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Three kesar pista cookies on a white fluted plate decorated with frosting and crushed pista and rose petals. on
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5 from 5 votes

Kesar Pista - Saffron Pistachio Shortbread Cookies

Kesar pista cookies (shortbread) are the perfect treat with delicate saffron flavors and ground pistachios! These pistachio saffron cookies taste delicious paired with chai for a tea time snack.   Butter pista cookies melt in your mouth and come together quick.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert, tea
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: indian cookies, indian tea snack, kesar pista cookies, saffron pistachio shortbread
Servings: 20 cookies
Calories: 58kcal
Author: Shilpa Joshi

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Mixer
  • 1 Parchment paper
  • 1 Baking sheet

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup sugar (note, ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp sugar) 90g
  • 1 cup flour (note, 1 cup plus 2 tbsp flour)
  • ½ cup pistachios ground, unsalted
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • pinch saffron generous pinch for more saffron flavor
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • white chocolate optional, for drizzling on top
  • rose petals optional for garnish on top

Instructions

  • Prep ingredients: Leave out butter to come to room temperature.Grind pistachios. Bloom saffron in 1 tbsp milk. Preheat oven to 350F.
    Ingredients for saffron pistaschio shortbread prepared
  • Cream butter and sugar together. Add bloomed saffron.
    Butter cubes and sugar in mixing bowl.
  • Add flour and pistachios slowly while mixing. Note: dough will be crumbly but you should be able to work it to come together.
    Ground pistaschios added to mixing bowl.
  • Work dough to form two logs. Cover in plastic wrap and freeze 30 minutes.
    Dough shaped into two logs
  • Cut approximately 1/4 inch slices.
    Cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • Line up cookie dough slices on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
    Cookies laid on parchment lined baking sheet to be baked.
  • Bake 12-15 minutes. They will just be beginning to turn a light golden color at the edges.
    Optionally decorate with melted white chocolate chips, ground pistachios and rose petals.
    Three kesar pista cookies on a white fluted plate decorated with frosting and crushed pista and rose petals. on

Notes

If melting white chocolate chips, try using the double boiler method or place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in increments of 20 seconds. Stir in between microwaving to see if it has begun to melt.

Nutrition

Calories: 58kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg