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    Home >> Middle Eastern

    Pistachio Rosewater Cookies

    Modified: Oct 16, 2023 · Published: Nov 15, 2019 by Analida · • Word count:1032 words. • About 6 minutes to read this article. • This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Middle Eastern style shortbread cookies with pistachios and rosewater. | ethnicspoon.com

    Pistachios are a huge favorite of mine. I must confess, I always buy them whole because I love breaking the shell.

    For a long time now I had been wanting to make cookies with pistachios. I also wanted to incorporate rose water into the recipe. Yes, rosewater, an often overlooked culinary ingredient. Although hardly visible in North American cuisine, rosewater is very common in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.

    a stack of pistachio rosewater cookies with powdered sugar
    Jump to:
    • Cookie history
    • Ingredients
    • Step by step photos
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pistachio Rosewater Cookies Recipe

    These pistachio rosewater cookies are basically a style shortbread cookie. They take a little time to make because the dough has to chill for a  few hours before they are ready to bake. Other than this long waiting time, the process is very easy.

    I took a batch into work and my co-workers were thrilled. I even had a male co-worker tell me that I was sabotaging his diet, jokingly of course. Pistachio rosewater cookies have a subtle floral taste that is not overpowering.

    Pistachio rosewater cookies on parchment paper with powdered sugar and finished cookies on a plateCookie history

    Pistachios are native to the Middle East. Archaeologists believe that they might date as  far back as 7,000 B.C. Archaeologists also believe that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar had pistachio trees planted in his famous hanging gardens.

    Pistachios were also popular throughout the Roman Empire. Their long life made them an indispensable food item to take on long journeys. They were especially popular with traders traveling the Silk Road and explorers.

    In Iran, pistachios are called "the smiling nut" and in China, they are referred to as the "happy nut". I know eating them makes me happy. I guess I never really thought about it, but eating pistachios makes me smile.

    Ingredients

    • Flour - All purpose flour works just great for these cookies.
    • Powdered sugar - Also know as confectioner's sugar is the one to use.
    • Butter - Use a good quality European type butter as it has a high fat content and makes a really great shortbread cookie.
    • Rosewater - Use a food grade rosewater for these cookies.
    • Pistachios - I prefer to use a shelled, roasted and unsalted variety as I add salt to the dough.

    Step by step photosA collage of photos showing steps to make pistachio rosewater cookies in a food processor, chilling, cutting then baking.

      1. Gather all your ingredients and have them measured, chopped and ready to go.
      2. In a food processor add the flour, powdered sugar, pistachios and salt. Pulse a few times until well blended.
      3. Add the cubes of butter one at a time and pulse to combine then add the rosewater, vanilla and water.
      4. The dough will start to form a ball as shown.
      5. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and form a ball then divide into 2 equal pieces.
      6. Roll each dough ball into a round log that is about 9 inches long. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 3 hours until firm.
      7. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Slice rounds off the log that are ½ inch thick and place on a baking tray with parchment paper. If you want a fancy cookie you can cut the rounds again with a biscuit cutter that has scalloped edges as shown above.
      8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown on the edges. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • How long can I freeze these pistachio rosewater shortbread cookies? You can freeze them in an airtight container with freezer paper between layers of cookies. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing. They will store nicely for up to 6 months. This is a great cookie to make in advance for Christmas.
      • Do I have to refrigerate the cookies? No, you do not. You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
      • Can I store the cookie dough? Yes, wrap the dough tightly and you can store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can then remove the dough, slice then bake.

      They are so delicious. That being said, I hope my pistachio rosewater cookies make you smile. By the way, if you crumble a couple of pistachio rosewater cookies over vanilla ice cream you won't be disappointed, just saying.

      You can read a short history of rosewater in my recipe for Rosewater Lemonade. You can purchase rosewater at most groceries stores with an ethnic food section or at a Middle Eastern market. I am fortunate enough to have two Wegman's stores nearby, and they carry it in their Indian food section.

    A photo of pistachio rosewater cookies with powdered sugar.

