1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Honey Brown Butter Pistachio

Honey Brown Butter Pistachio

Featured in Sweet Treats & Baked Goods.

These bars turn simple ingredients into something special. Toasted butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, balanced with honey's sweetness and a touch of salt for contrast. Sprinkle pistachios for texture and vibrant color. Easy to prepare for a weeknight snack or an elegant dessert for guests. The edges are a little crisp, while the middle stays soft and moist, thanks to the honey. Browned butter starts the magic process, and no fancy tools are needed. They’re both impressive and achievable anytime.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Sarah Recipes
Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 09:33:23 GMT
Honey Brown Butter Pistachio Bars Pin it
Honey Brown Butter Pistachio Bars | recipesaddicts.com

These honey pistachio treats with brown butter give you an amazing mix of caramelized nutty flavor, sweet honey notes, and that satisfying salty crunch from the pistachios. While many standard bar cookies can be pretty basic in taste, these offer something way more interesting with different flavor levels in every mouthful.

I came up with this when I wanted something that would really show off honey's amazing depth beyond just sweetness. It took me four tries (and a couple of sad batches that stayed in the oven too long) before I got this version just right.

Basic Ingredients

  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter: Turns into the nutty, rich base when browned
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brings in those lovely caramel hints and chewiness
  • 3½ tablespoons honey: Adds flowery sweetness and keeps everything moist
  • 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk: Makes for that perfect soft, chewy bite
  • 1¼ teaspoons flaky sea salt: Boosts all the tastes while adding a nice contrast

Your honey choice really changes how these bars turn out. Try to grab a good, pure honey with a taste you really like, since that flavor will come through clearly in your finished treats.

Easy Steps

Browning the Butter:
Let butter melt on medium-low until it smells nutty and turns amber (about 3-5 minutes). Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.
Creating the Base:
Stir the browned butter with brown sugar and honey. Let it cool a bit, then beat in eggs until it looks light and thick.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients:
Gently mix in flour and most of the salt just enough to combine. Your batter should be thick but still pourable.
Baking Preparation:
Dump into a lined 8×8 pan. Sprinkle pistachios and leftover salt on top. Pop it in at 325°F for 23-25 minutes.
Baking and Cooling:
They're done when the edges look set but the middle seems a bit soft. Let them cool all the way before you cut them.

I've tried so many cookie bar recipes over the years, but these are still the ones I love most because they nail that sweet spot between different flavors and textures.

Easy Brown Butter and Honey Pistachio Cookie Bars Pin it
Easy Brown Butter and Honey Pistachio Cookie Bars | recipesaddicts.com

Tasty Companions

Make your dessert even better by matching these fancy bar cookies with drinks and other foods that bring out their best qualities.

Fun Twists

Try these tasty changes to the basic recipe by adding new ingredients that work well with the main flavors.

Keeping Them Fresh

Get the most from your tasty treats by storing them right so they stay perfectly chewy.

Fixing Problems

Get great results every time by knowing what might go wrong and how to fix it.

Brown Butter and Honey Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe Pin it
Brown Butter and Honey Pistachio Cookie Bars Recipe | recipesaddicts.com

These honey pistachio brown butter bars have turned into my go-to dessert – they're what my friends always ask me to bring to parties and the recipe everyone wants after they've had a taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I tell when the butter is browned?
It'll turn golden with an amber tint and smell nutty. Check the bottom for golden bits. Watch closely and pull it off the heat as soon as it’s ready!
→ Can I swap salted pistachios for unsalted?
Sure! If you use unsalted pistachios, sprinkle in a bit more flaky sea salt—around ¼ teaspoon—to keep that great sweet-salty balance.
→ How can I get clean cuts when slicing?
Wait until the bars cool down completely. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean after each cut. Chilling the bars first can also help; just pop them in the fridge or freezer for a bit.
→ Can I use a different nut instead?
Definitely. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all fit perfectly, each giving a unique flavor while still adding crunch.
→ How do I know the bars are baked just right?
Look for the edges to turn golden and firm up, while the center stays ever-so-slightly soft. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely dry or wet.

Honey Brown Butter Pistachio

These honey and pistachio bars mix browned butter with a sweet, salty crunch. Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavor in every bite.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Sarah

Category: Baking & Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 small squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the crust

01 1 large egg yolk
02 1 large egg
03 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 3½ tablespoons honey (using good-quality honey works wonders)
05 1 cup all-purpose flour
06 1 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly

→ For the extras

07 ¼ cup salted pistachios, shelled and chopped roughly
08 1¼ teaspoons flaky salt, separated

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 325°F and let it warm up. Take an 8×8 inch baking dish, cover it with parchment, and leave a little hanging over the edges so you can pull it out easily later. Spray lightly with non-stick spray where the pan shows.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once it’s liquefied, keep cooking as it starts bubbling and turning golden. It’ll smell nutty when it’s ready! Take it off the heat as it hits a light golden-brown color. Don’t let it burn!

Step 03

Mix together the warm browned butter, brown sugar, and honey in a big bowl until smooth. Toss in the whole egg and yolk, then whisk well until everything’s fully blended.

Step 04

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the flaky salt over your wet mixture, then dump in the flour. Stir gently until there’s no dry flour left visible. Don’t overwork it—you want the bars soft!

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to all corners. Scatter the rest of the flaky salt (¼ teaspoon) and the chopped pistachios across the top.

Step 06

Put the pan in the hot oven and bake for 23-25 minutes. The edges should set and turn lightly golden. The center will stay a little soft, and the top will have a golden, crackly surface.

Step 07

Cool the bars in the pan for at least 10 minutes before grabbing the parchment paper edges to lift them out onto a rack. Let them cool completely before slicing them into squares—this keeps the cuts neater and helps everything set properly.

Notes

  1. Store these in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to three days.
  2. Don’t skip on browning the butter—it’s where the deep, nutty flavor comes from!
  3. Want to switch it up? Stir in some white chocolate chips for a twist!

Tools You'll Need

  • 8×8 inch square pan
  • Some parchment paper
  • A small pot or saucepan
  • A large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or wooden spoon
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes tree nuts (pistachios)
  • Made with wheat/gluten (flour)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • Has eggs in it

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g