Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
If you are looking for a truly indulgent treat that hits all the right notes of nutty richness, sweet chocolate, and a hint of Middle Eastern flair, then these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. With the warm aroma of browned butter mingling with the crunch of toasted kataifi and the luxurious creaminess of pistachio, every bite offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. These bars are not just cookies; they are a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to a sophisticated, irresistible dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the complex flavor and texture profile. From the richness of browned butter to the crispy kataifi and creamy pistachio, every ingredient brings its own magic to the table.
- Salted Butter: Essential for browning to develop a deep, nutty flavor that forms the base of the dough.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the structure and slight crunch.
- Large Egg: Binds all ingredients together and adds richness.
- Heavy Cream: Provides moisture and a tender crumb to the bars.
- Vanilla Extract: Lifts the flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose Flour: The foundation for the dough, creating the right density and chew.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Work together to help the bars rise just right, keeping them tender.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Bring melty pockets of rich chocolate throughout the bars.
- Kataifi (Shredded Phyllo Dough): Adds an unexpected crispy texture with a golden, nutty toast.
- Pistachio Cream/Butter: Delivers a luscious, nutty layer that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Chopped Pistachios (Optional): For garnishing, giving an extra crunch and vibrant green color.
How to Make Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection
Start by melting the salted butter over medium heat. Stir gently and watch closely as it changes from yellow to a gorgeous golden brown, releasing a warm, nutty aroma that instantly elevates your kitchen. This browned butter is the flavor powerhouse of your bars, so patience is key here.
Step 2: Create the Sugary Base
Once the butter has cooled slightly, mix it thoroughly with both brown and granulated sugars. This combination gives your cookie dough a perfect balance of moisture, sweetness, and texture, setting the stage for chewy yet crisp bars.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the large egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to your sugar and brown butter mixture. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring every ingredient is fully combined for a luscious dough consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, folding gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep your bars tender.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These melty bits are what make the bars irresistible bite after bite.
Step 6: Prepare the Cookie Base Layer
Press half of the cookie dough firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan. This will serve as the delicious base that supports the pistachio and kataifi layer.
Step 7: Toast and Mix the Kataifi
In a separate pan, toast the shredded kataifi with a small amount of butter until golden and crunchy. Then mix it with the pistachio cream to create a decadent, nutty layer that adds texture and depth.
Step 8: Assemble the Bars
Spread the kataifi and pistachio mixture evenly over the cookie base. Then top with the remaining cookie dough, gently spreading it to cover the filling completely. This layered approach brings a surprising twist to a classic cookie bar.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake the assembled bars in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to preserve their structure and enhance flavors.
How to Serve Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top of the bars for a pop of color and added crunch that perfectly complements the nutty layers inside. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious dessert combo, or serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or fragrant mint tea to balance the richness and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cookie bars into small squares to serve as part of a dessert platter, or arrange them on a decorative tray sprinkled with edible rose petals for a luxurious Middle Eastern-inspired presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days without losing their chewy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm the bars briefly in a microwave or oven to bring back that fresh-baked softness and melt the chocolate chips slightly. Just 10-15 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) in the oven does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter but be sure to add an extra pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
What is kataifi and where can I buy it?
Kataifi is shredded phyllo dough, popular in Middle Eastern and Greek desserts. It’s usually found in the frozen section of specialty grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
To make gluten-free bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the bars from being too dry?
Be careful not to overbake. Removing the bars as soon as they turn golden and the edges pull away from the pan ensures they stay moist and chewy.
What is pistachio cream, and can I make my own?
Pistachio cream is a smooth, spreadable paste made from ground pistachios, often mixed with sugar and oil. You can make your own by blending shelled pistachios with a touch of oil and sweetener until smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars that combines the warmth of browned butter with the crunchy, nutty kataifi and luscious pistachio layers. If you’re craving a dessert that feels both comforting and exotic, this recipe will not disappoint. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try these bars, share them with your loved ones, and enjoy the beautiful blend of flavors that come together in every bite.
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Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter with the crunchy sweetness of kataifi pastry and creamy pistachio butter, layered between classic chocolate chip cookie dough. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars offer a unique and indulgent dessert experience inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Salted Butter
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup Kataifi (Shredded Phyllo Dough)
- 1/2 cup Pistachio Cream/Butter
- Chopped Pistachios (Optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up.
- Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before use.
- Mix sugars and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and the cooled browned butter. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract into the sugar and butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough and fold them in evenly, distributing throughout the batter.
- Press base layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare kataifi filling: In a separate frying pan, toast the kataifi shredded phyllo dough with a small amount of butter until it turns golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and mix with the pistachio cream or butter to create a flavorful filling. Spread this pistachio-kataifi mixture evenly over the cookie dough base.
- Top with remaining dough: Spread the remaining cookie dough evenly over the pistachio-kataifi layer, covering it completely.
- Bake and cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired before serving.
Notes
- Allow the brown butter to cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg when added to the wet ingredients.
- Use parchment paper to line your baking pan for easy removal of the bars.
- Toast the kataifi gently to avoid burning and to enhance its crisp texture.
- Pistachio cream or butter can be substituted with Nutella or almond butter for a different flavor twist.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: brown butter, pistachio chocolate chip bars, kataifi dessert, Middle Eastern cookie bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, pistachio cream dessert
