Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Baking Dish:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.

#### 2. **Make the Cookie Dough:**
– In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
– In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
– Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until fully combined.

#### 3. **Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars.
– Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips (if using) for a burst of flavor and texture.

#### 4. **Bake the Cookie Bars:**
– Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
– Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bars should be soft and slightly chewy in the middle, with a golden top.

#### 5. **Drizzle and Cool:**
– While the bars are baking, heat the sweetened condensed milk in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until it’s slightly warm and pourable.
– Once the cookie bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into squares.
– After the bars have cooled slightly, drizzle the warm sweetened condensed milk over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and creaminess.

#### 6. **Finishing Touches:**
– Lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and a hint of sweetness.
– Cut into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

### **Tips:**
– **Pistachio Substitutes:** If you’re not a fan of pistachios, you can swap them out for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor and texture.
– **Vegan Option:** For a vegan version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use an egg replacement such as a flax egg or chia egg.
– **Storage:** Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months for a quick, easy treat whenever you crave something sweet.

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
– **Rich Flavor:** The pistachios add a wonderful nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the cookie base and optional white chocolate chips.
– **Chewy and Soft:** The cookie bars have the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a slight crispness around the edges.
– **Simple to Make:** With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make these delicious cookie bars in no time, making them ideal for when you need a quick but impressive dessert.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are versatile enough to suit any occasion.

### **Conclusion:**
**Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars** are a wonderful fusion of rich, buttery cookie dough, crunchy pistachios, and creamy sweetness, making them the ultimate dessert for nut lovers. Their chewy texture and delightful flavor will keep everyone coming back for more. Try this easy recipe today, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dreamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet indulgence that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire!