For my family, Christmas cookies are the highlight of December— hands down. A homemade batch makes the perfect gift for neighbors, friends, and neighbors that think they're your friends. There are at least 10 tried and true types of cookies that fill our tins each year, but we also try to debut some new recipes, if we deem them worthy.

These chocolate pistachio drops passed my family's taste test this year (and we're picky!). Each bite has the richness of cocoa biscotti and the airiness of a chocolate chip cookie. The recipe starts with a one-bowl chocolate drop base (instructions found on the back of the "BAKER'S Unsweetened Chocolate" box).

Although a variety of toppings could jazz up this simple cookie, but the combo of pistachios and dark chocolate seemed too luxurious to pass up. This dessert can be used to celebrate Christmas or New Year's, so happy baking!

Chocolate Pistachio Drops

  • Prep Time:20 mins
  • Cook Time:20 mins
  • Total Time:40 mins
  • Servings:50
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 4 ounces "BAKER'S Unsweetened Chocolate"
  • 2-1/2 sticks butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup pistachios chopped into halves
  • 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips for drizzle
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
milk, chocolate
Gina Marcucci
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Step 2

    Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

  • Step 3

    Pour chocolate chips into small crockpot or sauce pan. Add shortening for easier melting. Stir every 5 minutes.

    milk, cappuccino, chocolate, espresso, coffee
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 4

    In a glass bowl, microwave chocolate and butter together for 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir thoroughly.

    chocolate, butter
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 5

    Slowly stir in sugar. Once blended, add eggs and vanilla.

    sauce, coffee, chocolate
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 6

    Gradually add in flour, about 1/2 cup at a time. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to include all of the flour.

    cereal, cake, milk, dough, sweet, flour
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 7

    Shell and then chop pistachios into halves.

    hazelnut, vegetable, nut, pistachio
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 8

    Roll dough into balls, spaced 1-1/2 inches apart on baking sheet. Press pistachio chunks into the top of each cookie.

    cake, chocolate
    Gina Marcucci
  • Step 9

    Bake for 8-10 minutes, checking after 8.

  • Step 10

    Let cookies cool completely. Drizzle each with melted chocolate.

    #SpoonTip: Pour melted chocolate into a Ziploc bag and cut a tiny slit into the corner to spread the melted chocolate more evenly.

  • Step 11

    Enjoy with a tall glass of milk and wait for Santa.

    chocolate, pistachio
    Gina Marcucci