Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – The Irresistible Treat That’s Gone Viral

Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars—have you seen these all over your feed lately? If not, you’re in for a real treat. The first time I came across these bars packed with pistachio and chocolate, I knew I had to try them. They’ve got everything I love in a dessert: layers of flavor, a little crunch, and that soft, melty center we all go crazy for.

These aren’t your regular cookie bars. You start with a rich, buttery cookie base, add some crispy toasted kataifi (kind of like shredded pastry), spread a smooth pistachio mix in the middle, and finish it off with a thick layer of melted chocolate. Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect mix of something new and totally comforting.

If you love baking stuff that’s fun to make and even better to share, you’re gonna love this one. Let’s dive into what makes these cookie bars so special—and how you can make them right at home.

Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Print Recipe

These Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are the viral dessert everyone’s talking about—and once you take a bite, you’ll know why. Each bar features a soft, brown butter cookie base loaded with chocolate chips, a rich pistachio and crispy kataifi filling, and a thick, glossy chocolate ganache on top. It’s the perfect mix of texture and flavor, combining Middle Eastern flair with classic comfort. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this layered dessert is an unforgettable showstopper.

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cookie Base:

• 9 tbsp salted butter (browned)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp heavy cream

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 1¼ cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Pistachio Filling:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 cup kataifi (shredded dough), thawed if frozen

• ½ cup pistachio cream (adjust texture as needed)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ¾ cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pistachios

• Flaky sea salt

 

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Base

   • Brown the butter in a pan and let it cool slightly.

   • Mix with brown and white sugar until smooth.

   • Whisk in the egg, cream, and vanilla.

   • Stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

   • Fold in chocolate chips.

   • Press into a parchment-lined 8×8” pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–27 mins. Cool completely.

2. Make the Pistachio Filling

   • Toast kataifi in butter until golden and crisp.

   • Let cool, then mix with pistachio cream to form a thick spread.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache

   • Heat cream until simmering.

   • Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble the Bars

   • Spread the pistachio filling over the cooled cookie base.

   • Pour and smooth the ganache over the top.

   • Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and sea salt if desired.

5. Chill & Slice

   • Chill for 1 hour or until firm.

   • Cut into 16 bars and serve.

Notes

• For best results, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

• Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2–3 months.

• Use high-quality pistachio cream for best flavor.

• Author: Silvia
• Prep Time: 20
• chill time: 60
• Cook Time: 25
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shredded phyllo dough, brown sugar, chocolate chips, sweet

The Rise of Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars aren’t just your typical sweet snack—they bring something new to the table. What makes these bars so special is the mix of flavors and textures in every bite. It all starts with a rich brown butter cookie base that’s soft in the middle and just a little crisp around the edges. Next comes a creamy pistachio filling made with toasted kataifi—super-thin shredded dough that turns golden and crispy in butter. Then, everything is topped with a thick layer of smooth, melted chocolate. It’s the kind of dessert where every bite feels like something different—soft, crunchy, creamy, and sweet all at once.

What really gets people excited about Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars is how they combine simple ingredients in such a creative way. They’re easy enough to bake at home, but they look and taste like something from a bakery. That balance between comfort and a little something extra is exactly why these cookie bars became such a viral hit.

This trend started in Dubai, a city known for bold, creative desserts. Bakers took the idea of a chocolate chip cookie and gave it a whole new twist—layering pistachio cream and crispy kataifi over a cookie base and finishing it off with a chocolate topping. It wasn’t long before videos of these Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars were all over social media, and bakers everywhere wanted to try their own versions.

One of the reasons these bars took off so fast is because they’re rich without being too heavy, sweet without being over-the-top, and full of flavor from real ingredients like browned butter, pistachios, and quality chocolate. And since they’re made in a single pan and cut into squares, they’re perfect for sharing at parties, gatherings, or just as a weekend treat at home.

If you’re looking to try something a little different that still feels cozy and familiar, Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are a great place to start. They’re buttery, crunchy, creamy, and just the right kind of indulgent.

Ingredients Behind the Magic Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The Cookie Dough Base

At the heart of Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars is a rich, buttery cookie dough base. Made with browned butter, this dough has a deep, toasted flavor that sets the tone for the whole dessert. Brown sugar gives it a soft, chewy texture, while a little white sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. With vanilla for flavor and semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed in, this base is simple but packed with everything you want in a cookie.

Once baked, the dough becomes soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges. It’s the perfect starting point for what’s coming next.

The Crunch from Toasted Kataifi

What makes these cookie bars really different is the kataifi—thin strands of dough that get buttery and crispy when toasted. When you cook kataifi in butter until golden, it gives a nice crunch and a warm, toasty flavor that pairs well with the soft cookie base.

