Christmas Pistachio-Creme Cookies: A Cozy, Nutritious Treat for the Season
As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the comforting scent of cinnamon, pine, and fresh-baked treats. There’s something magical about the warmth of the kitchen, the sound of holiday music, and the joy of sharing festive goodies with loved ones. This year, why not elevate your holiday celebrations with something a little different? Christmas pistachio-creme cookies are not only a nutritious indulgence but also a delightful way to add a touch of luxury to your winter season.
The Magic of Pistachios: A Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse
Pistachios are often overlooked when it comes to holiday baking, but these little green gems are packed with nutrients that make them a fantastic choice for a nourishing treat. Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, pistachios offer a satisfying crunch and a unique flavor that’s both earthy and slightly sweet.
One of the key benefits of pistachios is their high antioxidant content. These antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, are essential for eye health, helping to protect against age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, the healthy fats found in pistachios, particularly monounsaturated fats, can contribute to heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
For those mindful of their calorie intake during the holiday season, pistachios are a great choice. A small handful can keep you feeling full and satisfied, thanks to their combination of protein, fiber, and fat. This makes them an excellent ingredient for a cookie filling that’s not only delicious but also good for you!
Mānuka Honey: Nature’s Sweet, Nutritious Gift
To complement the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios, there’s nothing quite like Mānuka honey. Known for its distinctive taste and potent health benefits, Mānuka honey is a special ingredient that adds depth and natural sweetness to these Christmas cookies.
Mānuka honey hails from New Zealand, where it’s produced by bees that pollinate the Mānuka bush. What sets this honey apart from others is its high concentration of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound known for its antibacterial properties. This makes Mānuka honey not only a delicious addition to your cookies but also a nutritious one.
Steens Manuka Honey is a bit different from the rest – it contains up to 15 times more bio-available bee pollen and bee bread than other Manuka brands, which means it also contains 15 times more antioxidants, minerals and vitamins – all helping to contribute to winter wellness and keep your immune system well supported through the chilly months.
During the winter months, when colds and flu are common, Mānuka honey can be a soothing remedy. Its natural antibacterial properties can help to boost your immune system and soothe a sore throat. Plus, it’s a refined sugar-free alternative, making your Christmas pistachio-filled cookies a more mindful indulgence.
A Flavorful Winter Indulgence
When it comes to flavor, Christmas pistachio-filled cookies are a cut above the rest. The combination of pistachios and Mānuka honey creates a rich, luxurious filling that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery exterior of the cookie. The natural sweetness of the honey balances the earthiness of the pistachios, resulting in a treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
These cookies are perfect for those cold winter nights when you want something special to enjoy with a cup of tea or hot cocoa. The warmth of the spices, the crunch of the pistachios, and the sweetness of the honey come together to create a flavor profile that’s as comforting as it is decadent.
And while these cookies are a treat, they’re also a nutritious one. The use of Mānuka honey instead of refined sugar means you’re indulging in something that’s better for your body, too. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy the festive season without compromising their wellness goals.
A Touch of Holiday Magic: Decorating Your Tree with Cookies
One of the most charming aspects of Christmas cookies is their versatility. Not only are they a delicious treat, but they can also double as beautiful holiday decorations. Imagine the delight of guests when they see your tree adorned with these lovely, edible ornaments!
To make them tree-ready, simply shape your cookie dough into festive designs—think stars, snowflakes, or even little Christmas trees. Once they’re baked and filled with the rich pistachio and Mānuka honey mixture, use a small skewer to create a hole near the top of each cookie. Thread a festive ribbon through the hole, and you’ve got a charming decoration that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
These edible ornaments can also be a fun holiday activity for families or a cozy evening project with friends. Gather around the table with your favorite holiday movie playing in the background, and enjoy the process of creating something both beautiful and delicious.
The Perfect Gift: Sharing the Sweetness of the Season
If you’re looking for a thoughtful and unique holiday gift, Christmas pistachio-filled cookies are a perfect choice. Handmade gifts are always cherished, and these cookies are a way to share not just a treat but also the love and care that went into making them.
Package your cookies in a festive tin or a glass jar with a ribbon, and perhaps include a note about the benefits of pistachios and Mānuka honey. Your friends and family will appreciate the personal touch, and they’ll love having something special to enjoy during the holiday season.
For those living in California, where the holiday season might not come with snow but certainly comes with plenty of sunshine, these cookies bring a taste of cozy winter warmth. They’re a reminder that the festive spirit is all about sharing joy and creating memories, no matter the weather.
Conclusion: A Nutritious, Indulgent Holiday Treat
Christmas pistachio-filled cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of nutrition, flavor, and the joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself, hanging them on your tree, or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With the benefits of pistachios and Mānuka honey, they’re a sweet indulgence you can feel good about, making them the perfect addition to your festive celebrations.
So, as you prepare for the holidays, consider adding these delightful cookies to your repertoire. They’re not just a treat—they’re a little bit of holiday magic, wrapped up in a delicious, nutritious package. Enjoy the season with a cookie in hand, and let the warmth of the holidays fill your heart and home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter at room temperature
- 1 cup Mānuka honey (we used MGO85+)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all purpose flour plus extra for rolling
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup pistachio cream
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and honey together until light and fluffy.
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Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat until combined.
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Add flour and baking powder and mix until dough starts to form.
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Roll out dough with a rolling pin on a floured surface. Roll out to ⅛ inch thickness.
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Using any cookie cutters, cut out shapes, re-rolling and cutting scraps.
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Using a smaller shaped cookie cutter, cut a smaller shape in the center of the larger shapes. Do this for half the cookies.
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Arrange whole and cutout cookies on 2 parchment-lined baking sheets.
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Bake on top and bottom racks for approximately 8 minutes, until the edges of the cookies start to turn golden.
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Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool. Dust cutout cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
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Spread pistachio cream over bottom of each whole cookie. Place cutout cookie on whole cookie, sugar side up.
Recipe Notes
- If you don't want to use pistachio cream, you can substitute nutella, jam, lemon curd. Whatever filling you like! The dough is so neutral that any filling flavor will work with these cookies.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Pistachio Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoon (150g) raw shelled pistachios
- 1 ⅓ cup (250g) white chocolate
- ¼ cup (50g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50g) sunflower oil or vegetable oil
- 2.5 tbsp (30g) Mānuka Honey (we used MGO85+)
- ½ cup (100g) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Peel the pistachios - add water a to small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Place the pistachios in the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pistachios from the boiling water, let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle. Place them in a tea towel and rub them together until the peels start to come off.
- Pick the peels off the pistachios.
- Make a bain marie - place a small amount of water in a pot, and place a glass bowl in the pot, so that the pot just skims the top of the water. Over medium heat, bring the water to a gentle simmer (not boil). Place the white chocolate and butter in the bowl, and stir it together until melted. Set aside.
- In a food processor, add the pistachios. Process the pistachios in the food processor until they are the consistency of sand.
- Add in the sunflower oil and process again until combined.
- To the food processor add the white chocolate/butter mixture, Mānuka honey, milk, vanilla extract and salt. Process one more time until a cream forms.
- Store in a container or jar.