    Pistachio Rosewater Cookies Recipe

    Here is a simple recipe for pistachio rosewater cookies.  These an easy to make Middle Eastern style shortbread cookie with exotic flavors. 
    4.91 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Middle Eastern
    Keyword: baking, cookies, exotic flavors, pistachio, rosewater, shortbread
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Chill time: 3 hours hours
    Total Time: 3 hours hours 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 218kcal
    Author: Analida Braeger

    Ingredients

    • 1 ¾ cups flour
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 6 oz unsalted butter European type, cut in cubes
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ Tbsp rosewater
    • 1 Tbsp water
    • ½ cup pistachios roasted, unsalted

    Instructions

    • In a food processor place flour, pistachios, powdered sugar and salt. Pulse a few times until well blended.
    • Add the butter 1 cube at a time and pulse to combine, then add the rosewater, vanilla and water. Blend until the mixture begins to form a ball. Tip: Taste the dough for the level of rosewater flavor you want at this step. Add more as needed to taste.
    • Remove from food processor and place on a lightly floured surface. Bring together into a large ball.
    • Cut ball into two equal parts.
    • Roll out each part into a 9" log. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
    • Preheat oven to 325°F.
    • Cut cookies into ½ inch circles and bake approximately 12-15 minutes or until they appear golden brown on the edge.
    • Sprinkle with powdered sugar after cool.

    Notes

    1. Frequently Asked Questions:
      • How long can I freeze these pistachio rosewater shortbread cookies? You can freeze them in an airtight container with freezer paper between layers of cookies. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing. They will store nicely for up to 6 months.This is a great cookie to make in advance for Christmas.
      • Do I have to refrigerate the cookies? No, you do not. You can store these in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
      • Can I store the cookie dough? Yes, wrap the dough tightly and you can store it in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. You can then remove the dough, slice then bake.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 99mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 375IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

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    4198 shares
    • 480

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Christine

      February 20, 2015 at 12:01 am

      I love rose water...hate cracking pistachios....love eating pistachios. Sigh...if only I could just skip the baking time and have a plate appear magically in front of me right now! That would be perfection. I can't wait to try thes (even if I have to crack a few pistachios).

      Reply
      • Analida

        February 20, 2015 at 8:38 am

        LOL!!!
        Christine, you don't have to crack them, just buy them shelled. I would love to beam you a plate of these!
        Hope you make them soon. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mandi

      March 10, 2015 at 9:40 pm

      These look so good, Analida! I found you on Wine'd Down Wednesday and I pinned so I can try these out!! =)

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 11, 2015 at 11:51 am

        Hi Mandi, thanks for leaving a comment. Thanks for pinning. And yes do try them out; they are yummy.

        Reply
    3. Joy | The Joyful Foodie

      March 11, 2015 at 2:29 am

      I love pistachios and rosewater, so these cookies sound a bit like heaven to me. Pinning!

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 11, 2015 at 11:52 am

        Thanks for pinning Joy. They are very good. I have taken them into the office a couple of times. Everyone loves them.

        Reply
    4. Liz

      March 11, 2015 at 10:12 am

      These look beautiful and delicious! Brava! Would love to make my own. I'll let you know how they turn out 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 11, 2015 at 11:53 am

        Thanks Liz!
        do make them. They are very easy. Yes, let me know how they turn out.

        Reply
    5. kareen liez

      March 13, 2015 at 6:05 am

      This cookie look yummy! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 13, 2015 at 8:33 am

        Thanks Kareen. They are indeed yummy. They also freeze well. Thanks for pinning!!! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Lou Lou Girls

      March 16, 2015 at 1:03 pm

      Oh my…so delicious! I always get so excited to see what you have brought to the party! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for being part of our party. I hope to see you on tonight at 7. Lou Lou Girls

      Reply
    7. Rosemary @ An Italian in my kitchen

      March 17, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Analida these cookies look so delicious, and I love pistachios, thanks for linking up at the Project Parade Linky Party.

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 17, 2015 at 3:29 pm

        Thanks Rosemary. I loved linking up!!! Have a great day!

        Reply
    8. Sharon - Her Organized Chaos

      March 18, 2015 at 11:07 am

      These are so interesting. I love pistachio. Pinning and sharing. Thanks for sharing at Totally Terrific Tuesday last week! I can't wait to see what you have lined up for this week.

      Sharon
      Her Organized Chaos

      Reply
    9. Mireillle

      April 11, 2015 at 9:08 am

      two of my favorite flavors - fab cookies

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 11, 2015 at 12:55 pm

        so glad Mireille!!! Have a wonderful weekend.

        Reply
    10. Elizabeth

      April 11, 2015 at 1:39 pm

      Oh these sound delectable! Perfect with an afternoon coffee, perhaps scented with cardamom. 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        April 11, 2015 at 2:57 pm

        Elizabeth, I love coffee accented with cardamon. I hope you make and enjoy these cookies. They freeze well, just saying. 🙂

        Reply
    11. Kristina

      August 20, 2015 at 8:49 pm

      I love pistachio and rosewater together - I can almost taste these pretty cookies!

