Name: Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened to room temperature; 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of instant pistachio pudding (just the dry mix); ½ cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1½ tsp vanilla; ¼ tsp almond extract; 2 cups flour; ¼ tsp baking powder; Dash of salt; 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature; ¼ cup soft butter; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla; ¼ tsp almond extract; Dash of salt; ¼ cup chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)

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Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies. These bars are irresistibly delicious and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a family gathering, or just craving a sweet treat. The recipe begins with a soft and flavorful cookie dough that’s infused with the unique taste of pistachio pudding mix, giving each bite a subtle nuttiness and moisture. Topped with a creamy, luscious frosting made from cream cheese and butter, and finished with a garnish of chopped pistachios, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, these cookie bars offer the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re a pistachio lover or just looking for something new to try, these cookie bars are sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Pistachio Flavor

The pistachio pudding mix adds a wonderful, nutty flavor to the cookie dough and frosting.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These bars have a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both soft and chewy.

3. Creamy Frosting

The cream cheese and butter frosting is rich and creamy, enhancing the flavor of the cookie bars.

4. Quick and Easy

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly, making them ideal for busy bakers.

5. Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Whether it’s a family gathering or a party, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

Butter (softened to room temperature)
Instant pistachio pudding mix
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Flour
Baking powder
Salt

For the Frosting:

Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
Soft butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Salt
Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Make it Nut-Free: Omit the pistachios from the frosting and garnish to make this recipe nut-free.
Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a delicious chocolate-pistachio combination.
Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for a vegan version.
Add Coconut: Stir shredded coconut into the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Use Different Extracts: Swap out the almond extract for hazelnut or vanilla extract for a different twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extract.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the bars are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until fluffy and well combined.

Step 6: Frost the Bars

Once the bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with chopped pistachios, if desired.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy the delicious pistachio flavor and creamy texture!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: When mixing the dough, avoid overmixing to keep the texture soft and light.
Let the Bars Cool Completely: This helps the frosting set properly and makes the bars easier to slice.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened for a smooth and easy mixing process.
Check for Doneness: The bars should be slightly golden around the edges and firm in the center when done.
Chill the Frosted Bars: For an extra decadent treat, refrigerate the bars after frosting them to firm up the texture.

How to Serve

Serve these pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack.
They’re perfect for holiday parties, bake sales, or potlucks—everyone will love the unique pistachio flavor!
Pair with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best served at room temperature or chilled. They do not need reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pudding mix instead of pistachio?

Yes, you can substitute pistachio pudding with vanilla or other pudding flavors, but the flavor will change.

2. Can I make these bars without frosting?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own, but the frosting adds extra creaminess and flavor.

3. Can I add more pistachios to the dough?

You can stir in chopped pistachios for added texture if you’d like.

4. How do I make the frosting thicker?

If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Can I make these bars in a different pan size?

If you use a smaller pan, your bars will be thicker, and the baking time may increase. A larger pan will result in thinner bars, with a reduced baking time.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour in place of the regular flour for a gluten-free version.

7. Can I use light cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes, light cream cheese can be used, but the texture of the frosting may be slightly different.

8. How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars should be golden around the edges and firm to the touch in the center. Use a toothpick to check the doneness.

9. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for several days.

10. Can I add other nuts to the bars?

You can add walnuts, almonds, or cashews to the dough or as a garnish for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of soft, chewy cookies, creamy frosting, and the unique, nutty flavor of pistachios. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these bars are an instant hit at any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a special event or enjoying them as a treat on a regular day, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich flavor, beautiful appearance, and simple ingredients, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.