Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Say hello to dessert heaven with these Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars! Imagine a thick, soft sugar cookie bar elevated by salty-sweet bites of roasted pistachio, swirled with a hint of fragrant vanilla and, if you choose, a luxurious touch of pistachio paste. Every bite is chewy, buttery, and crowned with an elegant drizzle of glaze and a sprinkle of vibrant green nuts. It’s an irresistible treat for any celebration or cozy night in, and brings sophisticated flavor with very little effort. These Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are the treat you’ll want to bake on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this recipe is that you’ll find most of these ingredients already in your pantry, waiting to become something magical. Each one plays a unique part, creating the ideal balance of rich flavor, tender crumb, and that signature color and crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation for a chewy, rich cookie bar with a lush mouthfeel.
- Granulated Sugar: Delivers that classic sugar cookie sweetness and helps the bars stay soft.
- Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds a little loft, ensuring the bars don’t crumble.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances everything with its warming, familiar aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The essential structure-builder for thick, sliceable bars.
- Baking Powder: Gives a hint of lift so the bars don’t bake up too dense.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and brighten the pistachios.
- Finely Chopped Roasted Pistachios: Nutty richness and beautiful green flecks in every bite.
- Pistachio Paste (Optional): Adds pure pistachio flavor and a lovely natural green hue.
- Powdered Sugar: Perfect for making a silky glaze that tops each bar.
- Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): Thins the glaze to the right drizzling consistency.
- Additional Chopped Pistachios: Extra crunch and a show-stopping finish on top!
How to Make Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can easily lift out the bars later. This quick step ensures your Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are easy to handle and look picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which creates those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie bars we all crave.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Pistachio Paste
Now, beat in the egg and vanilla extract (plus pistachio paste if you’re using it) until everything is completely combined. This step not only helps blend flavors but also emulsifies the mixture for irresistibly tender bars.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. By doing this before adding to the wet mix, you ensure these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, avoiding any pockets of flour or leavening.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing here can lead to tough bars, so stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Fold in the finely chopped roasted pistachios last for that nutty perfection throughout.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula (or clean hands) to press it evenly into the corners. Smooth the top, then bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Don’t be tempted to overbake; the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Add the Glaze and Pistachio Topping
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Mix the powdered sugar with just enough milk to make a pourable glaze, then drizzle it all over the cooled bars. Finish with a generous sprinkle of additional chopped pistachios for irresistible crunch and color. Once the glaze sets, slice into squares and enjoy the magic!
How to Serve Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
A handful of extra chopped roasted pistachios on top brings color and crunch. For a little extra flair, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or sparkly gold sprinkles if you’re making these Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars for a special event. Edible dried rose petals can also transform them into an elegant gift-worthy dessert.
Side Dishes
Serve your bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a bowl of seasonal berries for a refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with coffee or chai for a cozy afternoon treat, or as a sweet finish to any brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars on a tiered dessert stand or layer them in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for gifting. You can also cut them into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or sandwich a layer of fruit preserves or pistachio cream between two thin bars for a decadent twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week or packing into lunches.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, just thaw them at room temperature and they’ll taste as amazing as the day you baked them.
Reheating
If you love a warm, gooey cookie bar, you can gently reheat these in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This will soften the texture and make the glaze slightly melty—just like they’re fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use pre-shelled pistachios?
Absolutely! Pre-shelled pistachios save time and work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they’re roasted and unsalted for the best flavor and texture.
What if I can’t find pistachio paste?
No worries! The bars are absolutely delicious without it, but you can boost the pistachio flavor by adding a drop of almond extract or using a little extra chopped pistachio in the dough.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time as needed (it may take a few minutes longer, so check for golden edges and a set center).
Are Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend to create gluten-free bars that are just as delightful.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, with a few tweaks! Use a plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg, and your preferred non-dairy milk for the glaze. The end result is still wonderfully chewy and rich.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that delivers elegance and pure comfort in every bite, these Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are the answer. They’re easy enough for a weekday bake and impressive enough for holidays or gifting, so don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and share the love—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
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Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat with a rich buttery flavor and a hint of pistachio in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
- 1/4 cup pistachio paste (optional for added flavor)
- additional chopped pistachios for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and pistachio paste if using) until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Prepare Dough: Fold in the chopped pistachios. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Glaze: Let cool completely in the pan. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with enough milk to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios. Let the glaze set before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a greener color and more intense flavor, use pistachio paste in the dough.
- These bars store well in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
