If you love the classic comfort of sugar cookies but are looking for a fun twist that adds a burst of color and flavor, you have to try the Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars combine the familiar soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies with the unique, nutty flair of pistachio pudding, creating a treat that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how impressive they look and taste, perfect for sharing or enjoying any time you want a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up this delightful dessert. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding richness, moisture, flavor, or a perfectly tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Butter, 1/2 cup softened: Adds richness and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars.
- Eggs, 2 large: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the soft texture.
- Pistachio instant pudding mix, 3.4 oz: The star ingredient, infusing a subtle nutty flavor and vibrant green hue.
- Sugar cookie mix, 1 package: Provides the sweet, familiar cookie base that balances perfectly with the pistachio.
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking. At the same time, grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet thoroughly. This helps ensure your cookie bars release easily and bake evenly, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix. Using an electric mixer, blend everything until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. This step creates a luscious base packed with pistachio flavor that will keep your bars moist and tender.
Step 3: Add Sugar Cookie Mix
Sprinkle the sugar cookie mix into the bowl with your wet ingredients, then continue mixing until a sticky dough forms. This dough will naturally be a bit tacky due to the pudding mix, but that’s exactly what makes these bars so wonderfully chewy and rich.
Step 4: Spread and Bake
Spread the sticky dough evenly on your prepared baking sheet, smoothing it out with a spatula or your hands. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the surface starts to show a light brown tint. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and tender.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan. Cooling helps the texture set perfectly and makes slicing neater, so you get those clean, gooey bars that are just begging to be eaten.
How to Serve Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are lovely just as they are, but a sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, festive touch and a bit of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie base.
Side Dishes
Serve your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. The creamy additions balance the chewy textures with coolness and richness, making it a full dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with edible flowers or pastel sprinkles. You can also stack them with parchment paper in between, tying as a sweet homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes them a perfect quick treat for days when you need a little homemade sweetness without much effort.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can prepare these in advance for any occasion.
Reheating
To enjoy after freezing, simply thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The softness returns nicely, making them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough works wonderfully, just make sure it isn’t too dry as the pudding mix adds moisture and tenderness to the bars.
Is the pistachio pudding mix gluten-free?
Most instant pudding mixes, including pistachio, are gluten-free but always check the package to be certain, especially if you’re serving someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I substitute the pistachio pudding with another flavor?
Yes! You can try vanilla or even lemon pudding for a different twist, though the pistachio really brings a unique and vibrant flavor that’s hard to replicate.
What texture should I expect from these bars?
These bars are soft and chewy with just a slight crust on the edges, combining the best of a sugar cookie with the unique moistness that pudding mix provides.
How do I make sure my bars come out evenly baked?
Spreading the dough evenly in the pan and avoiding overbaking are key. Keep an eye on the edges for golden coloring and take them out before the top becomes too brown for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet, nostalgic treat with a playful twist, the Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s straightforward, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and results in bars that are bursting with flavor and texture. I promise once you try them, these bars will become a favorite to make again and again, whether for a casual snack or a festive dessert to impress your friends and family.
Print
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, combining the nutty flavor of pistachio with a rich, creamy pudding mix for extra moisture and softness. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars bake up golden with a tender crumb and a subtle hint of pistachio, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 package sugar cookie mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cookie bars evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio instant pudding mix. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Cookie Mix: Add the package of sugar cookie mix to the bowl. Continue mixing with the electric mixer until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are fully combined.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet to prevent sticking. Then spread the sticky dough evenly across the baking sheet, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even thickness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the edges to turn golden and the top to start lightly browning, indicating the bars are done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars. This will help them set properly and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use soft butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Cooling the bars completely before slicing prevents crumbling.
- You can substitute the sugar cookie mix with your favorite brand or homemade mix.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
