🍪 Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 16-20 bars
Best Time to Serve: Ideal for dessert, snacks, or as a sweet treat at parties and gatherings!

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Ingredients

1. Cookie Base

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225g)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)

• ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (180g)

2. Pistachio Filling

• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk (240ml)

• ½ cup pistachio butter (or smooth peanut butter as a substitute)

• 1 cup white chocolate chips (175g)

• ½ cup shelled pistachios, chopped (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer).

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

6. Fold in the chopped pistachios, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

🔹 Step 2: Press the Cookie Dough into the Pan

1. Take about ¾ of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. The layer should be smooth and even.

2. Set aside the remaining dough for topping.

🔹 Step 3: Make the Pistachio Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and pistachio butter. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Remove from heat and fold in the white chocolate chips. Continue to stir until the white chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Pour the pistachio filling over the pressed cookie dough in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly.

🔹 Step 4: Add the Remaining Cookie Dough

1. Take the remaining cookie dough and drop small spoonfuls over the pistachio filling. Use a spatula or your fingers to gently spread it out, but it doesn’t need to be perfect – it’s fine if some filling is still visible.

🔹 Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling will firm up and the cookie dough will turn golden.

2. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

🔹 Step 6: Finish and Serve

1. Once the bars are completely cooled, cut them into squares or bars. If desired, sprinkle additional chopped pistachios on top for extra crunch and decoration.

2. Serve and enjoy!

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Tips for the Perfect Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

• For extra flavor, you can toast the pistachios lightly in a dry pan before chopping them and adding to the dough or filling.

• Make sure the pistachio butter is smooth for the best texture in the filling. If it’s too thick, you can heat it gently to loosen it up.

• These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Calories (estimated)

• 1 bar: ~250-300 kcal (depending on size and toppings)

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Energy-Saving Tips

• Use a stand mixer or electric hand mixer to speed up the process of creaming the butter and sugar.

• Bake multiple batches at once if you plan to make a large quantity, saving time and energy.

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Who Would Enjoy This?

• Pistachio lovers or anyone who enjoys nutty, sweet treats

• Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or holiday celebrations

• Great for people who love rich, indulgent bars with a sweet and nutty flavor combination