A few months ago, I found a really swell cookie recipe that seemed perfect for the holidays. As usual, I forgot about it. Yesterday’s mention of pistachios must have jogged my memory, so I went back to the recipe today. It’s called White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars and it was submitted to Better Recipes by Roxanne Chan.
I guess my hero today is Roxanne because I had exactly ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 cup of pistachios I needed to use. The peppermints were another story, but knew I could make it work. First, I checked the Christmas tree to see if maybe someone had hung a candy cane on it. Nope. Next -- Todd’s dresser, where I found about 6. There were two in Fuzz’s old plastic pumpkin bucket, a couple in Todd’s junk drawer and one under the bed.
Half Batch White Chocolate Pistachio Peppermint Bars
I couldn’t find quite enough peppermints to make a full cup, so I made half the recipe and baked it in an 8 inch square pan for about 23 minutes. These are awesome! Peppermint, white chocolate and pistachios are a smashing combo. The bars come out of the oven soft, but they crisp up quite a bit as they sit. Whatever you do, don’t leave out the peppermint. It gives the bars extra crunch and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients…..and this is coming from someone who doesn’t really like peppermint.
Recipe
White Chocolate Peppermint Pistachio Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup shortening (98 grams)
- ½ cup salted butter, softened (114 grams)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2½ cups All-purpose Flour (315 grams)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup coarsely chopped peppermint candies
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch metal pan.
- Beat the shortening, butter and sugar with an electric mixer until ight and fluffy.
- Add the baking soda, extract, and eggs and beat until well blended.
- Stir in the flour, white chocolate, crushed candies and nuts.
- Spread the dough evenly in the pan an bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and tests done. Cool to room temperature then cut into bars.
Teri says
I came across a new product by Andes the other day called Pepperment Crunches they work great in the cookies that I made that called for crushed pepperments. Might be worth a try in theses.
Teri
carole says
I love Roxanne's recipes. I am making them tomorrow but will use chopped macadamia nuts since I don't have any pistachios.
RedQueen says
There's a coffee house in Woodland Park, Colorado called Java the Hut...
KT says
Hee Hee!
It is Jaba the Hut. Jawa's are the little creatures that sell the Droids, as shown in the picture.
Java the Hut is funny though. I also like Pizza the Hut from Space Balls.
Michelle W. in Calif. says
Great idea! I'm going to try them!
Anna says
Hi Michelle,
I think it would be good because it's a little unusual. What you might want to do is get some extra white chips, melt them, then drizzle them over the squares and let them set. This would make them look more festive.
Michelle W. in Calif. says
Anna, would you say these would be good for a cookie exchange??? I have one coming up in a week and I could use something new!!!
Therese says
Okay...
Maybe I DO drink too much coffee, but I always thought his name was Java the Hut. Call it a Jackineese (long story about the Jackineese), but what is that star wars characters REAL name? As you have guessed I am not a Star Wars fan.
THANKS ANNA & JOE...about the peppermint smashing. I did try that...and I got holes in my baggies. Maybe I was pounding too hard or I was too frustrated at the time...tee hee.
Emiline says
Oh, Tim would be so proud of you! Watch out for that Tiki Barber, though.
The combination of flavors you used, really does seem smashing. Very Christmasy.
Anna says
Amy, it was the JUNK drawer not SOCK drawer. Sheesh!
And the peppermints were wrapped....well, except for that one I found under the refrigerator...Just kidding.
One of the peppermints was one of those flakey/soft mints. Now that one didn't work so well.
Therese, I guess scavenging the house made me feel like a jawa.
You can smash the mints any way you feel like. I put mine in a zipper bag, laid it on the granite and banged it with a rolling pin. Leave some big chunks, though.
Joe says
Therese - I know you asked Anna, but I'll toss in my comment. I like to crush peppermints in a sturdy zip-loc bag with a trusty rolling pin (you could also use the bottom of a heavy skillet). It is great for getting rid of any frustration too!
Therese says
Anna!
I love it when you use those props! Very funny!
Is there an easy way to smash those peppermints? I don't have a food processor...any hints? Also, funny you should mention Project Runway...my daughter and I were watching that. We have decided to do a comedy sketch about that show at the Christmas get-together at the Lodge. LOVE THAT SHOW!