Save to Pinterest Festive, chewy blondie bars infused with earthy matcha and crunchy pistachios, cut into tree shapes and decorated for a holiday treat.
This recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family, especially loved for its unique blend of flavors and fun tree shapes.
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.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these matcha pistachio blondie bars during the holidays always brings smiles and warm moments to our family gatherings.
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 to Pinterest These festive blondie bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of flour works best for these bars?
All-purpose flour provides the right structure and texture, but gluten-free flour blends can be substituted for dietary needs.
- → How does matcha powder affect the flavor?
Matcha adds a subtle earthy bitterness that balances the sweetness, creating a unique and refreshing taste.
- → Can other nuts replace pistachios?
Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives to pistachios if preferred.
- → How can I make the green color more vibrant?
Adding an extra half tablespoon of matcha powder intensifies the green hue and flavor.
- → What is the best way to decorate these bars festively?
Use melted white chocolate drizzle, festive sprinkles, and mini pretzel sticks to create a tree trunk effect on each cut piece.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they contain no meat products and fit a vegetarian lifestyle.