Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Makes: 16 bars

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Pistachio Layer:

• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar or sanding sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
3. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or cooking spray.

Make the Cookie Base:

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
6. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Prepare the Pistachio Layer:

8. In a small bowl, combine finely chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, melted butter, honey, and salt.
9. Mix until well combined and mixture holds together.

Assemble the Bars:

10. Press two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
11. Sprinkle the pistachio mixture evenly over the cookie base.
12. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the pistachio layer, leaving some gaps for texture.
13. Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios and coarse sugar over the top.
14. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes.

Bake:

15. Bake for 22-25 minutes, until edges are golden brown and top is set.
16. The center should still be slightly soft as it will continue cooking from residual heat.
17. Cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Make the Glaze (Optional):

18. While bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
19. Add a drop of green food coloring if desired for a subtle pistachio color.
20. Drizzle over cooled bars in a decorative pattern.

Tips for Success

• Quality Pistachios: Use fresh, unsalted pistachios for the best flavor
• Don’t Overbake: These should be golden but still soft in the center
• Even Pressing: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press dough evenly
• Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife and wipe clean between cuts

Storage Instructions

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months
• Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture

Variations

Chocolate Pistachio Bars:

• Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough
• Drizzle with melted chocolate instead of glaze

Lemon Pistachio Bars:

• Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the cookie dough
• Use lemon juice in the glaze instead of milk

Rose Pistachio Bars:

• Add 1/4 teaspoon rose water to the cookie dough
• Tint glaze with pink food coloring
• Garnish with dried rose petals

Cranberry Pistachio Bars:

• Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the pistachio layer
• Beautiful holiday color combination

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cookie dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated
• Assembled bars can be covered and refrigerated overnight before baking
• Baked bars keep well for several days, making them perfect for entertaining

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with coffee or tea
• Elegant addition to dessert platters
• Great for potlucks and bake sales
• Lovely packaged as gifts

Nutritional Benefits

• Pistachios provide healthy fats and protein
• Good source of fiber and antioxidants
• Portion-controlled servings
• Natural nutty flavor without artificial additives

Presentation Ideas

• Cut into elegant rectangles for formal occasions
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
• Garnish with whole pistachios for extra visual appeal
• Serve on decorative plates for special events

Troubleshooting

Bars too crumbly? Press dough more firmly into pan Pistachios burning? Cover with foil for last 5 minutes of baking Glaze too thick? Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time Bars sticking to pan? Ensure adequate parchment paper overhang

These Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars combine the comfort of classic sugar cookies with the sophisticated flavor of pistachios, creating an elegant treat that’s perfect for any occasion!