If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both delightfully nostalgic and excitingly fresh, look no further than this Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars marry the classic buttery goodness of sugar cookies with the unique, nutty flavor of pistachio pudding, creating a luscious treat that’s incredibly moist, subtly sweet, and perfectly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing with family or bringing something irresistible to a potluck, these bars are bound to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars comes from a handful of pantry staples that combine for an unbeatable texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a critical role in creating that soft, chewy bar with that distinctive pistachio sweetness and rich buttery undertone.
- Butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Brings richness and moisture for tender cookie bars.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together while adding structure and softness.
- Pistachio instant pudding mix, 3.4 oz: Infuses the dough with flavor and keeps the bars irresistibly moist.
- Sugar cookie mix, 1 package: The base of the recipe that provides the classic sweet cookie flavor and chewy texture.
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet. This sets the stage for even baking and ensures your bars have that perfect golden crust at the edges without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Pudding Mix
In a large bowl, blend the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio instant pudding mix using an electric mixer. Mixing these first fully develops the flavor and ensures a smooth, creamy base for the cookie dough.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar Cookie Mix
Next, add the sugar cookie mix directly to your bowl, and continue mixing until it forms a sticky dough. The dough will feel soft and slightly tacky to the touch—that’s exactly what you want for tender, chewy bars.
Step 4: Spread the Dough Evenly
Transfer the sticky dough onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. This even layer is essential so that every bite cooks through uniformly and holds together beautifully when sliced.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookie bars for about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully for the edges to turn a lovely golden brown and for the top to just begin browning—this means the bars are perfectly baked and wonderfully soft inside.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Cutting
Patience pays off here! Let your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This resting time helps the bars set so they cut cleanly without crumbling.
How to Serve Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To take these bars from delicious to dazzling, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top after baking or dust lightly with powdered sugar. Both add a touch of elegance and a lovely crunch that complements the soft bars perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookie bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert delight. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, balancing sweetness and refreshment beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative tray, or sandwich two bars with vanilla frosting in between for an irresistible cookie bar sandwich. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate on top to add a rich finish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, making for an easy grab-and-go treat that feels freshly baked.
Freezing
If you want to keep these gorgeous bars longer, freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy a fresh-tasting dessert anytime.
Reheating
For a warm, just-baked experience, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly heat in a low-temperature oven. This revives their softness and enhances that irresistible pistachio aroma.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Using your favorite homemade sugar cookie dough works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to keep the dough consistency similar for the best results with the pistachio pudding mix.
What kind of pistachio pudding mix should I buy?
Look for instant pistachio pudding mix, which is widely available in most grocery stores. Instant mixes integrate smoothly into the dough without needing additional liquid, perfect for this recipe’s texture.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written, since the sugar cookie mix likely contains wheat. However, you can substitute a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make the bars gluten-free while keeping all their delicious flavor.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Sure! Adding chopped pistachios or white chocolate chips into the dough can enhance both texture and taste, making the bars even more indulgent and exciting.
How thick should I spread the dough in the pan?
Spread it evenly to about 1/2 inch thick. This thickness ensures the bars bake evenly and remain soft and chewy rather than cakey or dry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both timeless and a little unique, the Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. With simple ingredients and such a straightforward method, these bars deliver big flavor and tender texture every single time. Trust me, once you’ve baked and tasted these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to sweet treats for all occasions!
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Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars combine the soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies with the unique flavor of pistachio pudding mix for a delightful twist. Perfectly chewy with a hint of nutty sweetness, these bars are easy to prepare and ideal for parties, snacks, or just treating yourself.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 package sugar cookie mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your dough is prepared.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio instant pudding mix together using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fully combined to create a creamy base.
- Add Sugar Cookie Mix: Gradually add the sugar cookie mix to the wet ingredients in the bowl, continuing to mix with the electric mixer until a sticky dough forms. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet thoroughly to prevent sticking. Then, evenly spread the sticky dough across the entire surface of the greased baking sheet, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the top is just starting to brown, indicating the bars are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier blending.
- Do not overbake; bars should be soft in the center when removed.
- For cleanup, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat if desired.
- Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Optionally, add chopped pistachios on top before baking for extra crunch and flavor.
