the foundation of your cookie dough, giving it structure.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Powdered sugar (8 ounces) – Essential for making the frosting fluffy and sweet.
• Vanilla paste (½ teaspoon) – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the frosting.
• 2% milk (1 tablespoon) – Used in the frosting to achieve the right consistency.
• Green sprinkles (optional) – A fun way to decorate and bring a pop of color to your cookies.

Making Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

Creating Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies is a delightful process that allows you to bring your culinary skills to life. You’ll be amazed at how these simple ingredients transform into something beautiful and delicious. So, let’s get started!

1. In a stand mixer, cream together the pistachio pudding mix, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl ensures even mixing. You’re looking for a creamy texture that indicates the sugars have been well incorporated.
2. Beat in the egg until fully combined. This will add moisture and help bind your dough. The mixture should become smooth and slightly thicker.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt. This step is crucial because you don’t want to overwork the dough. Mix until just combined, and you’ll notice the dough forming a cohesive ball.
4. Spread the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and cover it with another sheet. Roll it out to approximately 1/8-inch thick. This thickness is important for achieving that perfect cookie texture, so use a ruler if necessary!
5. Transfer the rolled dough (still on the parchment) to a cookie sheet and freeze for about 20 minutes. Freezing makes it easier to cut out shapes and helps the cookies keep their form while baking.
6. Once chilled, remove the dough from the freezer and place it parchment side down on your countertop. Carefully peel off the top layer of parchment and flip the dough over again to prevent sticking.
7. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out as many cookies as you can. For half of the cookies, use a smaller (1.5-inch) clover cutter to create the center hole. Place all cut-out cookies back onto a baking sheet.
8. Return the cookies to the freezer for another short chill before baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F while the cookies chill for about 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures an even bake.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should just start to turn golden around the edges. Remove them once they look done but still soft.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up without breaking.
11. To make the frosting, in a clean bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. This step should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
12. Add the vanilla paste and milk, mixing until everything is well-combined and fluffy. You want the frosting to be spreadable but not too runny.
13. Fit a pastry bag with an M2 tip and fill it with the frosting. This will allow for precise decorating. Flip over one of the full cookies and pipe frosting onto the bottom, starting from the outside and working inward in a circular motion.
14. Top with a clover-hole cookie, gently pressing together. To add a festive touch, fill the clover hole completely with your green sprinkles and press lightly to ensure they adhere. Finally, tip the cookie onto a rimmed plate to shake off any excess sprinkles.

Things Worth Knowing

Tips and Tricks about Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

To make the most out of your Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies, here are some handy tips and tricks.

• Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Filling Variations: Try different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache to switch up the flavors and keep things interesting.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Festive Touches: Customize the toppings based on the season or holiday—use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter!

Great Combinations for Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

Serving Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies can be a delightful experience when you think about pairing them with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

• Tea or Coffee: These cookies go wonderfully with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or a rich coffee, enhancing their flavor.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a refreshing dessert.
• Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Spring Gatherings: These cookies are perfect for spring events like birthdays and baby showers, adding a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
• Brunch Table: Incorporate them into a brunch spread for a sweet treat that guests will rave about.
• Picnic Treat: Pack them for a picnic; they hold up well and are sure to impress your friends and family.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies are a delightful treat that combines nostalgia and delicious flavors. They make for a perfect addition to any dessert table, drawing admiration and compliments from friends and family. I encourage you to try making them soon; the joy of baking and sharing these cookies is something truly special.

Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies

The ultimate treat for cookie lovers, Pistachio Pudding Linzer Cookies are soft, flavorful, and beautifully decorated with sweet frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 38 minutes mins

Servings: 8 cookie sandwiches

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 box Pistachio pudding mix 3.4 ounces
• ½ cup Unsalted butter softened
• ¾ cup Granulated sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Unsalted butter softened
• 8 ounces Powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla paste or regular vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon Milk 2%
• Green sprinkles optional Green sprinkles

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. In a stand mixer, cream together the pistachio pudding mix, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
2. Scrape down the sides and beat in the egg.
3. Turn the speed down to low and mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until well-combined.
4. Spread dough onto parchment paper and roll dough to approximately 1/8-inch thick.
5. Transfer dough (on the parchment) to a cookie sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from freezer and place parchment on counter. Cut out rounds using a 3-inch round cutter.
7. For half the cookies, cut out the center with a 1.5-inch clover cutter.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 6-8 minutes.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. In a clean bowl, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar.
11. Add vanilla paste and milk and beat until fluffy.
12. Fit a pastry bag with an M2 tip and fill it with frosting. Pipe frosting onto the bottom of a full cookie.
13. Top frosted cookie with the clover-hole cookie and fill the hole with green sprinkles.

Notes

• Tip 1: While the first tray of cookies are baking, you can gather together the dough scraps, re-roll, and chill again for a second tray.
• Tip 2: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• Tip 3: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• Tip 4: Try different fillings like fruit preserves or chocolate ganache to switch up the flavors.
• Tip 5: Pack them for a picnic; they hold up well and are sure to impress your friends and family.

Previous PostGrilled Cajun Shrimp Kabobs

Next Post Artichoke Pasta

Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!