Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that combines the rich, comforting taste of classic sugar cookies with the vibrant crunch of pistachios, look no further than these Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars. Imagine luscious, buttery dough baked to golden perfection, studded with emerald-green pistachios that bring the perfect hint of nuttiness to each bite. They balance sweetness and texture so beautifully that they quickly become an irresistible treat for both everyday snacking and special occasions. These bars are straightforward to make, and once you try them, they’ll surely become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delightful bars requires a lineup of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a vital role in the overall flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the crunchy pistachios that add a delightful bite, every single element contributes to making these bars truly special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The foundation of our bars, providing that rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor you crave.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create a light, crisp crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel undertone and extra moisture for softness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie flavor with a warm, fragrant aroma.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for the bars, balancing tenderness and sturdiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise gently for a perfect soft bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the dough and add a slight lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the nutty pistachio notes.
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped): Adds irresistible crunch and a vibrant green pop of color.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For a creamy, sweet surprise that melts throughout each bar.
How to Make Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This simple prep ensures your bars won’t stick and makes removing them a breeze once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is key because it incorporates air, lending your bars that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients enrich the dough and elevate the flavor, making the bars extra moist and fragrant.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make the bars tough, so gentle folding is the way to go.
Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and White Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the roughly chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips into the dough. This step distributes the nutty crunch and sweet pockets of melting white chocolate evenly throughout your cookie bars, creating a stunning balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the dough into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This perfect baking time ensures your bars have tender centers with just the right amount of crispiness at the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently lift them out with the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 12 generous bars that are ready to be enjoyed or shared with loved ones.
How to Serve Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but for a touch of elegance, sprinkle extra chopped pistachios or drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming, snowy finish that impresses every time.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a more casual snack, pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea — the nutty sweetness perfectly complements warm beverages.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a decorative platter lined with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to brighten the presentation. You might also layer them in a clear glass jar as a rustic gift idea, tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring out the just-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven just before serving. This revives their soft, buttery texture and melts any white chocolate chunks to gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter is fine, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty finish. Unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning, but salted can work in a pinch.
Are white chocolate chips necessary?
Nope! White chocolate chips are completely optional but add a lovely creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with pistachios. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a more classic nutty cookie bar.
Can I substitute pistachios for other nuts?
Absolutely! If pistachios aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be swapped in while maintaining that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
How thick should the bars be before baking?
Spreading the dough evenly in a 9×13 inch pan makes bars about 1 inch thick, which is ideal for baking through without drying out. Thicker bars will take longer to bake, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
With a few ingredient swaps like using dairy-free butter alternatives, these bars can be made dairy-free while keeping their rich texture and flavor. Just make sure your white chocolate chips are also dairy-free if you decide to include them.
Final Thoughts
These Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a celebration of texture, flavor, and that warm, comforting feeling only homemade baked goods can bring. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, these bars are guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Go ahead and give them a try; your kitchen will thank you for it!
Print
Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars combine a rich, tender cookie base with the delightful crunch of shelled pistachios and optional white chocolate chips. Perfectly sweet and buttery, these bars bake up golden and soft, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
Add-ins
- 1 cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips (if using) with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
- Spread Dough: Pour the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and use the spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can omit the white chocolate chips if you prefer a more nut-forward flavor.
- For an extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping and adding to the dough.
- Ensure not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture in the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- These bars also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: sugar cookie bars, pistachio cookies, buttery cookie bars, white chocolate pistachio bars, easy dessert bars, bake sale treats
