Pin It Festive, chewy blondie bars infused with earthy matcha and crunchy pistachios, cut into tree shapes and decorated for a holiday treat.
I love making these bars every holiday season because they bring festive joy and a unique green twist to traditional blondies.
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.
Pin It This recipe has become a family favorite at Christmas parties because everyone loves the festive look and unique flavors.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230 Total Fat: 12 g Carbohydrates: 27 g Protein: 3 g (per serving)
Pin It These bars are perfect for holiday gifting or as a festive dessert to impress your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I enhance the green color?
Adding an extra 1/2 tablespoon of matcha powder intensifies the green hue without overpowering flavor.
- → Can I substitute the pistachios?
Yes, pecans or almonds can be used instead for a different nutty texture and taste.
- → What is the best way to shape the bars?
After cooling, cut the chewy blondies into triangles to resemble Christmas trees before decorating.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour makes these bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → How should I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.