Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie bar that's packed with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios and dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar. These Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a dessert – they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress guests, treat yourself, or find the perfect sweet companion to your afternoon coffee, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in ¾ cup of the chopped pistachios, reserving the remaining ¼ cup for topping.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pistachios on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 24-27 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Dust with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Cut into 16 even bars and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest, most consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when the bars are perfectly baked.
- Chopping Pistachios: Roughly chop the pistachios to provide texture and ensure even distribution throughout the bars.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat edges.
- Storage Hack: For maximum freshness, store in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of pistachios or add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
