Name: Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 170g butter, softened; 280g dark brown sugar; 1 large, free range egg; 400g plain flour; 1.5 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 350g plain chocolate chips, divided; 200g unsalted pistachios, chopped; As much pistachio creme as desired for layering

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you are searching for a delightfully rich and satisfying treat, look no further than this Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the buttery sweetness of a classic cookie with the nutty crunch of toasted pistachios and a luscious pistachio creme layer that creates an irresistible texture and flavor contrast. Perfectly studded with dark chocolate chips and baked to a golden finish, these bars offer a comforting and indulgent bite every single time. Whether you need a show-stopping dessert for a gathering or a special snack to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with thick cookie dough mixed with lots of dark brown chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and small green pieces that look like nuts. The dough is light beige and chunky, with a rough texture from all the mix-ins. A pale blue spatula with a wooden handle is placed inside the bowl, sticking into the dough. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that perfect homemade charm. From the softness of butter to the crunch of pistachios, every item contributes something unique to bring these Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe to life.

170g butter, softened: The base that brings richness and helps bind the dough with a tender crumb.
280g dark brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture that keep the bars chewy and luscious.
1 large, free range egg: Binds ingredients together while lending structure and softness.
400g plain flour: Provides the sturdy canvas to support all the mix-ins and create the bar form.
1.5 tsp baking powder: Helps the bars rise lightly, giving them a perfect balance between cakey and chewy.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances every other flavor.
350g plain chocolate chips, divided: Melts into pockets of bittersweet goodness throughout and on top.
200g unsalted pistachios, chopped: Infuses nutty crunch and vibrant green flecks that make these bars irresistibly attractive.
Pistachio creme: The star ingredient that creates creamy, dreamy swirls adding decadence and moisture.

How to Make Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tin and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Grease and line a 9×9 square baking tin to ensure your bars won’t stick and come out easily after baking. This simple step makes cleanup easier and guarantees those perfect edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter, dark brown sugar, and vanilla extract for about 3 to 5 minutes. This creates a fluffy, light mixture that’s the foundation of your cookie dough’s tender texture and irresistible sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Next, crack in the egg and mix it thoroughly while scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined. The egg adds moisture and helps the dough hold together nicely without becoming tough.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour, Baking Powder, Chocolate Chips, and Pistachios

Now it’s time to introduce the dry ingredients: flour and baking powder, along with 250g of your chocolate chips and the chopped pistachios. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps your bars tender yet sturdy with those delightful nutty and chocolatey pockets throughout.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Using lightly floured hands, press half of your dough into the prepared baking tin, spreading it evenly. Spoon the pistachio creme generously on top of this base layer. Don’t be shy—this creme adds incredible richness and moisture that takes these bars over the top. Then, cover with the remaining dough, gently flattening it. It’s perfectly fine if a bit of the creme oozes out, adding visual appeal and extra flavor pockets.

Step 6: Add Remaining Chocolate Chips and Bake

Scatter the remaining chocolate chips on top of your dough before placing it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes until the bars have turned golden brown and the edges look set. This finishing touch of chocolate chips on top melts slightly, giving a luscious, glossy finish.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the tin for 15 minutes—this lets them firm up so they won’t crumble when sliced. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut the slab into 16 equally sized squares and get ready to enjoy these delightful pistachio treats.

How to Serve Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of six square bars with a soft texture, featuring three visible layers on each bar. The top layer is light brown with a slightly crumbly texture, studded with small smooth dark brown chocolate chips scattered unevenly. The middle layer is a greenish mix with visible chopped pistachio pieces, providing a nutty texture with rough green spots. The bottom layer is a darker brown with embedded pistachio pieces and chocolate chips creating a speckled look. The bars are stacked on a round black wire rack placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by white daisies and a few purple flowers in the blurry background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate enhances the bars’ appearance and adds a little extra sweetness without overpowering the pistachio flavor. For a fancy touch, sprinkle a few whole pistachios on top just before serving to showcase their vibrant green color.

Side Dishes

These bars shine brilliantly alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, perfect for turning a snack into a cozy dessert experience. A cup of rich espresso or your favorite tea pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe on a rustic wooden board arranged with fresh berries and edible flowers for a stunning dessert spread at your next gathering. Or cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a pretty platter as part of a fancy tea party or festive celebration—it’s a guaranteed conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover Pistachio Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain chewy and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for enjoying fresh flavors during the week.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully for longer storage. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked warm softness and ensures the chocolate chips are delightfully melty.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

You can, but be mindful that salted pistachios may add extra saltiness that could alter the flavor balance slightly. If you use salted, consider reducing any added salt in the recipe.

Is pistachio creme necessary for the recipe?

While you can omit the pistachio creme, it adds a rich and creamy layer that elevates the bars from good to absolutely spectacular. It’s highly recommended to keep it for the best flavor experience.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Chopped dark, milk, or even white chocolate bars can work, but be sure to adjust quantity and sweetness levels accordingly for your taste preference.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color around the edges and a firm but slightly soft top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Are these bars gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses plain flour which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-free version, keeping in mind texture differences.

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely comforting about homemade treats, and this Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Rich, nutty, chocolatey, and creamy all at once, these bars bring joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the harmony of flavors and textures that make this recipe an absolute standout. Happy baking, and even happier eating!