Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a delightful treat combining crunchy nuts with a soft, buttery base. These bars are perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, boasting a subtle sweetness enhanced by creamy white chocolate chips.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips if you are using them.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
8. Step 8: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, lightly toast the pistachios before folding them into the batter.
• White chocolate chips add a sweet contrast, but you can substitute with dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for different flavors.
• Use salted butter and reduce or skip the added salt if you prefer a slightly savory note.
• Make sure not to overbake; the bars will continue to set as they cool, keeping them soft and tender.

Storage

Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but consider reducing or omitting the added salt to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?

Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used, but be aware that texture might vary slightly. It’s best to use one designed for baking for the best results.

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a decadent treat combining buttery, tender cookie dough with crunchy chopped pistachios and sweet white chocolate chips. These bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, baked to a golden finish, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 1 cup Chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with a mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated for a smooth batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the bars tender.
6. Fold in Pistachios and Chocolate: Carefully fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the lined baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

• For extra crunch, lightly toast the chopped pistachios before folding them into the batter.
• White chocolate chips are optional but add a lovely sweet contrast to the nutty pistachios.
• Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugars.
• Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain tender bars.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Pistachio cookie bars, white chocolate cookie bars, nutty dessert, easy cookie bars, baked cookie bars