Pistachio Pudding Cookie Bars

These pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars have become my go-to treat whenever I need something quick yet impressive for gatherings. The vibrant green color paired with the familiar comfort of sugar cookies creates a dessert that's both nostalgic and unique.

I first made these bars for a St. Patrick's Day party as a festive green treat, but they were such a hit that my family now requests them year-round. The subtle pistachio flavor paired with the soft cookie texture makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter softened The quality of your butter matters here as it provides richness and texture
• 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs incorporate better with the butter
• 3.4 ounces pistachio instant pudding mix This provides both flavor and that signature green color
• 17.5 ounces Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix The perfect shortcut that ensures consistent results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the dough. A properly heated oven ensures even baking and prevents soggy middles in your bars.

Create Base Mixture

Using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix until completely smooth. This should take about 2 minutes on medium speed. The mixture will be slightly fluffy and a beautiful light green color.

Add Cookie Mix

Gradually incorporate the sugar cookie mix into your green base. Mix until a sticky dough forms. The dough will be thicker than cake batter but softer than traditional cookie dough. Avoid overmixing as this can make your bars tough.

Prepare For Baking

Transfer the dough to a greased 10x15 inch baking sheet. Use a spatula or your fingertips to spread the dough evenly to all edges and corners. Dampen your hands slightly if the dough is sticking too much.

Bake To Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. Look for lightly browned edges and a top that's just beginning to show golden spots. The center may still look slightly underdone which is perfect for chewy bars.

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The instant pudding mix is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. Beyond adding flavor, it keeps these bars incredibly moist and chewy for days after baking. My daughter once proclaimed these were better than bakery cookies, which is high praise from my pickiest eater.

Make-Ahead Magic

These bars actually improve with time. I often make them the day before serving as the flavors meld and the texture becomes even more perfect. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, though they rarely last that long in my house. The pistachio flavor becomes more pronounced on the second day.

Easy Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize these bars to make them your own. Add white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness and texture. For special occasions, a simple cream cheese frosting with a touch of almond extract complements the pistachio perfectly. During holidays, colored sprinkles added before baking create a festive touch without extra work.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but for a truly decadent dessert, try warming a bar slightly and topping it with vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, chewy bar and cold ice cream is divine. For afternoon tea or coffee, cut the bars into smaller pieces and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation that elevates the humble cookie bar.

The Pudding Mix Secret

The instant pudding mix in this recipe does more than just add flavor. It contains modified food starch that helps retain moisture, giving these bars their signature soft texture. This ingredient also prevents the bars from drying out quickly, making them perfect for making ahead. The chemical reaction between the pudding mix and the other ingredients creates a depth of flavor that would be difficult to achieve with just extract or flavoring.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?

Yes, you can substitute about 17.5 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of homemade sugar cookie dough. Just make sure it's a soft dough that can be pressed into the pan rather than rolled out.

→ How do I know when the bars are completely done?

The edges should be light brown and the top should just be starting to brown. The center might still look slightly underdone but will firm up as it cools. It's better to slightly underbake than overbake for chewy bars.

→ Can I add chopped pistachios to the dough?

Absolutely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios will enhance the flavor and add nice texture. Fold them into the dough after mixing all other ingredients.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate them to extend freshness to about a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add a frosting or glaze to these bars?

Yes! A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a drop of almond extract complements these bars beautifully. You could also add a cream cheese frosting for a richer dessert.

→ What can I substitute for pistachio pudding if I can't find it?

If you can't find pistachio pudding mix, you can use vanilla pudding mix and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract plus a few drops of green food coloring to mimic the flavor and color.