Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk

Featured in: Baking

These buttery shortbread cookies are delicately tender and studded with roasted pistachios and rich chocolate chunks, creating a perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they bring a subtle contrast that enhances each bite. Chilled dough logs ensure a firm yet tender texture when sliced and baked to a golden edge. Ideal for gifting or pairing with tea or coffee, these indulgent treats elevate any occasion with their simple yet luxurious ingredients.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:08:00 GMT
Golden, buttery Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Shortbread cookies, speckled with dark chocolate and pistachios. Save to Pinterest
Golden, buttery Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Shortbread cookies, speckled with dark chocolate and pistachios. | buddybiteskitchen.com

Buttery, tender shortbread cookies studded with roasted pistachios and rich chocolate chunks, finished with flaky sea salt. Perfect for gifting, celebrations, or a luxurious treat with tea or coffee.

This recipe has become a favorite in my family for celebrations and relaxing tea times.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter room temperature, 3/4 cup (90 g) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 3/4 cup (90 g) roasted shelled pistachios roughly chopped, 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate (60&ndash70%) chopped into chunks
  • Finishing: 1 large egg lightly beaten (for egg wash), 1/4 cup (50 g) coarse sugar (e.g. turbinado or demerara), Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and fine sea salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl or stand mixer beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 4:
Fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chunks until evenly distributed.
Step 5:
Divide the dough in half. Place each half on a piece of parchment paper and shape into a 1.75-inch (4.5 cm) diameter log.
Step 6:
Wrap each log tightly in parchment 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. Brush each with the beaten egg then roll in coarse sugar to coat.
Step 9:
Using a sharp knife slice logs into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 10:
Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.
Step 11:
Bake for 12&ndash14 minutes until edges are just turning golden.
Step 12:
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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| buddybiteskitchen.com

This cookie recipe has created many sweet family moments during holidays and simple afternoons with friends.

Notes

Dough logs can be frozen for up to 2 months slice and bake directly from the freezer adding 2&ndash3 minutes to baking time

Required Tools

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer Mixing bowls Parchment paper Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack Pastry brush (for egg wash)

Allergen Information

Contains Dairy (butter) Eggs Tree nuts (pistachios) Gluten (wheat) Soy (may be present in chocolate) Always check chocolate and other packaged ingredients for potential allergens

A close-up shot of homemade Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Shortbread, sprinkled with flaky sea salt for a festive treat. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of homemade Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk Shortbread, sprinkled with flaky sea salt for a festive treat. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These salted pistachio chocolate chunk shortbreads are sure to impress and delight with each bite.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I achieve the perfect tender texture?

Ensure the butter is at room temperature and mix gently once the flour is added to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the shortbread tender.

Can I substitute the chocolate type?

Yes, dark chocolate can be replaced with milk or white chocolate depending on your preference without affecting texture much.

What is the benefit of chilling the dough logs?

Chilling firms the dough, making slices cleaner and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Is toasting pistachios necessary?

Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch, but you can skip this step if pressed for time.

How should I store these shortbread cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze the dough logs for longer storage.

Salted Pistachio Chocolate Chunk

Tender shortbread with roasted pistachios, chocolate chunks, and a flaky sea salt finish.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
14 minutes
Total Time
34 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Modern American

Recipe Yield 24 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
02 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226 g)
02 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g)
03 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 3/4 cup roasted, shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (90 g)
02 4 ounces dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped into chunks (115 g)

Finishing

01 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
02 1/4 cup coarse sugar (turbinado or demerara) (50 g)
03 Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk all-purpose flour and fine sea salt in a medium bowl and set aside.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl with a mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Incorporate vanilla extract.

Step 03

Incorporate Dry Mixture: Mix in flour mixture on low speed just until combined.

Step 04

Add Pistachios and Chocolate: Fold roughly chopped pistachios and chocolate chunks into the dough evenly.

Step 05

Form Dough Logs: Divide dough into two equal portions. Shape each into a log approximately 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter on parchment paper.

Step 06

Chill Dough: Wrap logs tightly in parchment and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Unwrap dough logs. Brush with beaten egg and roll in coarse sugar to coat.

Step 09

Slice Cookies: Cut logs into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick rounds with a sharp knife. Place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.

Step 10

Sprinkle Sea Salt: Evenly distribute flaky sea salt atop each cookie.

Step 11

Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges begin turning golden.

Step 12

Cool Cookies: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (butter), eggs, tree nuts (pistachios), gluten (wheat), and possibly soy (in chocolate). Verify packaged ingredients for allergens.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 145
  • Fat Content: 9 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams