Soft Pistachio Pudding Cookies (Leprechaun Bites)
Soft Pistachio Pudding Cookies, also known as Leprechaun Bites, are tender, chewy cookies with a subtle nutty pistachio flavor and a unique soft texture thanks to instant pistachio pudding mix. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 3.4 oz (96g) instant pistachio pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- ½ cup packed (110g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pistachios, lightly toasted (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate bowl, cream softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped toasted pistachios gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers look soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, cream butter and sugars thoroughly to trap air for softness. Do not overmix dough after adding dry ingredients to avoid toughness. Toast pistachios to enhance flavor and crunch. If kitchen is warm, chill dough 15 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading. Cookies are best when centers look slightly underbaked and finish cooking as they cool. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: pistachio pudding cookies, soft cookies, Leprechaun Bites, St. Patrick's Day cookies, chewy pistachio cookies, easy cookie recipe