Gluten Free Vegan Pistachio Cookies You'll Make on Repeat
These naturally sweet pistachio cookies are made with just 5 simple ingredients and come together in one bowl. Perfectly chewy, nutty, and wholesome—no mixer required! Ready in 20 minutes for a delicious gluten-free and vegan treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely ground pistachios about 8 oz shelled, unsalted
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter smooth, drippy consistency
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips optional, dairy-free if needed
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add shelled pistachios to a food processor and pulse 15-20 times until you have a flour-like consistency with small bits remaining. Don't overprocess into butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla, and salt for 30-45 seconds until smooth and glossy with no streaks.
- Add ground pistachios to the wet mixture and fold with a spatula for about 1 minute until it forms a cohesive, slightly sticky dough. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into a ball, place on baking sheet, and press down to 1/2-inch thickness. Space cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
Texture Tip: These cookies don't spread during baking, so press them to your desired thickness before baking. The dough should hold together when squeezed—if crumbly, add 1 more tablespoon of maple syrup or almond butter.
Flavor Boost: Toast the pistachios at 350°F for 5 minutes before grinding for deeper, more caramelized flavor.
Mix-In Ideas: Try dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, white chocolate chips, or extra chopped pistachios pressed on top before baking.
Nut Butter Note: Make sure your almond butter is smooth and drippy. If it's thick or cold, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave before using.