Pista Kulfi Snowflake Cookies – Pistachio Shortbread Recipe

Ingredients
Kulfi Cookies:
Butter - 1 cup (softened)
Sugar - 1 cup
Egg - 1 qty
All Purpose Flour - 3 1/4 cups (+ more as needed for rolling & cutting)
Pistachios - 3/4 cup (crushed)
Baking Powder - 2 tsp
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Saffron - 10-15 stands (crushed)
Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
Frosting:
Butter - 1/2 cup (softened)
Powdered Sugar - 3 cups
Milk - 4 tbsp
Vanilla Extract - 1 tsp
These Pista Kulfi Shortbread Cookies are perfect to enjoy by the fire with a warm cup of chai on a cold winter day. Made with cardamom and pistachios, this Indian twist on the American classic shortbread cookie is a pleasant (and delicious) surprise. Cut out shapes (like a snowflake for example) with cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes to decorate.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Pista Kulfi Snowflake Cookies. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Pistachio Shortbread Cookies calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our pista kulfi cookies recipe in hindi!
Instructions
How to make the Kulfi Cookie Dough:
1) Preheat the oven to 350°.
2) In a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, mix together 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup of sugar for 3 minutes.
3) Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add in 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, and 10-15 stands of crushed saffron. Mix until combined.
4) Next, add 2 1/4 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 3/4 cup crushed pistachios to the bowl.
5) Mix slowly at first, gradually getting faster until the dough comes together.
PRO TIP: Add a little more flour if needed to get the dough to a soft, workable consistency.
6) Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Use a rolling pin and roll until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
7) Use cookie cutters to cut out fun and festive shapes! Transfer the cookies to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
8) Refrigerate cookies for 15-20 mins.
9) Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until the centers are puffy and no longer glossy.
Pista Kulfi Shortbread Cookie Frosting:
1) In a mixing bowl/stand mixer, add 1/2 cup softened butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 4 Tbsp milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix until it is thoroughly combined and the frosting is light and fluffy.
PRO TIP: You can add more powdered sugar or milk to get the frosting to your desired consistency.
2) Pipe the frosting onto the cookies and decorate with sprinkles or sugar for a festive touch!
These Pista Kulfi Shortbread Cookies are perfect to enjoy by the fire with a warm cup of chai on a cold winter day. Made with cardamom and pistachios, this Indian twist on the American classic shortbread cookie is a pleasant (and delicious) surprise. Cut out shapes (like a snowflake for example) with cookie cutters to create fun and festive shapes to decorate.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Pista Kulfi Snowflake Cookies. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Pistachio Shortbread Cookies calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our pista kulfi cookies recipe in hindi!
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes

Vegetarian Dahi Baingan Recipe - Fried Eggplant Layered in Spiced Yogurt Masala with Curry Leaf Tempering
This Vegetarian Dahi Baingan is a comforting Indian dish made with fried eggplant layered in a rich, spiced masala and creamy yogurt. Finished with a fragrant tempering of cumin seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies, this flavorful Eggplant with Yogurt pairs perfectly with rice or warm chapati for a satisfying meal.
Dahi Baingan ka raita is a comforting vegetarian Indian dish that beautifully combines crispy fried eggplant with creamy, spiced yogurt. Slices of eggplant are shallow-fried until golden, then layered with a rich onion-tomato masala infused with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and Kashmiri red chili powder. The yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the warm spices, creating a perfectly balanced flavor in every bite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Dahi Baingan. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our dahi baingan recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Holi Special Malpua Recipe - Soft Indian Pancakes Soaked in Cardamom Saffron Syrup
Celebrate Holi with soft, golden Malpua soaked in fragrant saffron sugar syrup. Made with maida, milk powder, suji, and cardamom, these festive Indian pancakes are shallow fried and garnished with nuts for the perfect sweet treat.
Holi is all about vibrant colors, laughter, and sweets that bring everyone together. Malpua, the beloved Indian pancake, is a festive favorite that perfectly captures the spirit of celebration.
Made with maida, milk powder, suji, and a hint of cardamom, the batter is rested and then shallow fried until golden and lightly crisp around the edges. Each warm malpua is dipped into fragrant saffron sugar syrup, allowing it to soak up that rich sweetness.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Malpua. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our malpua recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Crispy Chicken Spring Rolls | Homemade Iftar Snack Recipe for Ramadan
Make crispy homemade Chicken Spring Rolls with minced chicken, vegetables, vermicelli noodles, and bold sauces. This easy step-by-step recipe is perfect for Ramadan Iftar, gatherings, and special occasions. Serve hot with sweet and sour sauce.
These homemade Chicken Spring Rolls are the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. Made with minced chicken, cabbage, carrots, spring onions, and noodles, the filling is tossed with savory sauces and sesame oil for a rich, well-rounded taste.
Ideal for Ramadan evenings, these spring rolls can be prepared ahead and fried fresh for Iftar. Each bite delivers a crisp exterior with a hearty, flavorful filling, making them a favorite appetizer for family gatherings and special occasions.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chicken Spring Rolls. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our spring rolls recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.