Chocolate & Pistachio Ghee Cookies
30 MIN PREP TIME
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12 MIN BAKE TIME
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45 MIN TOTAL
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30 MIN PREP TIME 〰️ 12 MIN BAKE TIME 〰️ 45 MIN TOTAL 〰️
Rich, nutty, and slightly sweet, it’s a match made in dessert heaven with these Chocolate & Pistachio Ghee Cookies. But Ghee is the hero of this recipe - the golden, buttery elixir that adds a subtle nuttiness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture to these indulgent cookies and takes an already-amazing cookie to another level of taste.
Why you will love this recipe:
Nutty Flavour | Ghee brings a unique richness and a nutty depth of flavour that regular butter just can’t match.
Soft & Crumbly | Ghee's high fat content leads to a soft texture and because ghee is clarified butter, it lacks the water content that can contribute to a chewier texture, making cookies more crumbly.
Healthier Alternative | Ghee contains less lactose than butter, making it easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivity. It’s also rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Ingredients to make Chocolate & Pistachio Ghee Cookies
This delicious recipe uses lots of ingredients that you are likely to already have in your cupboards at home, but there may be a couple of specific extras you need.
Ghee (room temperature): The star of the show! Ghee adds richness, a nutty flavour, and a soft, chewy texture to the cookies.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness, helping create a chewy cookie.
Caster sugar: Balances the brown sugar by adding crispness to the cookie edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and pistachio flavours.
Large Egg: Acts as a binding agent, providing structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavours
Plain flour: The base of the dough, giving the cookies structure and chew.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and spread just the right amount.
Dark chocolate chunks: Brings a bittersweet contrast, melting into gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
Shelled pistachios, roughly chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and earthy sweetness, perfectly complementing the ghee and chocolate.
The Benefits of Baking with Ghee vs Butter
Baking with ghee offers more than just a flavour upgrade, it comes with a whole range of benefits that make it a fantastic butter alternative. Here are some reasons why you might want to swap out butter for ghee in your next batch of cookies:
Rich, Nutty Flavour: Ghee has a deeper, more complex taste compared to regular butter. Its caramelised, nutty undertones elevate the flavour profile of cookies, especially when they contain brown sugar.
Lactose-Free Friendly: Since ghee is clarified butter with the milk solids removed, it contains little to no lactose. This makes it easier on the stomach for those with lactose sensitivities.
Higher Smoke Point: Butter tends to burn at high temperatures, but ghee’s smoke point is around 250°C/ 485°F, meaning it holds up beautifully in baking without turning bitter.
Nutrient Boost: Ghee is packed with vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which support immunity, bone health, and glowing skin.
Longer Shelf Life: Thanks to its lack of water content, ghee has a longer shelf life and doesn’t spoil as quickly as butter — perfect for keeping in your pantry.
Expert baking tips!
Use high-quality ghee for the best flavour — I was kindly gifted a jar from 4th and Heart which was used for this recipe and had great results
Extra crunch: Sprinkle a few extra pistachio pieces on top before baking for a gorgeous finish.
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk, or pair them with a cup of strong espresso for a truly luxurious experience. They also make a fabulous gift — just wrap them up in a cute tin and watch the smiles roll in.
Recipe Card:
I would love it if you tagged me @mykitchendrawer on Instagram if you make this recipe. It’s the biggest honour to see my recipes come to life in your kitchen and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to drop me a message or let’s chat in the comments. Happy baking!