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## The Perfect Combination: Pistachios and Sugar Cookies
Pistachios are a beloved nut known for their slightly sweet, earthy, and buttery flavor. They add a unique depth to baked goods, and when paired with the delicate sweetness of a sugar cookie base, they create a perfectly balanced dessert. The natural green hue of pistachios also provides an eye-catching contrast to the warm, golden color of the cookie bars, making them an attractive addition to any dessert table.
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which are often cut out and decorated, sugar cookie bars simplify the process. Instead of rolling and cutting dough, the dough is spread into a baking pan, creating a single, large “cookie.” Once baked, the bars are cut into squares, making them easy to serve, share, and enjoy.
The addition of pistachios to the sugar cookie batter gives these bars a unique twist, turning a simple dessert into something special. The nuts contribute both flavor and texture, adding a satisfying crunch in every bite.
## Ingredients for Sweet Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make these sweet pistachio sugar cookie bars. Fortunately, the ingredients are simple and can be found in most kitchens. You might even have some of them on hand already!
### For the Cookie Base:
– **2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour**: The flour forms the structure of the cookie base and ensures the bars hold together.
– **1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder**: This helps the cookie bars rise and gives them a light, airy texture.
– **1/2 teaspoon salt**: A small amount of salt brings out the sweetness and helps balance the flavors.
– **1 cup unsalted butter** (softened): Butter adds richness and tenderness to the cookie bars. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
– **1 cup granulated sugar**: The sugar adds sweetness to the base, contributing to the signature sugar cookie flavor.
– **2 large eggs**: Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping bind the ingredients together and ensuring the cookies bake evenly.
– **1 tablespoon vanilla extract**: The vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor of the cookie base.
– **1 cup shelled pistachios** (roughly chopped): Pistachios bring a delightful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch to the bars. You can either buy pre-chopped pistachios or chop them yourself for a coarser texture.
### For the Frosting (Optional but Recommended):
– **4 oz cream cheese** (softened): Cream cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor to the frosting.
– **1/4 cup unsalted butter** (softened): Butter enhances the richness of the frosting.
– **2 cups powdered sugar**: Powdered sugar helps to create a smooth and sweet frosting.
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: A splash of vanilla helps round out the flavor of the frosting.
– **1-2 tablespoons heavy cream**: The cream makes the frosting smooth and spreadable. You can adjust the amount based on your desired frosting consistency.
– **Chopped pistachios** (for garnish): Extra chopped pistachios can be sprinkled on top of the frosting for an extra touch of flavor and crunch.
## Equipment Needed
To make these Sweet Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars, you’ll need the following equipment:
– **9×13-inch baking pan**: This size pan works perfectly for spreading the cookie dough evenly. If you want thinner bars, you can use a larger pan.
– **Mixing bowls**: You’ll need at least two mixing bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
– **Electric mixer or hand mixer**: Mixing the ingredients for the cookie dough will be much easier with an electric mixer, but you can also mix by hand if you prefer.
– **Spatula**: A spatula helps scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and spread the dough evenly in the pan.
– **Measuring cups and spoons**: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
– **Whisk**: For whisking the dry ingredients and ensuring they’re well-combined.
– **Cooling rack**: After baking, you’ll want to let your cookie bars cool before frosting them, and a cooling rack is ideal for this.
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