This layer adds something extra without making the bars feel too heavy. It’s the kind of texture that keeps each bite interesting and gives a nod to classic Middle Eastern desserts.

Pistachio Cream Filling

Now here’s the real show-stopper: pistachio cream. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and has a mild, earthy taste that works perfectly with the crunchy kataifi. When you mix the cream with the toasted dough, you get a rich middle layer that’s both soft and textured.

This is the part of the dessert that really makes people stop and ask, “What is that flavor?” It’s unique, delicious, and gives the bars their signature twist.

The Finishing Touch: Chocolate Ganache

To bring it all together, there’s a thick layer of chocolate ganache spread over the top. The ganache is made by mixing semi-sweet chocolate with warm cream—it turns out smooth and rich, and firms up nicely once it cools.

That final layer not only looks great but also ties all the flavors together. Some like to top it with a few chopped pistachios or a pinch of sea salt to give it a little crunch and balance out the sweetness.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars at Home

Making Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars at home is easier than it sounds. You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—just follow a few simple steps and take your time. These bars might look impressive, but they’re actually pretty straightforward to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need to make Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars from scratch:

For the Cookie Base

• 9 tablespoons salted butter (browned)
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Pistachio Filling

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup kataifi (shredded dough), defrosted if frozen
• ⅓ to ½ cup pistachio cream (adjust based on texture)

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1½ to 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ¾ to 1 cup heavy cream

Optional:

• Chopped pistachios for topping
• Sea salt flakes for finishing

Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s walk through the process step-by-step:

1. Make the Cookie Dough Base

• Brown the butter in a small pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Let it cool slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, white sugar, and the cooled brown butter. Whisk in the egg, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
• In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly stir this into the wet ingredients.
• Fold in the chocolate chips.
• Press the dough into a greased and parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–27 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let it cool completely.

2. Toast the Kataifi and Make the Filling

• In a pan, melt the butter and add the shredded kataifi. Stir until golden brown and crispy.
• Let it cool, then mix with pistachio cream to create a thick, spreadable filling.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache

• Heat the cream in a saucepan just until it starts to bubble (don’t boil).
• Pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for 1 minute. Stir slowly until smooth and glossy.

4. Assemble the Bars

• Once the cookie base has cooled, spread the pistachio-kataifi mixture evenly on top.
• Pour the ganache over the filling and smooth it out with a spatula.
• Sprinkle chopped pistachios or flaky sea salt on top if you like.

5. Chill and Slice

• Place the bars in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the ganache can firm up.
• Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper.
• Use a sharp knife to cut into clean squares.

Quick Tips

• Let the brown butter cool slightly so it doesn’t melt your sugars too fast.
• Make sure the base is fully cool before adding the filling.
• Chill the whole pan before slicing to get sharp, clean edges.
• Bring bars to room temp before serving for the best texture.

These Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are rich, full of texture, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

Nutritional Breakdown and Health Insights

What’s in a Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar?

Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are all about enjoying something a little extra—and that’s part of what makes them so good. With layers of brown butter cookie dough, creamy pistachio filling, and rich chocolate ganache, these cookie bars are packed with flavor. But if you’re curious about what you’re actually eating, here’s a closer look at what goes into each slice.

These bars are made with real ingredients like butter, chocolate, and pistachios, so while they are definitely a treat, they also offer some benefits. Pistachios bring in healthy fats and a little protein, while the cookie base gives you those familiar cozy cookie vibes we all love.

Estimated Nutrition Per Bar (based on 16 bars)

These numbers are estimates and may vary depending on how you make your Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars—especially the kind of chocolate or pistachio spread you use.

Are Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Healthier Than They Look?

You might be surprised, but Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are a little more balanced than you’d expect from a viral dessert. Thanks to real, whole ingredients like toasted kataifi and natural pistachio cream, they’re not just all sugar. The layers bring in texture and flavor, with a bit of nutrition—especially from the pistachios and dark chocolate.

And the best part? These bars are rich. Even a small square feels like a full dessert, so it’s easier to enjoy just the right amount. Plus, since you’re baking them at home, you can tweak the recipe to fit your needs.

Want to make your Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars a little lighter? Try these quick changes:

• Use a little less sugar in the cookie base
• Go for darker chocolate with less added sweetness
• Choose natural pistachio cream without extra oils
• Cut smaller pieces for bite-size portions

Simple Tips for Smart Snacking

Because Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars are so full of flavor, you don’t need a big piece to be satisfied. Store the extras in the fridge or freezer so you can enjoy them over time. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend baking day, these bars are meant to be enjoyed slowly and savored.

So go ahead—make a batch, share a few, and keep the rest on hand for when you’re craving something sweet and homemade.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

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