Save Festive, chewy blondie bars infused with earthy matcha and crunchy pistachios, cut into tree shapes and decorated for a holiday treat.
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all purpose flour 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar packed 2 large eggs room temperature 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Add ins: 3/4 cup (90 g) shelled unsalted pistachios roughly chopped
- Decoration (Optional): 1 cup (120 g) white chocolate chips or melting wafers Festive sprinkles or edible glitter Mini pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour matcha powder baking powder and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl combine melted butter and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla whisking until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Stir in chopped pistachios.
- Step 5:
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 23 25 minutes or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 6:
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Step 7:
- Lift out blondies using the parchment overhang. Cut into triangles to resemble Christmas trees.
- Step 8:
- Melt white chocolate and drizzle over each triangle. Decorate with sprinkles and insert a mini pretzel stick at the base of each tree for the trunk.
- Step 9:
- Allow decorations to set before serving.
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Save Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well as alternatives, offering different textures and flavors while maintaining the nutty crunch.
- → How can I intensify the green color from matcha?
Adding an extra half tablespoon of matcha powder will deepen the hue but may also intensify the earthy flavor.
- → What pan size is best for baking these bars?
An 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan provides the right thickness and baking time for even cooking.
- → Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will produce a gluten-free version without compromising texture significantly.
- → How should the bars be decorated for the holiday look?
After cutting into triangles, drizzle melted white chocolate, add festive sprinkles, and use mini pretzel sticks as tree trunks for a charming presentation.
- → What beverages pair well with these bars?
Green tea or a cold glass of milk complements the flavors, enhancing the overall festive experience.