Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies

Welcome to the cozy world of Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies. Imagine walking into a warm kitchen filled with the sweet, nutty aroma of roasted pistachios mingling with rich chocolate. Each bite of these delightful cookies boasts a crunchy exterior, a soft center, and a surprise filling that brings traditional flavors of kunafa into a modern treat.

This special fusion not only satisfies your chocolate cravings but also takes your taste buds on a delightful journey. The subtle blend of the kunafa pastry with creamy pistachio spread makes these cookies unique and irresistible. So why not bring a little magic into your baking? Pin this recipe for later or bake this weekend, and let the deliciousness unfold in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for cozy weekends or brunch with family
• Wholesome flavor that feels like home
• A delightful twist on classic cookies
• Guaranteed to impress your friends and family

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (90gm) kunafa pastry – adds texture and a unique flavor
• 1 Tbsp butter or ghee for roasting kunafa dough – enhances richness
• 3/4 cup (200gm) pistachio spread – creamy and nutty goodness
• 2 Tbsp tahini (optional) – adds depth of flavor
• 114gm unsalted butter – for that rich, buttery taste
• 1 teaspoon espresso/instant coffee powder – elevates chocolate flavor
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – gives the cookies a delightful chewiness
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
• 1 egg, room temperature – binds the dough together
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder – adds that chocolatey goodness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – creates the perfect cookie structure
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
• 1/2 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chunks – for extra chocolatey bites

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Pistachio Kunafa Filling: Begin by lightly toasting the kunafa pastry in a pan with the tablespoon of butter or ghee. Stir occasionally until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat, and allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the pistachio spread and tahini (if using). Once it’s combined, form small balls and set aside.

2. Prepare the Rich, Brown Butter Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, brown the 114g of unsalted butter on medium heat until it turns a light amber color. This will bring out a nutty flavor, ideal for cookies. Let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, coffee powder, and vanilla extract. Pour in the warm brown butter and mix until well combined. Add the egg and stir until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

4. Make the Cookie Balls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a small amount of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a kunafa ball in the center, then wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Place the formed cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough space in between for them to spread while baking.

5. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These cookies are best enjoyed warm, with the chocolate still gooey in the center.

Pro Tips for Success

• Measure flour correctly to achieve a light and airy texture for your cookies.
• Let the baked cookies cool slightly before transferring them to avoid breaking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to two months; simply bake from frozen when the craving strikes.

Variations and Creative Twists

• Swap the Chocolate: Try using white chocolate chunks for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Dash of Spice: Incorporate cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic enhancement.
• Nutty Goodness: Fold in some chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
• Glaze It: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an exotic finish.

How to Store or Freeze

To keep your Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm through.

Serving Ideas

These delightful cookies make for the perfect companion to your afternoon coffee. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They are also ideal for lunchboxes or as a sweet treat for guests during brunch gatherings. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, each bite is sure to be a cozy experience.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you’re looking for other cozy recipes, check out these links for delicious ideas:

• Protein Muffins
• Bento Cake Recipe
• High Protein Bagels

Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate Cookies

Emily

These delightful cookies combine roasted pistachios and chocolate in a unique fusion, bringing traditional kunafa flavors into a modern treat with a crunchy exterior and a soft center.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Fusion, Middle Eastern

Servings 12 cookies

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

Kunafa Filling

• 1 cup kunafa pastry adds texture and a unique flavor
• 1 Tbsp butter or ghee for roasting kunafa dough to enhance richness
• 3/4 cup pistachio spread creamy and nutty goodness
• 2 Tbsp tahini optional, adds depth of flavor

Cookie Dough

• 114 gm unsalted butter for rich, buttery taste
• 1 tsp espresso/instant coffee powder elevates chocolate flavor
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed gives cookies a delightful chewiness
• 2 tsp vanilla extract enhances overall flavor
• 1 ea egg, room temperature binds the dough together
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder adds that chocolatey goodness
• 1 cup all-purpose flour creates the perfect cookie structure
• 1/2 tsp baking soda helps the cookies rise
• 1/2 tsp salt balances sweetness
• 1/2 cup milk or semi-sweet chocolate chunks for extra chocolatey bites

Instructions

 

Make the Pistachio Kunafa Filling

• Begin by lightly toasting the kunafa pastry in a pan with the tablespoon of butter or ghee. Stir occasionally until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat, and allow it to cool slightly before mixing it with the pistachio spread and tahini (if using). Once it’s combined, form small balls and set aside.

Prepare the Rich, Brown Butter Cookie Dough

• This will bring out a nutty flavor, ideal for cookies. Let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, coffee powder, and vanilla extract. Pour in the warm brown butter and mix until well combined. Add the egg and stir until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Make the Cookie Balls

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a small amount of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a kunafa ball in the center, then wrap the dough around it to form a ball. Place the formed cookie balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough space in between for them to spread while baking.

Bake and Serve

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These cookies are best enjoyed warm, with the chocolate still gooey in the center.

Notes

Measure flour correctly for light and airy cookies. Let the baked cookies cool slightly before transferring them to avoid breaking. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to two months; simply bake from frozen when the craving strikes.

Keyword Baking, Chocolate Cookies, Desserts, Kunafa Cookies, Pistachio Cookies

Follow Me for More Cozy Recipes

If you love simple, cozy bakes, follow me for more recipe inspiration.
Pinterest: Quick Cake Recipes
Facebook: Quick Cake Recipes

Enjoy this delightful baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations. Happy baking!