Cookie Baking Day Cookies Desserts

Iced Lemon Pistachio Cookies

December 14, 2011

Aren’t these cookies so pretty? As I was flipping through my cookbook, I stopped on this recipe for Iced Lemon Pistachio Cookies because I thought they were so festive with the flecks of green from the pistachios. I also wanted a citrus cookie to balance out all the other chocolate cookies from cooking baking day. This cookie was the most raved about at both my work and my mom’s work. I’d say they were a hit!

Iced Lemon Pistachio Cookies

So, how’s it taste?

It’s always interesting to me what cookies people talk about the most. I think this one was the winner, but what’s funny is it was my least favorite. Not because it didn’t taste good, but because of the texture. I like soft, chewy cookies and this one is crisp and sandy. The glaze helps to soften the cookie just a tad bit, and they get softer the older they are, but still keep the sandy texture. I much prefer the 3-day-old ones over the freshly baked ones. The flavor is fantastic! The cookie is delicate and sweet and quite plain. It’s slightly scented with lemon from the fresh peel and it smells incredible while you’re mixing it. I think the cookie needs to be on the boring side to be the perfect vehicle for the lemony glaze. The glaze is tart and that’s how I like lemon. It’s not too much though, because of the cookie underneath. The pistachios give that extra something to make it special. Despite not liking the texture, it was a great cookie and so festive for the holidays!

Other goodies from Cookie Baking Day 2011:
Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies
Orange Pecan Gems
Cranberry White Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate Malt Cookies
Triple Chocolate Oreo Chunk Cookies
Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Iced Lemon Pistachio Cookies

Pillsbury
makes 5 dozen cookies
1 cookie: 90 calories, 4g fat, 11g carbs, 0g fiber, 1g protein

Ingredients:

Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. fresh grated lemon peel
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. granulated sugar (I used about 2 tbsp.)

Topping
2 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachio nuts

Directions:

1. In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, oil, and lemon peel until well blended. On low speed, beat in flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until well blended. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 2 hours for easier handling.

2. Heat oven to 325°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. Dip bottom of small glass into 3 tablespoons sugar; press on cookies to make about 2 inches in diameter.

3. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until edges begin to set and cookies are light golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar and enough lemon juice until smooth and spreadable. Spread frosting on cookies. Sprinkle nuts on frosting before it sets.

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  • Lesley December 14, 2011 at 8:49 am

    Oh yum!

    I need to figure out how to get on the tasting panel for cookie day next year. 🙂

    • Leah December 14, 2011 at 8:55 am

      Ooo, that’s a thought! I should have some bloggers over to give me feedback next year. I love hearing what folks like best and least, and who better to give candid opinions!

  • Jessica December 14, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Ohh I need these. Seriously.

  • Shannon December 14, 2011 at 10:13 am

    I’m so mad. I only had one of these with the thought that I would go back later and get more. MISTAKE!! I should have hidden them all from our co-worker’s grubby little hands! LOL!! I think you need to make these again, aka work cookie swap on Monday.

    • Leah December 14, 2011 at 8:11 pm

      I still can’t believe these were the fave. If I weren’t jonesin’ super bad for mint chocolate chip cookies, then I’d make them. But I’m selfish and I need mint & chocolate! Ha ha ha!

  • Cassie December 14, 2011 at 10:37 am

    This sounds like a great combo…I’m a huge fan of lemon and of pistachios. They are beautiful cookies, Leah!

    • Leah December 14, 2011 at 8:12 pm

      Thanks! You’ll dig these cookies for sure then!

  • Nancy December 14, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    They look amazing – just my kind of cookie!! Too bad I didn’t see this post earlier and had you sneak one to Sherrie to take on the plane with her, so that she could do a hand off to me next week when I see her. Drat. :/

    • Leah December 16, 2011 at 2:04 pm

      Ha, ha! Next year I’ll have to make you a bag! 😉