Chocolate Chip Pistachio Butter Cookies (Dubai Chocolate Cookies)

While traveling all over northern Italy this past summer, I was inundated with the “Dubai Chocolate” trend, particularly at the multiplicity of gelato shops in each little town.

Not appealing to me in any way – I could do without chocolate – I chose traditional pistachio gelato for my sweet indulgences instead.

However, since I have apparently been living under a rock, I thought I’d do a touch of research on this “Dubai Chocolate” fanfare…

The "Dubai chocolate" trend refers to a viral confectionery, originally a hand-made Pistachio Kataifi Chocolate Bar from Dubai, UAE, known for its pistachio-green, tahini-and-crispy-knafeh (shredded phyllo) filling encased in a thick milk chocolate shell. Popularized by a December 2023 TikTok video, this treat sparked global demand, leading to numerous versions by major retailers and cafes and influencing other chocolate-pistachio desserts. The trend highlights the power of social media in driving demand and creating global phenomena.
The high demand led to numerous businesses creating their own versions and inspired other pistachio-chocolate flavored desserts.

Of course, I sort of felt compelled to get on the bandwagon, but not so much of the traditional treat -social media pushed wagon. Instead, I created my own version of the delicacy: a Pistachio Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie. I feel like this was quite the win in every way! YUMMY 😋

 

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Butter Cookies (Dubai Chocolate Cookies)

1 ¼ cups sweetened condensed milk
1 cup imported pistachio butter (imported from Italy)
½ cup butter or shortening (1/2 stick)
1 heaping tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. kosher salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups dark chocolate chips
1 ½ cups cinnamon sugar roasted pistachios, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the sweetened condensed milk, pistachio butter, and butter until smooth and creamy.

Add the baking powder, salt, and flour (1/2 cup at a time), and beat until well combined.

Fold in the chocolate and pistachio pieces.

Line three baking sheets with parchment paper and form 1” sized scoops of cookie dough, forming into balls and flattening, placing on the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to brown.

Remove from the oven.

Cool before serving slightly warm with a delightful glass of milk, Cafecito, hot chocolate, OR just devour these babies on their own!