Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies

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Buttery, crumbly, and kissed with floral honey, these shortbread cookies are anything but ordinary. What takes them to another level? A bold contrast of smoked sea salt and roasted pistachios that add an earthy crunch in every bite. It’s a cookie that walks the line between sweet and savory—and wins.

Perfect with tea or as an elegant dessert after a meal, these cookies bring a Mediterranean twist to a classic shortbread. The nutty richness from pistachios meets the caramel undertones of honey, all wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base. They’re simple to make but taste like they came straight from a specialty bakery.

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Can I Use Any Kind of Pistachios for These Cookies?

You can use regular roasted pistachios, but smoked pistachios truly amplify the flavor depth here. Their subtle smokiness pairs perfectly with the sweet honey and buttery dough. If you can’t find smoked pistachios, try roasting raw ones with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and sea salt for a DIY version.

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Ingredients for the Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies

Butter: The heart of any shortbread, it gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use high-quality unsalted butter.

Powdered Sugar: Creates a smoother crumb and gentle sweetness without any grit.

Honey: Adds not just sweetness but a floral depth. Choose a good-quality honey like clover or orange blossom.

Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor and enhances the sweetness of the honey.

All-Purpose Flour: The structure builder that still lets the cookies stay delicate.

Cornstarch: Keeps the cookies extra soft and contributes to that signature shortbread crumble.

Smoked Pistachios: The crunchy star of the show. Coarsely chopped and sprinkled on top, they add texture and an unforgettable flavor contrast.

Flaky Sea Salt: Just a pinch on top boosts the sweet notes and enhances the smoked pistachio flavor.

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How To Make the Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the soft foundation of the shortbread.

Step 2: Add Honey and Vanilla

Drizzle in the honey and add the vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined and silky smooth.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don’t overwork the dough.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Divide the dough in two and roll each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in parchment or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour until firm.

Step 5: Slice and Garnish

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with chopped smoked pistachios and a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These shortbread cookies are elegant enough for gifting and satisfying enough for cozy snacking. Serve them with a warm cup of tea, spiced coffee, or even a drizzle of additional honey on top for extra indulgence.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze beautifully—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temp before enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepped and chilled for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can also freeze the shaped dough logs and slice as needed.

What if I can’t find smoked pistachios?

You can substitute regular roasted pistachios and sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika for a similar smoky effect.

Can I use honey powder instead of liquid honey?

For this recipe, liquid honey is essential for texture and flavor. Honey powder won’t provide the same moisture or floral richness.

Do I need a stand mixer?

Nope! A hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon and some arm strength will do the trick for mixing.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! Try adding crushed rose petals or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a gourmet flair.

Why is cornstarch included?

It gives the cookies that ultra-soft, tender crumb you expect in a perfect shortbread.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Salty Smoked Pistachio and Honey Shortbread Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other delicious bites:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth treat with rich sweetness.
• Lemon Churro Cookies if you love citrus and spice dancing together.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for creamy, gooey indulgence.
• Winter Brittle if you’re craving a crunchy, nutty treat with seasonal flair.
• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a chewy tropical classic with a cherry burst.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pistachios or go all in with smoked ones? Did you try a drizzle of dark chocolate or maybe add a little orange zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Check out more of my daily recipe ideas on Pinterest here: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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