Chocolate-Pistachio Sandwich Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cookies

01 - 35g all-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
02 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 400g dark chocolate (2 1/3 cups), chopped, divided
04 - 42g unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
05 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
06 - 130g granulated sugar (2/3 cup)
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 56g roasted salted pistachios (1/2 cup), coarsely chopped

→ For the Pistachio Frosting

10 - 1 box pistachio instant pudding mix (96g), not sugar-free
11 - 80ml milk (1/3 cup)
12 - 70g unsalted butter (5 tablespoons)
13 - 225g powdered sugar (2 cups)
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
16 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
17 - 56g roasted salted pistachios (1/2 cup), coarsely chopped

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined. Set aside.
02 - Set aside 1/3 of the chopped chocolate for later use. Place the remaining chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
03 - In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and thick. Reduce speed to low and add the melted chocolate mixture, mixing until just combined.
04 - Fold in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula until no dry streaks remain. Fold in the reserved chopped chocolate and 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios. The dough will be soft and glossy.
05 - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until the dough firms up enough to scoop.
06 - Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving 5cm (2 inches) between each cookie.
08 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and milk until smooth and beginning to thicken. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy. Add the pudding mixture and beat until combined.
10 - Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract, beating on low speed until incorporated, then on medium-high until light and fluffy. Fold in the remaining chopped pistachios.
11 - Spread or pipe a generous amount of pistachio frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies, pressing gently to adhere. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

# Notes:

01 - Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent melting the frosting.
02 - For best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content.
03 - These cookies will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.