Soft Gluten-Free Italian Pistachio Cookies for Easter (Naturally Green & Delicious!)

Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner—which means it's time to bring out all things soft, sweet, and a little bit special. If you're looking for a delicate treat that’s naturally gluten-free, full of flavour, and brings a pop of spring colour to your dessert table, these Soft Italian Pistachio Cookies are it. They're tender, nutty, and just the right balance of sweet and chewy. Plus, their beautiful green hue makes them perfect for Easter!

Why You'll Love These Pistachio Cookies

• Gluten-free & flourless – Made with almond flour and ground pistachios, no gluten needed.

• Soft & chewy – Think Italian amaretti cookies, but with pistachios!

• Easter-perfect – Light green, dusted with powdered sugar, and a great make-ahead treat.

• Easy to make – A simple mixing process, no fancy equipment needed.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for a batch of about 20 cookies:

• 1 cup shelled raw pistachios (unsalted)

• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 ¼ cups almond flour

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds brightness!)

• 2 large egg

• ½ tsp vanilla (or almond extract if you prefer a nutty taste)

• 1 tbsp buckwheat honey (or any honey of your choice)

• 1 cup powdered sugar, for dusting

How to Make Them

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pulse pistachios and ¼ cup of granulated sugar in a food processor until finely ground (the sugar helps the mixture not turn into pistachio butter. It should have a sandy texture).

3. Combine pistachio mixture with almond flour, remaining sugar, lemon zest, eggs, vanilla extract, and honey in a mixing bowl. Combine until a sticky dough forms.

4. Shape dough into small balls (about 1 tablespoon each), roll lightly in powdered sugar, and place them on your prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 14–16 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

6. Dust with more powdered sugar once cooled, if desired, and serve with tea, coffee, or espresso or as part of your Easter dessert spread.

   
   

Easter Variations

• Add white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

• Top each cookie with a whole pistachio or a candy egg for decoration.

• Use pastel sprinkles for a fun, festive finish.

A Bite of Italy, Perfect for Spring

These cookies are inspired by the traditional almond-based amaretti morbidi from Italy—but with a springtime pistachio makeover. They're rich yet light, sweet yet nutty, and totally irresistible.

Whether you're making them for Easter brunch, gifting them in a cute box, or simply enjoying them with a cup of espresso on a sunny afternoon, these Soft Gluten-Free Italian Pistachio Cookies are sure to become a seasonal favourite.

Happy baking, and Buona Pasqua! 🐇🌸