Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars offer the perfect balance of chewy, soft texture and nutty pistachio flavor. The addition of instant pistachio pudding mix gives the cookies a unique richness and makes them incredibly moist. The dough is simple to make, and the bars come together quickly, making them an ideal treat for busy bakers. Whether served at a holiday gathering or as an everyday dessert, these bars will impress everyone with their delicate pistachio flavor and tender crumb.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cookie Bars:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pudding mix, egg, and vanilla: Stir in the pistachio pudding mix, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles and serve.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them.
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Frosted version: Top the cookie bars with a simple glaze or frosting made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for extra sweetness.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or white chocolate chunks to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Colorful twist: Add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough to make the bars even more festive for holidays or special occasions.
Storage/Reheating
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. These cookie bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes, you can use a different flavor of instant pudding mix, like vanilla or chocolate, if you prefer a different taste. The texture and moisture of the bars will remain the same.
Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?
Yes, these cookie bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to omit or reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to avoid making the bars too salty.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop it into the pan, wrap the pan tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, just thaw the dough in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the flour with a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookie bars. Make sure the blend you use includes xanthan gum or a similar ingredient to help with texture.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
The cookie bars are done when they’re lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should also be slightly firm to the touch.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?
Yes, you can use whole eggs instead of egg whites, but the texture of the bars may be slightly richer. The bars will still taste great, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Can I add more pistachio flavor to these bars?
If you want a more intense pistachio flavor, try adding chopped roasted pistachios into the dough or mix in a small amount of pistachio extract along with the pudding mix.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake the dough in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch or 11×14-inch pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed—add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time, but check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.
Conclusion
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are an irresistible, chewy, and subtly nutty dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With the ease of a cake mix and the rich flavor of pistachio, these cookie bars come together in no time and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re making them for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
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Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a soft, chewy treat with a deliciously nutty twist. Made with pistachio pudding mix and sugar cookie dough, they have a unique flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. With a subtle pistachio taste and a tender texture, these easy-to-make bars are sure to be a hit at parties, holidays, or as an everyday dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the pudding mix, egg, and vanilla: Stir in the pistachio pudding mix, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Spread the dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- Frosted version: Add a glaze or frosting made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for extra sweetness.
- Add-ins: Mix in chopped pistachios, chocolate chips, or white chocolate chunks for added texture.
- Festive twist: Add green food coloring to the dough to make the bars more festive for holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
