Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that’s colorful, nostalgic, and completely irresistible, Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars absolutely need to happen in your kitchen. These cheerful bars combine soft, buttery sugar cookie bliss with the sweet nuttiness of pistachio pudding, all crowned with a dreamy, cloud-like frosting that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. Quick to make, eye-catchingly green, and bursting with flavor, this treat will become your new go-to whenever you want to offer up something playful, pretty, and downright delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how delightfully simple and accessible the ingredients for Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are. Each one serves a special purpose—whether it’s lending richness, bringing lift, or delivering that signature green pistachio magic—so your bars turn out perfect every time.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for softness and rich flavor; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances flavor, delivers sweetness, and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
• Large egg (1): Adds structure, moisture, and binds all the ingredients together seamlessly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a cozy depth that underscores the delicate flavor of pistachio and sugar cookie.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The vessel for all the magic, providing structure and creating those perfectly tender bars.
• Instant pistachio pudding mix (1 [3.4-ounce] package): This is the secret weapon for color, softness, and a distinct nutty flavor; it makes these bars unforgettable.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): The leavening agent that brings a gentle lift, ensuring your bars aren’t too dense.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and enhances every other flavor profile.

• For the Frosting: Read on for a luscious finish—
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Makes the frosting smooth and creamy.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Dissolves effortlessly into the butter, giving body and sweetness.
• Milk (2 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to spread like a dream.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): A touch that ties all the flavors together for the final flourish.
• Pistachio pudding mix (1 tablespoon, optional): For a bolder green hue and a little extra pistachio punch—totally optional, but highly recommended!
• Chopped pistachios for topping (optional): Adds fantastic crunch, color, and visual appeal.

How to Make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Let’s get things started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This makes sure your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars pop out perfectly intact and clean up is a breeze—trust me, you’ll be grateful for the parchment when you’re slicing these beauties later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale—this is where the magic begins. Creaming properly introduces air, which will translate to those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie bars you’re craving.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until everything is thoroughly combined. These ingredients ensure your bars hold together and carry a lovely, rounded sweetness with every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. The pudding mix is the star here—it’s what gives Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars their unmistakable color and soft, pudding-y texture. Whisking ensures everything’s distributed evenly for perfectly baked bars.

Step 5: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition, just until a thick, soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour for optimal tenderness.

Step 6: Pan and Bake

Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with the back of a spatula or your clean hands. Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks set but not dry. These bars don’t need to be browned all over—slightly underbake for a soft and chewy texture.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack until completely cool—frosting them while warm would leave you with a melty mess, so promise me you’ll wait!

Step 8: Mix and Spread the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy and pale. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and (if you like) a spoonful of pistachio pudding mix for extra color and flavor. Beat until it’s light and fluffy, then spread generously over your cooled bars.

Step 9: Add Pistachio Toppings & Slice

For the finishing touch, sprinkle chopped pistachios over the frosted bars. This bit of crunch makes the bars look (and taste) even more special. Use a sharp knife to cut into neat squares—trust me, this is the most satisfying moment!

How to Serve Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

A handful of chopped pistachios scattered on top isn’t just there for crunch—those little green flecks are truly eye-catching atop the white or pistachio-green frosting. For extra flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or even some edible gold flakes (if you’re feeling fancy) can make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars really sparkle at any gathering.

Side Dishes

While these bars are show-stoppers all on their own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream alongside adds a cool, creamy contrast to their soft chewiness. I also love serving them with a small plate of fresh berries—the tartness brightens each bite and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars into triangles or circles for a unique twist on presentation. For parties, serve them nestled into cupcake liners on a tiered tray, or create a fun dessert platter mixing pistachio bars with bite-sized brownies and lemon bars. Their cheerful color makes them a standout centerpiece at any celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars fresh and wonderfully soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to make them even further ahead, you can chill them in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Once frosted, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. They’ll stay perfect for up to three months—just thaw on the counter to enjoy as if they were just baked.

Reheating

While you generally don’t need to reheat these bars, if you love them slightly warm, you can microwave an unfrosted bar for a few seconds for that fresh-baked vibe. For frosted bars, just set them out at room temperature until soft—the frosting keeps them moist, so there’s little need for extra warmth!

FAQs

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?

For this recipe, stick with instant pistachio pudding mix. Regular cook-and-serve pudding behaves differently and can change the texture, while instant pudding ensures your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are tender and vibrant.

What if I don’t have pistachios for the topping?

No worries—these bars are still delicious without the extra pistachios! You can try adding other nuts, festive sprinkles, or even shredded coconut for a fun twist.

How can I make these bars extra green?

For an eye-popping green color, add a bit more pudding mix to the frosting, or tint your dough and frosting with a drop or two of food coloring. Just don’t go overboard—a little makes a big difference!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The pistachio pudding mix should typically be gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be sure.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! You can easily double the ingredients and bake in two pans or one extra-large pan if you have it. Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are always a hit at potlucks and parties.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars that makes them impossible to resist—the color, the flavor, the incredible softness with every bite. They’re the kind of treat you’ll want to bake again and again, whether it’s for a holiday, a party, or just a random Tuesday. Try them once, and you’ll see why they turn even the simplest moment into a celebration!

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