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 21, 2015 at 6:43 pm

        Thanks Kristina! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Denise

      January 25, 2016 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      We just put these in the fridge to chill. I was a little concerned about the amount of rose water, but if the dough I just nibbled is any indicator, these will be fantastic in a few hours!! My teen son loved the flavor, too. I was intrigued by the idea of cardamom coffee with them, so I added a bit of cardamon to the dough. Yummy!!! Thank you for this unique (to me) recipe. We can't wait to sample the finished product! 🙂

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 26, 2016 at 7:40 pm

        YAY!!! I can't wait for you to sample it either. 🙂

        Reply
    13. Malar

      October 16, 2017 at 1:47 am

      5 stars
      Hi I am from Malaysia - I am a Belly Dance Instructor and a Home Baker - I love anything to do with Middle Eastern Flavors especially Rose Water and Cardamom. These cookies were perfect and just melted in my mouth plus they were not sweet . The only thing I did was to roast the pistachios a bit before blending.

      Thank you very much as I have many orders for these cookies ;o) -

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 16, 2017 at 3:48 pm

        Hi Malar! Thanks for commenting. Your idea of roasting the pistachios sounds wonderful, and I will have to do that next time. I took these cookies into work a few months ago, and one of my co-workers said that he liked the fact that they were not too sweet.
        My daughter who lives abroad is going to Malaysia at the end of October. I think she is going to Kuala Lumpur. 🙂

        Reply
    14. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      October 20, 2017 at 7:55 am

      What a great use of rosewater! I would love a few of these with a nice hot cup of tea. Especially today because it is raining!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 12:40 pm

        They go great with tea. What I most like about them is that the rosewater is not overpowering. I hope you get to make these soon.

        Reply
    15. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

      October 20, 2017 at 10:04 am

      These are some of my very favorite flavors! What a wonderful way to end a meal (or snack on throughout the day). YUM!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 12:40 pm

        Thanks Ashley. Yes, these are great for snacks with a cup of tea! 🙂

        Reply
    16. Christine

      October 20, 2017 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      I used to work in a Middle Eastern restaurant and was in love with the desserts. Middle Eastern desserts tend to be a little less sweet than American ones, which I love. These Pistachio Rosewater cookies look incredible - pinning for later!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 12:39 pm

        Thanks Christine. Yes, they are less sweet than American ones. I love these cookies especially, the floral tone of the rosewater is not overpowering. I took some into work a few months ago, and some of my co-workers who do not care for sweets gobbled them up.

        Reply
    17. Monica | Nourish & Fete

      October 21, 2017 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      I love pistachios, too, but always take the opposite approach - I'm so intimated by cracking all those shells that I only ever buy them pre-shelled! You're amazing to do all that yourself! These cookies look and sound well worth the effort, though. Thanks as always for sharing!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 12:37 pm

        You are welcome Monica! I actually have my son shell the pistachios! 🙂 Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you get to make these. 🙂

        Reply
    18. prasanna hede

      October 22, 2017 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      pistachios have been on my grocery list everyweek as i finish them in notime..lol! your recipe sounds so interesting as combination of rosewater and pistachio will be so yumm!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 1:52 pm

        Thanks so much for commenting. Yes, pistachios and rosewater are a great combo.

        Reply
    19. Christine

      October 22, 2017 at 5:31 pm

      These cookies sound right up my alley! Obsessed with both the pistachio and rosewater flavors. So elegant and delicious!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 22, 2017 at 7:28 pm

        Thank you Christine. Yes, these are so tasty and delicate. I hope you can make them soon.

        Reply
    20. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      October 23, 2017 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      This flavor combo is pure perfection. It reminds me of home and all the good memories!

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 24, 2017 at 3:37 pm

        Thank you Shadi. Yes, rosewater is amazing! Glad I could help you remember your home.

        Reply
    21. Katherine D'Costa

      October 26, 2017 at 9:19 pm

      I love rosewater. Isn't she a lovely, light flavor. But I never thought of it with pistachios, but of course it would together. New holiday recipe, right?

      Reply
      • Analida

        October 28, 2017 at 1:51 pm

        Katherine, it's a great combination. Yes, definitely a nice recipe for the holidays.

        Reply
    22. David

      December 10, 2017 at 7:41 am

      Do you use salted or unsalted pistachios? Thanks.

