Sweet & Nutty Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

Soft, buttery cookies infused with vibrant pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars create a delightful dessert that will steal your heart.

These bars blend sweet and nutty flavors in a perfectly textured treat.

Creamy pudding mix adds a unique twist to classic sugar cookies, making them irresistibly moist.

Packed with rich pistachio goodness, each bite delivers a delicate balance of sweetness and subtle nuttiness.

The recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

Crisp edges and a tender center make these bars a crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears faster than you can slice them.

Prepare to indulge in a truly special sweet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Use For Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy foundation for the cookie bars with smooth, consistent texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and creates light, tender crumb with soft edges.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the bars.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds perfect sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden-brown edges.
• Brown Sugar: Introduces deep caramel notes and keeps bars wonderfully moist.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to smooth, cohesive cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic undertone that elevates entire dessert.

• Pistachio Pudding Mix: Infuses distinctive nutty green color and intense pistachio flavor throughout bars.
• Pistachios: Adds delightful crunch, authentic nutty essence, and beautiful green-flecked appearance.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, elegant finishing glaze with delicate sweetness.

Tools To Prep Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Crucial for creating perfectly sized bars with even baking.
• Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and preventing sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cookie dough and pudding mixture.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape bowls clean.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bars to cool without becoming soggy.

Quick Steps For Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen companion to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect baking environment for our delightful treat.

• Baking Dish Setup

Grab a rectangular baking vessel and give it a gentle massage of grease, then drape a parchment paper blanket inside, letting the edges peek out like gentle wings for easy lifting later.

• Creamy Pistachio Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, dance together softened butter and sugars until they become a fluffy cloud of sweetness. Invite eggs to join the party, blending until everything looks smooth and harmonious.

• Dry Ingredient Magic

Sprinkle in flour, pudding mix, and baking buddies like salt and baking soda. Stir with love until a soft, dreamy dough emerges, whispering promises of deliciousness.

• Pan Transformation

Gently press the tender dough into your prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape of potential deliciousness. Smooth the top with tender care, like tucking a blanket.

• Baking Journey

Slide the pan into the warm oven’s embrace, letting it bake until the edges turn a golden whisper and the center looks set but still tender – around 20-25 magical minutes.

• Cooling Celebration

Once out of the oven, let your creation rest and cool completely. Use the parchment wings to lift the entire batch out, then slice into squares of pure joy.

Helpful Hints For Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Green Cookie Magic: Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch and gorgeous visual appeal.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare the cookie bars up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature to save time during busy weeks.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Holiday Dress-Up: Transform these bars by adding white chocolate drizzle or sprinkling crushed candy canes during winter holidays for a festive seasonal touch.

How To Share Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Festive Party Platter: Slice these vibrant green bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative serving tray with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color during holiday gatherings or birthday celebrations.
• Dessert Café Style: Plate individual bars with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top, and add a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant restaurant-inspired presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these sweet treats with a hot cappuccino or cold brew coffee for a delightful afternoon snack that complements the nutty pistachio flavor and provides a delicious energy boost.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap bars individually in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and package in a cute gift box for a homemade treat perfect for teachers, neighbors, or as a thoughtful hostess gift.

Storage Advice For Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Smart Batch Baking: Prepare two batches simultaneously and store one in the freezer for up to 3 weeks, ensuring a quick dessert option whenever cravings strike.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store cooled bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 5-7 days, maintaining their soft texture and delightful flavor profile.
• Counter Culture Storage: Keep bars at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Portion Perfection: Cut bars into individual servings before storing, making grab-and-go snacking convenient and minimizing potential crumb mess.

Dreamy Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Scrumptious pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars deliver a delightful twist on classic desserts. Sweet layers combine creamy pistachio pudding with buttery sugar cookie base, promising a memorable treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g / 7 oz) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ cups (310 g / 11 oz) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 (3.4 oz or 96 g) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 3–4 tbsps milk or heavy cream
• ½ cup (60 g / 2 oz) chopped pistachios (optional)
• Green food coloring (optional, for a brighter hue)
• Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a baking pan with butter or cooking spray, then line with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Oven Setup: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F, creating an optimal baking environment.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk pudding mix, flour, and other dry ingredients in a bowl, ensuring a lump-free, even mixture.
4. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugars in a separate bowl until light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookie bars.
5. Egg Integration: Blend eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, maintaining a silky, consistent batter.
6. Batter Composition: Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, avoiding overmixing to preserve the delicate texture.
7. Pan Distribution: Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan, using a spatula to ensure uniform thickness and smooth surface.
8. Baking Process: Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and the center becomes slightly firm, indicating perfect doneness.
9. Cooling and Setting: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, enabling them to set and develop optimal texture and consistency.
10. Serving Preparation: Lift the entire batch using parchment paper overhang, then slice into clean, precise squares for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients into wet mixture gently to maintain a tender, soft texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Moisture Balance: Use instant pistachio pudding mix to add flavor and ensure cookies remain moist without becoming soggy or dense.
• Precise Baking Time: Check bars at 20-minute mark; golden edges and slightly firm center indicate perfect doneness without overbaking or drying out.
• Customize Dietary Options: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use gluten-free flour blend for vegan and gluten-sensitive variations, maintaining original recipe’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg