Olive Oil Sugar Cookies with Pistachios
These Olive Oil Sugar Cookies with Pistachios offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies by using extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, resulting in crispy edges and a soft, tender center. The addition of chopped pistachios brings a vibrant crunch and earthy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (mild, high-quality)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking sheet: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your cookie dough.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure a light texture and proper rise.
- Bring wet and dry together, then add pistachios: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain tenderness. Fold in the chopped pistachios evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. For a decorative touch, gently press a few whole pistachios on top of each cookie ball.
- Bake until golden: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to set perfectly.
Notes
- Use a mild extra virgin olive oil to avoid overpowering the sweetness.
- Stir the batter until just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chop pistachios roughly for a pleasant crunch contrast.
- Remove cookies from the oven as soon as edges set for chewy centers.
- Use a room temperature egg for better mixture consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: olive oil sugar cookies, pistachio cookies, olive oil cookies, nutty sugar cookies, holiday cookies, easy baking