Sweet Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s important to cream the butter and sugar well to get that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
4. Add egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully combined. The extracts will give the bars a nice depth of flavor.
5. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
6. Fold in pistachios: Gently fold in the finely chopped pistachios, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The pistachios will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.
7. Spread in pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, spreading it all the way to the edges. If you want a slightly sweeter, sparkling finish, sprinkle the top of the dough with green sanding sugar or regular sugar.
8. Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars will firm up as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them to keep them soft and chewy.
9. Cool and slice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Garnish each bar with a few extra chopped pistachios on top for a touch of color and texture.

Tips:

• Pistachios: Make sure to use unsalted pistachios so that you can control the level of salt in your recipe. You can buy them pre-shelled to save time or shell them yourself. If you prefer a more intense pistachio flavor, you can toast the nuts lightly before chopping them.
• Texture: These cookie bars are meant to be soft and chewy. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake them a little longer, but keep a close eye to avoid overbaking.
• Flavor Boost: If you enjoy a more prominent pistachio flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of pistachio paste to the dough for an even richer pistachio taste.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. You can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the cooled bars for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. The rich chocolate pairs wonderfully with the pistachios.
• Pistachio Butter Frosting: For a more decadent treat, top these bars with a pistachio butter frosting. Simply mix powdered sugar, butter, and pistachio butter until smooth and spread it over the cooled bars.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrusy flavor that complements the nuttiness of the pistachios.

Serving Suggestions:

These Sweet Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at family gatherings, potlucks, or as a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea. They also make a wonderful homemade gift, beautifully packaged in a gift box or tin for holidays or special celebrations.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress, these Sweet Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect choice. The buttery, soft texture of sugar cookies combined with the crunch and nuttiness of pistachios creates a treat that’s both delightful and indulgent. These bars are a great way to add a new twist to classic sugar cookies while enjoying the rich flavor of pistachios. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make a batch of these delicious bars that will quickly become a new favorite!