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Pistachio Shortbread Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pistachio Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery, crumbly shortbread base with crunchy chopped pistachios. Perfectly baked to a golden finish and optionally dusted with powdered sugar, these bars offer a burst of nutty flavor and a satisfying texture. Ideal for snack time, tea parties, or dessert, they are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a short baking time.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Base:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shelled and chopped pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
  • Powdered sugar, for optional dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated into the buttery mixture, enhancing the flavor base.
  4. Mix in Flour and Pistachios: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the bowl and mix gently until a dough forms. Fold in the chopped pistachios evenly to distribute the nutty texture throughout the dough.
  5. Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down firmly and smoothing out the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the edges turn a light golden brown and the center is set, ensuring the shortbread is perfectly baked without overcooking.
  7. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely right in the pan. Cooling is important for the bars to firm up and be easier to cut.
  8. Add Topping: Once cooled, sprinkle the additional chopped pistachios over the top to add extra crunch and visual appeal. Optionally, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness and attractive finish.
  9. Serve: Cut the shortbread into 16 squares or bars and serve. Enjoy this delicious nutty treat with tea or coffee or as a delightful dessert.

Notes

  • For best results, use unsalted butter softened to room temperature to ensure proper creaming with the sugar.
  • Make sure the bars are completely cool before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
  • Chopping pistachios finely ensures they distribute evenly and add consistent texture throughout the shortbread.
  • Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice finishing touch and slight sweetness to balance the nuttiness.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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Find it online: https://dailydinnersolutions.com/pistachio-shortbread-bars-recipe/