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Pistachio Cookie Bars (Easy, Chewy & Irresistible)

Looking for a fresh, nutty twist on classic cookie bars? These Pistachio Cookie Bars are buttery, soft, and perfectly chewy, with the rich flavor of roasted pistachios in every bite. Paired with creamy white chocolate and golden brown edges, this dessert is a winner for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to impress without the stress.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started in the kitchen, you’ll love how quick and easy these bars are to make. Best of all, they use simple pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required. One bowl, one pan, and 30 minutes later, you’ll have a tray of golden, nut-studded cookie bars ready to devour.

Let’s get baking!

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🥜 Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding your ingredients is key to baking success. Each component in this recipe plays an important role in texture, flavor, and consistency. Here’s what you’ll need and why.

✨ Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 226g): Provides richness, moisture, and flavor. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Adds a soft texture and deep caramel notes. It also helps create that chewy bite.
• White Sugar (½ cup / 100g): Adds sweetness and aids in a golden crust.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the dough and give it structure while adding a touch of richness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!

✨ Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups / 280g): The foundation of the bars. Be sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
• Baking Soda (½ tsp): A leavening agent that gives the bars a bit of lift and chewiness.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty pistachios.

✨ Mix-ins

• Pistachios (1 cup chopped, shelled): The main attraction! Their unique flavor and light crunch make these bars stand out.
• White Chocolate Chips (¾ cup, optional): Adds pockets of creamy sweetness that pair beautifully with pistachios.

💡 Tip: For the best results, use unsalted, roasted pistachios. If using salted nuts, reduce added salt slightly.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan. Follow these steps for perfect pistachio cookie bars every time.

✅ Step 1: Prep the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave a slight overhang for easy lifting after baking.
• Lightly grease the paper if needed to prevent sticking.

✅ Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
• Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

✅ Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.

✅ Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
• Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the bars soft and tender.

✅ Step 5: Fold in Pistachios and Chocolate

• Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
• Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

✅ Step 6: Spread and Bake

• Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is key for clean slicing.

✅ Step 7: Slice and Serve

• Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang.
• Slice into squares or rectangles, depending on your serving preference.

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🧠 Tips, Tricks & Variations

Want to level up your pistachio cookie bars? Here are some creative spins and helpful baking tips to make them your own.

🔁 Flavor Variations

• Add almond extract: A small splash (¼ tsp) brings out the natural flavor of pistachios even more.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or cherries add a sweet-tart contrast to the rich dough.
• Try different chips: Swap white chocolate with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a bolder flavor.
• Add citrus zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh pop that pairs beautifully with the nuts.

🔄 Make It Healthier

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber (replace up to 50% of the all-purpose flour).
• Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet treat.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseed for a nutritional boost.

❄️ Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps bars fresher longer—up to 10 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

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🍽️ How to Serve Pistachio Cookie Bars

These bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Here’s how to enjoy them in every situation:

🎉 Party Favorite

Cut into bite-size squares and place on a dessert tray. They hold their shape beautifully and look lovely with a dusting of powdered sugar.

🍦 Dessert Upgrade

Warm a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce.

☕ Coffee Companion

Enjoy a bar with a cup of coffee or chai tea. The warm spices and nuttiness are a perfect match.

🎁 Homemade Gifts

Wrap a few bars in wax paper and twine for a thoughtful, homemade gift. They ship well, too!

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❓ FAQ – Pistachio Cookie Bars

Q: Can I use pistachio flour or paste instead of chopped nuts?

A: For this recipe, chopped pistachios provide the ideal texture and visual appeal. Pistachio flour may make the bars too dense, and paste will throw off the moisture balance.

Q: How do I keep my cookie bars from getting too dry?

A: Be sure not to overbake them! Remove from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft—it will firm up as it cools.

Q: Can I halve the recipe?

A: Yes. Use an 8×8-inch pan and cut the baking time down to 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overbake.

Q: Do I need to toast the pistachios first?

A: Toasting brings out even more flavor, especially if using raw nuts. Just toast in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes until fragrant—let cool before adding to the dough.

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🧾 Nutrition Information (Per 100g)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of nutritional values per 100 grams of pistachio cookie bars:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	460 kcal
Total Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Cholesterol	45 mg
Sodium	160 mg
Total Carbohydrates	54 g
Sugars	35 g
Fiber	2 g
Protein	6 g
Calcium	40 mg
Iron	1.5 mg

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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📝 Conclusion

These Pistachio Cookie Bars are a delightful fusion of buttery cookie dough, crunchy pistachios, and creamy white chocolate. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday party, or a thoughtful edible gift, this recipe delivers flavor and texture in every single bite.

They’re easy to make, customizable to your taste, and sure to impress your family, friends, or even just your own sweet tooth. The combination of chewy softness and nutty crunch is hard to resist!

Now that you’ve got all the tips, tricks, and steps, there’s only one thing left to do—grab your apron, preheat your oven, and start baking a batch of these unforgettable pistachio cookie bars.

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