Description
These elegant, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies combine the nutty richness of pistachios with the floral aroma of rose water. They are simple to make, naturally gluten-free friendly, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) finely ground pistachios
- 1–2 teaspoons pure rose water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Whole pistachio halves (for garnish, optional)
- Edible rose petals (for garnish, optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar together until pale, fluffy, and well combined (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer).
- Add the rose water and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- Add the all-purpose flour and ground pistachios. Mix on low speed or use a spatula just until the dough comes together into a ball. Do not overmix.
- Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and place on the baking sheet 2 inches apart. Gently flatten with your palm or a fork.
- Press a pistachio half into the center of each cookie if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden brown but centers remain pale.
- Remove from oven. If using flaky sea salt or rose petals, add them now while warm.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Butter temperature is critical; it should be cool to the touch but soft. If using salted butter, reduce added salt to ¼ teaspoon. Do not overbake, as shortbread continues to cook on the hot pan. For best flavor, let cookies sit overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 2
Keywords: shortbread, pistachio cookies, rose water cookies, gluten-free dessert, easy baking, floral cookies, party dessert