Name: Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup (90gm) kunafa pastry; 1 Tbsp butter or ghee, for roasting kunafa dough; 3/4 cup (200gm) pistachio spread; 2 Tbsp Tahini (optional); 114gm unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon espresso/ instant coffee powder; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 egg, room temperature; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk or semi-sweet, chocolate chunks

Indulge in the perfect blend of chocolate and pistachio with these irresistible Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cookies. These cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them a go-to treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The combination of chocolate and pistachio creates a unique and decadent flavor profile.
With quick and easy prep, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time.
These cookies are perfect for meal prep, as they can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week.

Ingredient Notes:

For the Pistachio Kunafa Filling:

Kunafa pastry adds a crunchy texture to the filling.
Butter or ghee is used for roasting the kunafa dough.
Pistachio spread provides a rich and nutty flavor.
Tahini (optional) adds a hint of sesame flavor.

For the Cookie Dough:

Unsalted butter adds richness to the dough.
Espresso or instant coffee powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
Vanilla extract adds a warm aroma.
An egg at room temperature helps bind the ingredients.
Cocoa powder gives the cookies a rich chocolatey taste.
All-purpose flour provides structure.
Baking soda helps the cookies rise.
Salt balances the sweetness.
Milk or semi-sweet chocolate chunks add melty pockets of chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the oven and prepare the kunafa pastry according to package instructions.
In a bowl, mix the butter or ghee with the pistachio spread and tahini.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter with espresso powder, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Add the egg and mix until combined, then stir in the cocoa powder.
Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chunks.
Roll out the dough, fill with the pistachio mixture, and shape into cookies.
Bake until golden brown and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
Swap out the pistachio spread for almond or hazelnut spread for a different flavor.
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

Roast the kunafa pastry until golden for extra crunch.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Chill the dough before shaping for easier handling.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Can I use different nuts in the filling? Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different nut spreads.
Can I omit the coffee powder? Yes, you can leave out the coffee powder if you prefer.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chunks? Yes, dark chocolate will add a richer flavor to the cookies.

Conclusion:

Get ready to elevate your cookie game with these Chocolate Pistachio Kunafa Cookies. With their irresistible flavors and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Try them out and let us know what you think!