Save Festive, chewy blondie bars infused with earthy matcha and crunchy pistachios, cut into tree shapes and decorated for a holiday treat.
This recipe brings a unique twist to holiday baking with its earthy flavors and fun festive presentation.
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 to 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.
Save These blondie bars make holiday baking special and memorable for my family.
Notes
Pecans or almonds can be swapped for pistachios if desired. Pair with green tea or a glass of milk for a festive treat.
Required Tools
8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk and spatula Parchment paper Sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs dairy (butter white chocolate) wheat (unless using gluten-free flour) nuts (pistachios) and gluten (pretzel sticks if not gluten-free). Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save Enjoy crafting these festive blondie bars that bring together flavor and holiday fun.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I substitute pistachios with other nuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives, providing a similar crunch and flavor profile.
- → How do I achieve a deeper green color in the bars?
Adding an extra 1/2 tablespoon of matcha powder will intensify the green hue, but may also enhance the earthy taste.
- → What is the best way to prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the bars once cooled.
- → Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, replacing the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well without altering the texture significantly.
- → How should I decorate the bars for a festive look?
Use melted white chocolate to drizzle over cut shapes, then add festive sprinkles and mini pretzel sticks as tree trunks.
- → What is the suggested baking time and temperature?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 23–25 minutes until the center is set but still moist.