Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic cookie bar. These sweet, chewy bars are infused with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio pudding, topped with a luscious frosting for a dessert thatโs both unique and irresistible.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Unique Flavor: The addition of pistachio pudding gives these cookie bars a distinctive flavor and a moist texture.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet treat anytime.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With their bright green color and rich taste, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Instant pistachio pudding mix
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional, for a vibrant green hue)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and prepare a baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add in the dry ingredientsโflour, pudding mix, baking powder, and saltโalternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the bars to cool completely before spreading the frosting on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 16 bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pistachio pudding with vanilla or white chocolate pudding for a nut-free version.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or mini chocolate chips over the frosting for added texture.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Festive Colors: Use food coloring to match the bars to holiday themes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, warm a refrigerated bar slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular pistachios instead of pudding mix?
While you can add ground pistachios, the pudding mix is essential for flavor and texture.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time as needed.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
4. Is the food coloring necessary?
No, the food coloring is optional and only enhances the visual appeal.
5. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
6. What type of frosting works best?
A simple buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with these bars.
7. How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
8. Can I use other pudding flavors?
Yes, feel free to experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or other pudding flavors.
9. Are these bars chewy or cakey?
These bars are delightfully chewy, thanks to the pudding mix.
10. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Certainly! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries would make great additions.
Conclusion
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and flavorful dessert thatโs perfect for any occasion. With their soft texture, vibrant color, and irresistible pistachio flavor, these bars will quickly become a family favorite. Try them today and watch them disappear!
Print
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
Description
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies, combining the nutty flavor of pistachios with a soft, chewy texture. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and garnished with chopped pistachios, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Dash of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Bars:
- Grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and a dash of salt; mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the frosting for garnish.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For a more vibrant green color, you can add a few drops of green food coloring to the dough, though this is optional.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *