Delicious Pistachio Brookies

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

Prepare brownie batter and cookie dough separately. Spread some brownie mix in your pan, layer with pistachio spread and Nutella, cover with more brownie batter, then finish with cookie dough on top. Bake until done.
Hannah Author
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:56:17 GMT
Freshly Baked Pistachio Brookies Dessert Pin it
Freshly Baked Pistachio Brookies Dessert | recipesbyhannah.com

When rich fudgy brownies meet tender cookies and creamy nutella, something magical happens. These triple-layered pistachio brookies combine everything you love about classic desserts into one irresistible treat. The combination of chocolatey brownie base, smooth pistachio-nutella filling, and golden cookie topping creates an indulgent dessert that disappears fast at any gathering.

These brookies have earned quite a reputation in the neighborhood. Their irresistible aroma and layered textures have a way of bringing people together, sparking conversations, and creating sweet memories.

Essential Ingredients

  • Pistachio spread: The signature ingredient that makes these brookies unique. Available at specialty stores or gourmet food shops.
  • Dark chocolate: Use 50-60% cocoa content for optimal brownie texture and flavor depth.
  • Nutella: Creates perfect harmony with the pistachio spread for an elevated flavor profile.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Enhances both layers with classic aromatic sweetness.
  • Chocolate chips: Adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout. Chopped pistachios make an excellent alternative.
Pistachio Brookies Homemade Pin it
Pistachio Brookies Homemade | recipesbyhannah.com

Baking Tips

Cookie Layer Success:
Thoroughly cream butter and sugar until light and airy for proper structure. The mixture should visibly lighten in color.
Brownie Base:
Melt chocolate gradually using short microwave intervals or double boiler. Cool slightly before incorporating eggs.
Proper Mixing:
Beat brownie eggs and sugar for full three minutes to achieve ideal texture - fudgy yet structured.
Layer Assembly:
Use gentle pressure when spreading layers to maintain distinct separation. An offset spatula works best.
Cookie Topping:
Drop cookie dough in spoonfuls rather than spreading completely - gaps create classic brookie appearance.
Doneness Check:
Look for set edges and slight center jiggle rather than relying on toothpick test.

Inspired by Italian dessert flavors, these brookies combine beloved ingredients into an unforgettable treat. Their ability to bring smiles and start conversations makes them perfect for special occasions.

Presentation Tips

Serve slightly warmed alongside vanilla ice cream for maximum indulgence. A light dusting of powdered sugar and garnish of crushed pistachios elevates the presentation. The rich layers pair perfectly with coffee or cold milk.

Variations

Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for holiday flair. White chocolate chips create beautiful contrast in the cookie layer. Almond butter with extract offers an alternative when pistachio spread is unavailable.

Storage

Store at room temperature in airtight container up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap individual pieces in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw naturally or briefly microwave before serving.

Pistachio Brookies Recipe Pin it
Pistachio Brookies Recipe | recipesbyhannah.com

These pistachio brookies represent baking at its finest - simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The contrast between fudgy, creamy, and buttery layers creates an exceptional dessert that brings joy with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What exactly is pistachio spread?
Think of it as a nut butter but made from pistachios, sweetened and creamy. You can spot it online or in specialty sections, or just sweeten pistachio butter as a swap.
→ Can these be made without using Nutella?
Of course! Pistachio spread alone works great, or even a different chocolate or nutty spread as a substitute.
→ How do you check if the brookies are baked fully?
The cookie layer should be lightly golden, with edges set. For a gooey texture, insert a toothpick and look for slightly sticky crumbs but no liquid batter.
→ Are these OK to make ahead of time?
Definitely! They taste even better a day later. Store them sealed for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What if I don’t have the recommended pan size?
No problem—just adjust bake times. A 9x9 inch pan will need slightly less time, while a 9x13 inch one will yield thinner bars and cook faster.

Brookies with Pistachios

Soft and chewy treat bars combining brownies, creamy pistachios, Nutella, and a cookie crumble topping. Dessert perfection for sweet enthusiasts!

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Cookie Layer

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter
02 3 tablespoons superfine sugar
03 2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar
04 1 small egg, beaten
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 2/3 cup plain flour
07 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
08 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
09 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
10 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks or chips

→ For the Brownie Layer

11 2/3 cup butter, melted
12 2/3 cup dark chocolate, 50-60% cocoa
13 1 1/3 cups plain flour
14 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 3 medium-sized eggs
16 1 cup superfine sugar
17 1/4 cup soft light brown sugar
18 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
19 1/4 teaspoon table salt

→ For the Filling

20 17 tablespoons pistachio cream
21 12 tablespoons Nutella or hazelnut spread

Instructions

Step 01

Beat the butter, superfine sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy and light. Add in the egg and vanilla, then mix well. Slowly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, until just mixed. Stir in the chocolate chips, then let the dough chill in the fridge while working on the brownie layer.

Step 02

Warm up your oven to 340°F (170°C) and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Melt the butter with the chocolate together, stirring gently until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, both sugars, and vanilla for about 3 minutes until creamy. Combine the melted chocolate with the egg mixture, then sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mix. Fold everything together carefully.

Step 03

Pour and spread half the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Add spoons of pistachio spread and Nutella across the surface. Cover with the rest of the brownie batter, smoothing it gently so the filling is completely hidden.

Step 04

Take spoonfuls of the chilled cookie dough and drop them over the top of the brownie layer, spreading them across as evenly as you can.

Step 05

Bake in the oven for about 28 minutes if you like a gooey middle or for up to 35 minutes if you prefer a firmer texture. The top should turn golden while the edges will slightly pull away from the pan.

Step 06

Let the dessert cool in the baking tray before slicing into pieces. For a cleaner cut, you can refrigerate it for an hour beforehand.

Notes

  1. To get the fudgiest texture, slightly underbake the brownie, but make sure the middle isn’t raw.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) square baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric handheld mixer
  • Large mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (from butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (due to flour)
  • Contains nuts (pistachios in the spread, hazelnuts in Nutella)