Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial as it prevents the cookies from sticking and allows for even baking.
Add the pistachios to a food processor or blender and pulse them until they are finely ground, resembling a coarse meal. This will integrate their flavor into the cookies beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This aeration is key to fluffy cookies!
Once fluffy, add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the ground pistachios to the bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Next, use a spatula to gently fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips. This not only adds flavor but also visual appeal.
Use a medium cookie scoop, about 2 to 2 and a half tablespoons, to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each scoop to allow for spreading.
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. You're looking for the edges to start turning golden brown while the center stays soft.
Once baked, take the cookies out and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 3 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This step is essential for letting them set and maintain their structure.