Holiday baking always brings out my playful side, especially when I get to make a treat that looks as magical as it tastes. These chocolate pistachio Christmas trees check every box. The dough comes together quickly, the flavors feel warm and cozy, and the final cookies look like something straight out of a boutique bakery. You can make the dough ahead, chill it, and roll it out when you are ready. It keeps the process relaxed and stress free.
What makes these cookies extra special is the chocolate and pistachio finish. The dough itself is rich with cocoa and has a soft bite that feels like a cross between a brownie and a classic holiday cut out. Once the cookies cool, dipping one edge into melted chocolate adds a glossy touch that sets beautifully. The pistachio sprinkle gives a bright pop of color and a gentle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. It also gives the cookies that tree branch look, almost like fresh pine dusted with winter magic.
These cookies are ideal for gifting. They hold their shape well, stack beautifully, and stay delicious for days. Slip a few into a clear bag, tie a pretty ribbon on top, and you have the sweetest homemade gift. They are also perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday parties where you want something eye catching without spending hours decorating.
If you are baking with kids, this is a fun one to let them help with. Rolling out the dough and pressing the cookie cutters is always a hit. You can even mix up the decorations with crushed candy canes or white chocolate drizzle. The recipe is flexible, approachable, and so easy to customise.
Whether you bake these for gifting, sharing, or snacking with a cup of something warm, they bring a little extra joy to the season. And that’s exactly what holiday baking is all about.
Chocolate Pistachio Christmas Trees
Equipment
- wire rack
- cooking cutters
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup packed brown sugar 135g
- 1 cup salted butter 226g
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all purpose flour 281g
- ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips 135g
- ½ cup ground pistachios 60g
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 25g
- ¾ cup finely chopped pistachio nuts 90g
- 1 tablespoon shortening
Instructions
- Place the butter (226g) and sugar (135g) in a saucepan and heat over a low heat until the butter is melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and allow to cool for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the egg, flour (281g) and cocoa powder (25g) and mix until combined.
- Stir in the chopped pistachio nuts (90g).
- Divide the dough in half and wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF / 200ºC degrees.
- Line several cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to ¼ inch thickness. Use tree shaped cookie cutters to cut out the shapes and place onto the lined cookie sheets leaving at least one inch between each cookie.
- Repeat with the second half of the dough.
- Bake for between 8–9 minutes until the edges are firm then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Melt the chocolate chips (135g) and shortening in a bowl. Dip one edge of each cookie into the melted chocolate then sprinkle over the ground pistachio nuts (60g).
- Allow to set before serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @Addthelove_ on Instagram and hashtag it #Addthelove.
This recipe may include affiliate links. If you decide to buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.