Irresistible White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars: Your Essential Holiday Baking Guide
The holiday season often brings with it a delightful craving for festive treats and baking adventures. A few months ago, amidst the flurry of online recipes, I stumbled upon a truly wonderful cookie bar recipe that immediately captured my attention as a perfect candidate for holiday indulgence. As is often the case with many great finds, it slipped my mind. However, a recent conversation yesterday about the vibrant green and unique flavor of pistachios miraculously jogged my memory, prompting me to revisit that promising recipe today. It’s wonderfully named “White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars” and was originally shared on Better Recipes by the talented Roxanne Chan. This recipe promises a harmonious blend of classic holiday flavors with a delightful textural contrast, making it an ideal addition to any festive dessert spread or a thoughtful homemade gift.
My gratitude today goes out to Roxanne Chan, whose ingenious recipe came to my rescue! As fate would have it, I had precisely ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract and a full cup of pistachios sitting in my pantry, ingredients that were patiently waiting to be put to good use. It felt like the universe was nudging me towards this particular baking project. The peppermint candies, however, presented a slight challenge. While I knew I had some scattered around, gathering a full cup seemed like a scavenger hunt in the making. My initial thought was to check our Christmas tree, hoping a forgotten candy cane might be hanging there, a leftover from last year’s decorations or an early addition this season. Alas, no luck! Undeterred, I moved on to Todd’s dresser, where, to my pleasant surprise, I discovered about six stray candy canes. The hunt continued, leading me to Fuzz’s old plastic pumpkin bucket – a treasure trove from Halloween past – which yielded a couple more. A quick peek into Todd’s infamous junk drawer produced another few, and finally, a single, lonely candy cane was found lurking under the bed. It was a true quest, but every piece brought me closer to these delectable bars.
Baking a Perfect Half Batch: White Chocolate Pistachio Peppermint Bars
Despite my thorough search, I couldn’t quite accumulate enough peppermint candies to fulfill the full recipe’s requirement of a cup. Rather than abandoning the project, I decided to adapt and bake a half batch, a decision that proved to be an excellent one. This reduced quantity fit perfectly into an 8-inch square pan and baked beautifully in approximately 23 minutes. The result? Absolutely awesome! The combination of refreshing peppermint, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy, slightly salty pistachios is an undeniably smashing trio of flavors and textures. When these bars first emerge from the oven, they are wonderfully soft and slightly chewy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. However, as they cool to room temperature, they develop a delightful crispness, adding another layer of enjoyable texture. This transformation from soft to crisp makes them incredibly satisfying to eat. I cannot stress this enough: whatever you do, do not omit the peppermint. Its inclusion is crucial, not only for its distinct, refreshing flavor but also for providing that essential extra crunch that elevates these bars. Surprisingly, even as someone who typically finds peppermint overpowering, I can confidently say that in this recipe, it harmonizes beautifully without dominating the other ingredients. It’s a balanced, festive treat that’s sure to impress!
These bars are not just a simple dessert; they are a celebration of holiday flavors, crafted to bring joy and warmth to any gathering. The vibrant green of the pistachios, the pristine white of the chocolate, and the cheerful red and white flecks of peppermint make them visually appealing, perfectly embodying the spirit of the season. They are remarkably easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for both experienced bakers and those new to the kitchen. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, looking for a delicious gift, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, these White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars are an absolute must-try. Their unique blend of sweet, minty, and nutty notes will undoubtedly make them a new favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.
- Chocolate Pistachio Thins
- Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Bars
- Small Batch Pistachio Pudding Dessert
- Peppermint Bark for The Holidays
- White Chocolate Pistachio Crunch Cookies
The Full Recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars
White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening (98 grams)
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (114 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups All-purpose Flour (315 grams)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candies
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch metal baking pan to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shortening, softened salted butter, and granulated sugar. Beat these ingredients together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-creamed. This step is crucial for achieving a tender bar texture.
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Next, add the baking soda, peppermint extract, and large eggs to the creamed mixture. Continue to beat with the electric mixer until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
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Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, white chocolate chips, coarsely crushed peppermint candies, and chopped pistachios. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
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Press the dough evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. This cooling period is essential for them to set properly and develop their characteristic crisp texture.
There you have it – a truly captivating recipe for White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars that promises to be a highlight of your holiday season. These bars are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience, bringing together contrasting yet complementary flavors and textures in every bite. From the smooth, sweet white chocolate to the invigorating crunch of peppermint and the earthy notes of pistachios, each element plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable treat. Whether you’re baking a full batch for a large gathering or a smaller portion for a cozy evening, this recipe is incredibly adaptable and rewarding. Consider packaging them in festive boxes or bags for a homemade gift that will surely be appreciated by friends, family, and neighbors alike. Don’t hesitate to dive into the joyous process of creating these bars; they are simple enough for anyone to make, yet elegant enough for any celebration. Share your baking triumphs and let us know your thoughts – we’re always eager to hear how these festive bars turn out in your kitchen!