There is something timeless about shortbread. Its beauty lies in its simplicity—that crumbly, buttery texture that pairs so perfectly with a hot cup of tea. This Pistachio Shortbread takes the classic recipe and gives it a vibrant, nutty upgrade. By using pistachio pudding mix, you achieve a soft, consistent flavor and a lovely green hue that makes it a natural choice for St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas. Scoring the dough before it bakes into traditional “petticoat tail” triangles makes for a professional presentation with almost zero effort.
Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 35 min
Key Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened. (The high fat content is what gives shortbread its iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture).
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: One 3.4-ounce box.1
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups.
- Pistachios: ½ cup, shelled and chopped (Adds a necessary salty crunch to the top).
- Green Food Coloring: Wilton Leaf Green Gel (Just a touch to make the color “pop”).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to a low 300°F (150°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan and set it aside.
- Mix the Dough: In a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, dry pudding mix, and sugar until smooth. Add the flour and continue to mix until the ingredients begin to clump together into a cohesive dough.
- The “Press-In” Method: Transfer the dough to your prepared pan. Use your fingers or the back of a large spoon to press the dough into an even, flat layer.
- Add the Crunch: Evenly scatter the chopped pistachios over the top and press them firmly into the dough so they stick.
- Score the Dough: Before baking, use a sharp knife to gently score the surface. Cut into 9 squares, then cut each square diagonally to create 18 triangles. Do not cut all the way through—just create deep lines.
- Bake Low and Slow: Bake for 30–35 minutes. Shortbread shouldn’t brown heavily; it should look set and pale.
- Slice and Cool: Let the pan cool for 5 minutes, then use a knife to finish cutting along your score lines while the shortbread is still warm. Allow it to cool almost completely in the pan before removing the pieces.
Serving Suggestions
- The “Irish Coffee” Pairing: Serve a wedge alongside a coffee topped with whipped cream for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the triangles with melted dark chocolate for a sophisticated look.
- Tea Time: These are the perfect weight and texture for dunking into an Earl Grey or a Matcha latte.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Shortbread is incredibly shelf-stable! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked shortbread for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead: Since the flavors develop over time, these actually taste even better 24 hours after they are baked.
Tips & Tricks
- The Scoring Secret: Scoring the dough before baking is essential for shortbread. It allows steam to escape and ensures clean, straight edges when you do the final cut.
- Gel vs. Liquid Color: Use gel food coloring if possible. It provides a more vibrant color without adding extra moisture that could make the shortbread “cakey” rather than “short.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-Baking: If the edges turn dark brown, the shortbread will lose its signature buttery softness and become bitter. Look for a very pale gold color.
- Skipping the “Press”: Make sure the pistachios are pressed deep into the dough; otherwise, they will fall off the moment you try to lift a piece out of the pan.
Chef’s Advice
- Salt Balance: If you are using unsalted pistachios, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to the top of the dough before baking to enhance the flavor.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have gel coloring, the pudding mix will provide a very pale, pastel green on its own.
- Texture Play: For a more “short” texture, you can replace ¼ cup of the flour with cornstarch.
Nutrition Information (Per Wedge)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 triangle | 172 | 2g | 18g | 10g | 0.4g | 8g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated using standard online calculation tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
