Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery dessert bars infused with the sweet, nutty flavor of pistachio. The cookie base is tender and rich thanks to the addition of instant pudding mix, while the matching pistachio frosting adds a creamy, flavorful finish. Topped with chopped pistachios or colorful sprinkles, these bars are visually appealing, easy to slice, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or make-ahead dessert trays.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional, for a brighter color)
Garnish
- Chopped pistachios or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a bit of overhang for easy lifting after baking, or grease the pan lightly to prevent sticking. Proper pan preparation ensures clean removal and neat slicing once the bars are cooled. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step typically takes 2–3 minutes and helps create a soft, tender texture in the finished bars.Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Add the vanilla extract and instant pistachio pudding mix, continuing to mix until the batter is smooth and evenly colored.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars soft rather than dense.
- Bake the Cookie Bars:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so the thickness is consistent throughout. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Full cooling is essential before frosting, as warm bars will cause the frosting to melt and slide.
