Name: Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 47 min
Cuisine: Dubai
Ingredients: 9 tbsp (134g) salted butter; 1/2 cup (125g) brown sugar, light or dark; 1/4 cup (40g) granulated sugar; 1 egg, at room temperature; 1 tbsp (15g) heavy cream, at room temperature; 1 1/2 tsp (8g) vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (190g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp (3g) baking soda; 1/2 tsp (2g) baking powder; 1/4 tsp (1g) salt; 3/4 cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3 cups (300g) kataifi (shredded phyllo dough); 1 cup (300g) pistachio cream/butter; 2 tbsp (28g) salted butter; 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; Chopped pistachios, for garnishing

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re searching for a dessert that’ll make everyone at your table reach for seconds (and probably thirds), look no further than these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. A decadent marriage of nutty brown butter cookie, rich pistachio filling swirled with toasted kataifi, and a silky layer of chocolate ganache, these bars are a true celebration of flavor and texture. Each bite transports you to a world where traditional ingredients meet opulent, global flair—making this a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, every ingredient plays its brilliant part. Accessible yet elevated, each component brings either richness, crunch, or depth—so you get a mouthful of magic with every bar.

Salted Butter: Browning the butter creates deep, nutty undertones that make the cookie base unforgettable.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with caramel notes for a soft, chewy bar.
Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the perfect crisp-tender texture.
Egg: Brings everything together for structure and moisture.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness, ensuring a plush and soft crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances every other flavor, especially the brown butter and pistachio.
All-Purpose Flour: The essential base, yielding a just-right chew.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Give lift and that irresistible cookie bar texture.
Salt: Balances out the sweet and deepens every layer.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Speckled throughout, these melt into gooey pockets that pair perfectly with pistachio.
Kataifi (Shredded Phyllo Dough): Toasted until golden, this ingredient gives the filling its signature crunch and a hint of Middle Eastern magic.
Pistachio Cream/Butter: The heart of the pistachio filling, lending creamy richness and a nutty burst.
Chopped Pistachios: An optional garnish that brings color and crunch to the finish line.

How to Make Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350F—the ideal temp for golden, even baking. Butter an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper. This little prep ensures your Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars pop out effortlessly, holding onto every gorgeous layer.

Step 2: Brown the Butter & Mix the Cookie Dough

In a saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Swirl it around as it bubbles and transforms into a caramel-scented, toasty brown butter (watch closely after about five minutes). Pour it into a mixing bowl and let it cool just a bit—it needs to be warm, not hot, for the dough. Whisk brown sugar and granulated sugar into the cooled butter, then beat in the egg until you get a paler, creamy mix. Blend in the heavy cream and vanilla, letting the aromas envelop you! In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then combine with the wet ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips last—this way, the dough won’t get streaky.

Step 3: Spread and Bake the Cookie Base

Transfer the cookie dough into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 22 to 27 minutes, watching for a lightly golden hue. The scent will be irresistible. Let the base cool as you move on to crafting the unforgettable pistachio layer.

Step 4: Toast Kataifi and Prepare Pistachio Filling

Add butter to a large pan and melt over medium heat. Toss in the shredded kataifi, stirring and toasting until it’s golden crisp—don’t step away, as it can brown fast! Once done, let it cool in a bowl. Fold in the pistachio cream or butter, creating a lush and slightly textured filling. This step is where the Dubai-inspired luxury starts to shine through.

Step 5: Make Silky Chocolate Ganache

Set your chocolate chips in a large bowl. Meanwhile, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan just until it simmers. Pour it over the chocolate chips, let it sit for five minutes to melt the chocolate, then stir until glossy and fully smooth. This ganache is pure velvet!

Step 6: Assemble and Chill

Layer the pistachio filling over the cooled cookie base, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it all the way to the edges. Pour the prepared ganache on top and gently smooth into a luscious, even layer. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for extra appeal. Pop the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour so everything firms up into beautiful, sliceable bars.

How to Serve Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Garnishes

The finishing touch can make all the difference—a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a light dusting of edible gold leaf immediately elevates your Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. If you’re feeling fancy, a touch of flaky sea salt will tantalize every bite with a pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

Bake these for a gathering? Serve with shots of intense espresso, cardamom tea, or a scoop of fresh vanilla bean ice cream. The creamy and bitter notes balance all that sweet, nutty richness in the bars perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these bars into tiny diamonds for a party tray, stack them into a cookie tower, or wrap individual pieces in parchment and twine for edible gifts. Add some whole roasted pistachios and shards of chocolate to the platter for a look (and taste!) that rivals any patisserie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve indulged, store any remaining Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, maintaining that gorgeous, layered texture.

Freezing

Love to prep ahead? These bars freeze beautifully. After cutting, place them in a single layer between sheets of parchment paper, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When the cravings hit, thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter at room temperature.

Reheating

If you like your cookie bars slightly warm (who could blame you!), pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate ganache turns ultra-melty and the cookie base gets irresistibly chewy—just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Absolutely! Just up the salt in your dough a touch (about 1/4 teaspoon more) to keep the sweet and salty flavors perfectly balanced in your Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Is there a substitute for kataifi if I can’t find it?

If you can’t track down kataifi, very finely shredded phyllo or even toasted, crushed cornflakes can step in for a playful twist. The crunch is key for that signature texture.

What is pistachio cream or butter, and where can I buy it?

Pistachio cream or butter is a smooth, spreadable blend of pistachios—think of it as the pistachio answer to peanut butter. Middle Eastern groceries or specialty food shops often carry it, but you can also make your own at home by blending shelled pistachios until creamy.

Can I make these cookie bars vegan?

For a plant-based version, swap in vegan butter, a flax egg (for binding), coconut or another plant-based cream, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a vegan-friendly pistachio spread. The method remains just as simple and rewarding!

How do I get clean slices when cutting the bars?

For picture-perfect squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Clean the knife between each cut—this keeps the ganache and filling neat and the layers well-defined.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a show-stopping treat that’s equal parts elegant and irresistible, make these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars your next baking adventure. Share them with friends, bring them to your next party, or simply enjoy with a cup of tea and a quiet moment for yourself—you’ll soon see why I keep coming back to this recipe time after time.