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### 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!
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