The most requested cookie in my arsenal...

Yes, these cookies do look a bit green for those that have never had a pistachio chocolate chip cookie!  Lots of friends keep asking me for this recipe and I'm finally posting it :)

These cookies have been in my recipe file for quite awhile, ever since a friend made them over 6 or 7 years ago (I just know I've had the recipe typed up for five years according to my computer!).  Renee started a trend for herself the first time she made them and is usually making them for any party she attends.  Once I got the recipe and started making them, my brother requests a batch as part of his Christmas present every year.  Other friends recently admitted that these are one of their favorites too...

So here's my version of the recipe since I've tweaked it a bit over the years...  There is one simple substitution that you can make too as I know not everyone has buttermilk powder in their fridge (hey, it's a great alternative to buying milk when you usually don't finish a container before it goes bad!  Works really well for soda bread too and keeps longer.  Single cans can be found at grocery stores)

One very important note - do NOT use an electric mixer when mixing this recipe.  Mix these by hand for the best results, the cookies will be softer.  Also, do not refrigerate this dough before baking since the best results happen with fresh dough.

Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies
From the Kitchen of Renee Tataryn
Ingredients:
3 ¼ cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons buttermilk powder (like this one)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons water                                                                              
1 small package instant pistachio pudding
1 teaspoon vanilla
10 ounces chocolate chips (5 of milk chocolate and 5 of semi-sweet)

NOTE:  HAND MIX!!!

Directions:
1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.      Whisk flour, powder, buttermilk powder and salt together.  Set aside.
3.      Beat butter and sugar until well blended
4.      Add eggs, water and vanilla to the butter/sugar mixture, blend until creamy.
5.      Add flour and pudding to the butter mixture.  Mix until stiff.
6.      Add chocolate chips
7.      Make dough into teaspoon sized balls and place 1 ½” apart on a cookie sheet.
8.      Bake 10-12 minutes until they get a slight tinge of brown or appear to be just about done on top.
9.      Sprinkle with powdered sugar once cool, if desired

Substitution:  You can substitute milk for the buttermilk powder and water.  Just skip the buttermilk powder and substitute milk (skim, 2% whatever you prefer) for the water.

Enjoy!