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 10, 2017 at 8:13 am

        David I use unsalted pistachios. You are welcome.

        Reply
    23. Linda

      January 12, 2018 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Hello! Beautiful pistachio cookies! I love pistachios and shortbread, so these cookies are "talking" to me! I have one question for you, can i use a ma'amoul mould to shape these cookies? I think they would be so pretty molded in different shapes! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe with is!

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 12, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        Hi Linda! Honestly I have never made these cookies in a mold. I googled ma'amoul moulds and after seeing them, I don't see why you could not use one of them. Again, for me this would be sort of experimental, but maybe give it a try. 🙂

        Reply
    24. Linda Hayes

      June 25, 2018 at 5:38 pm

      Do you use unsalted or salted pistachios? Thanks, these look like they'll be going to my next bookclub!

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 26, 2018 at 9:24 pm

        I like to use the unsalted type but it is your preference. Some like that salty and sweet combination. Thanks!

        Reply
    25. Debora Gilson

      July 19, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      Hi.
      The recipe says it is for 12 servings. How many cookies are in a serving?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 19, 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Hi Debora,
        Thanks for the question. I usually roll out two 9 inch logs from the batch and cut into 1/2 inch cookies so 18 cookies per log and 36 total cookies.
        Divide that by 12 servings and you get about 3 cookies per serving. Let me know how you like them!

        Reply
    26. Daniel

      July 23, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      How I wish the waiting time for the cookies to chill is far less than normal. I enjoy treating myself to the meal without spending much time on preparation.

      Reply
      • Analida

        July 23, 2018 at 7:26 pm

        Hi Daniel,
        Good thing come to those who wait and these cookies are worth the wait.

        Reply
    27. Salpy Arakelian

      September 12, 2018 at 2:41 am

      5 stars
      Hi, i just need to know if we should ground the pistachio before placing in the food proccesor .
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Analida

        September 12, 2018 at 8:23 am

        Hi, I prefer to put the whole shelled nut in the food processor with the other ingredients and pulse it. This gives me some course pieces of pistachio on my cookies. Let me know how you like them!

        Reply
    28. Lola

      January 21, 2019 at 3:24 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Analida,
      I got a bag of shelled pistachios and can’t wait to try out this recipe... did you use a cookie cutter to get this shape?

      Reply
      • Analida

        January 22, 2019 at 9:41 am

        Hi Lola,
        Yes, I have some multi-size biscuit cutters with scalloped edges to get the shape. Enjoy!

        Reply
    29. Yael Magnes

      June 18, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      I am going to make the dough tonight, for my fighter and her friend to make tomorrow.
      Can I use Orange blossom water instead of the rose water?

      Reply
      • Analida

        June 18, 2019 at 7:37 pm

        Sure! The orange sounds like a wonderful flavor to try. Let me know how you like them!

        Reply
    30. Dr Deb

      December 21, 2019 at 4:11 pm

      4 stars
      I love all the ingredients and was really looking forward to trying these. I don't know why, but they were not very flavorful. Barely tasted the rosewater. The consistency was good and they were buttery, but not at all what I had expected based on the same type of cookies I have eaten in middle eastern restaurants. Not sure what went wrong....

      Reply
      • Analida

        December 21, 2019 at 6:13 pm

        Hi Dr. Deb, Thanks for your feedback. There could be some variation in the intensity of the food grade rosewater by brand. With your feedback I am going to suggest in the recipe instructions to taste to dough before chilling for the amount of rosewater flavor you want. It is a strong flavor and can easily be over flavored with too much. Mine always turn out with just a hint of rosewater. Thanks again!

        Reply
    31. Sara

      March 30, 2020 at 2:14 am

      Hi, made these today while in a lockdown from COVID -19. THey bought me a lot of joy. Such a winning combination. Made these by hand as do not have a mixer.

      Reply
      • Analida

        March 30, 2020 at 5:18 pm

        Hi Sara,
        I am so glad you enjoyed the cookies! So many people have reach out to tell me about cooking at home while sheltering in place and it warms my heart that I can bring some goodness to people during difficult times. Be safe and well.

        Reply
    32. Eileen

      August 12, 2020 at 6:00 am

      Hi, if I cut the dough slightly thinner do I need to adjust the heat or baking time in the oven? thanks

      Reply
      • Analida

        August 12, 2020 at 7:02 am

        Hi Eileen,
        You should watch the bake time closely and it will likely be a bit shorter. When the edges just start to brown they are done.

        Enjoy!

        Reply

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