Where can I buy kataifi pastry in Europe or the US?

Kataifi pastry is commonly available in the frozen section of international or Middle Eastern grocery stores . In Europe, you’ll often find it in Turkish, Greek, or Lebanese markets, especially in larger cities. Look for brands like Antoniou or Apollo . If you can't find it locally, many online specialty food retailers carry kataifi and ship it in insulated packaging. Pro tip: Always thaw kataifi in the fridge overnight, then fluff it gently with your fingers before using in your Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars .

Can I make these cookie bars dairy-free?

Absolutely. These Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can easily be adapted for dairy-free diets. Use: Plant-based butter (e.g., Miyoko’s, Earth Balance) — both brown beautifully Dairy-free chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life or Hu) Vegan pistachio cream or nut-free seed butter (sunflower or tahini-based options) Bonus: These swaps won’t compromise the flavor or structure—just stick to high-fat options for that rich, gooey texture. Whether you follow a dairy-free lifestyle or are baking for someone with allergies, these Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars work beautifully with high-fat vegan substitutions.

Can these cookie bars be frozen?

Yes! These bars freeze exceptionally well and make a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to freeze them: Let them cool completely after baking Cut into individual bars Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1 hour Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container They’ll keep for up to 2 months . To serve, let them thaw at room temp or warm in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes to revive that gooey magic.

What can I substitute for pistachio cream?

If pistachio cream isn’t available near you, try one of these easy swaps: Almond butter – similar fat profile and subtle nuttiness Hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella) – for a sweeter, chocolate-forward twist White chocolate ganache blended with finely chopped pistachios DIY pistachio butter – make it at home using roasted pistachios and a food processor Looking for a recipe? Check out our homemade pistachio butter guide .

How do I keep the bars from getting soggy?

Sogginess is usually the result of underbaking or using overly moist ingredients. To keep your Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars perfectly crisp and gooey: Chill pistachio cream before layering Bake until the edges are golden and set Let the bars cool completely before cutting Don’t stack them while warm—if you must stack, use parchment between layers

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—these cookie bars are easy to adapt for gluten-free diets. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like: Bob’s Red Mill GF Baking Flour King Arthur Measure for Measure Also check: Your kataifi substitute is gluten-free (try crushed cornflakes or unsweetened coconut flakes ) Your baking soda is certified GF (some contain gluten through shared processing lines) With these swaps, your gluten-free Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars will still be indulgent and delicious.

Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Description

These Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine rich and nutty flavors with a unique twist. Featuring a buttery brown butter cookie base, a luxurious pistachio filling made with toasted kataifi, and a decadent layer of silky chocolate ganache, these bars are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brown Butter Cookie Bars:

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 (170g) 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

Pistachio Filling:

3 cups (300g) kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
1 cup (300g) pistachio cream/butter
2 tbsp (28g) salted butter

Chocolate Ganache:

16oz chocolate chips or chopped chocolate of choice
2 cups (475ml) heavy cream
Chopped pistachios, for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:

Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease an 8×8” baking pan with butter, then line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Brown the butter and make the cookie base:

Add the butter to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Allow to melt and slightly brown (~5 minutes), stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and immediately pour into a large bowl. Allow it to cool slightly.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Once the brown butter has cooled, add both sugars and whisk to combine. Then, add the egg and whisk well until combined and lighter in color.
Lastly add in the heavy cream and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and gently fold until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly dispersed.
Scoop the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread out the top.
Bake at 350F for 22-27 minutes, until lightly golden. Then, remove from the oven and cool while you prepare the pistachio filling and ganache.

Prepare the pistachio filling:

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the 2 tbsp of butter and add the shredded kataifi. Toast the kataifi until golden and crispy, stirring frequently. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool. Once cooled, add the pistachio cream and mix until well combined. Set aside.

Prepare the chocolate ganache:

Place the chocolate chips into a large bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil. Then, pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Assemble the cookie bars and chill:

Press the pistachio filling over the top of the cookie layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, pour the chocolate ganache over the pistachio layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the top with the chopped pistachios.
Place the cookie bars in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour before cutting into 16 bars and serving.

Notes

Inspired by the luxurious flavors of Dubai, these cookie bars blend brown butter cookie dough with creamy pistachio, kataifi pastry, and a glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for gifting, gatherings, or treating yourself to something indulgent and unforgettable.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Fusion / Middle Eastern–Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: bar
Calories: 240 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 28 mg

Keywords: Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, pistachio dessert bars, kataifi cookie bars, Middle Eastern fusion dessert, gourmet cookie bar recipe