Go Back
Pistachio kunafa chocolate cookies on a plate, decorated with nuts.

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies

These Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies are a delightful fusion of crispy kunafa, rich chocolate, and nutty pistachios, creating a unique and indulgent treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12 cookies
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheets
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • spatula
  • wire rack

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips or chunks

Kunafa Topping

  • 4 oz kunafa pastry, shredded
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup ground pistachios
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Cookie Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed, then set aside the cookie dough.

Kunafa Topping Preparation

  • In a bowl, combine the shredded kunafa pastry with melted butter and mix well until the kunafa is fully coated.
  • Stir in the ground pistachios and powdered sugar, ensuring the mixture is cohesive.

Assembly and Baking

  • Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and gently flatten each one.
  • Press about one tablespoon of the kunafa-pistachio mixture onto the top of each flattened cookie.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the kunafa is crispy.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the pistachios before grinding them. Ensure the butter for the kunafa topping is fully melted to evenly coat the pastry.