Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars yet, you’re in for a real treat! These bars are like a soft, chewy hug wrapped in the delightful, nutty flavor of pistachio. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering; the moment I pulled them out of the oven, the aroma filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to get their hands on them. The vibrant green hue from the pudding mix adds a fun pop of color, and let me tell you, they disappear faster than you can say “delicious”! The combination of buttery cookie texture with the crunch of chopped pistachios creates a perfect balance that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
- 1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
Make sure your butter is really softened; it helps create that perfect, chewy texture! And don’t skimp on the chopped pistachios – they add that lovely crunch and flavor that makes these bars so special. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making these scrumptious pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it!
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so your bars bake evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step makes a difference in texture!
- Next, add in the pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. You’ll love the vibrant green color that starts to form!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, so don’t skip it!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tougher bars, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Carefully fold in the chopped pistachios. This adds such a lovely crunch!
- Spread the dough evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to get into the corners!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Patience is key here for the perfect cut!
And there you have it! These steps are pretty straightforward, and I promise the outcome is worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Pistachio flavor that’s rich, nutty, and totally addictive
- Simple ingredients and easy steps make them a breeze to whip up
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations
- Versatile enough to add your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a twist
- They stay fresh for days, making them a great make-ahead treat
Tips for Success
To make the absolute best pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars, here are a few tips that I swear by! First off, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the pan. This helps the bars hold their shape better and gives you thicker, chewier treats. Also, don’t underestimate the power of quality pistachios—go for the good stuff! They really elevate the flavor and add a delightful crunch.
Another handy tip is to keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens can vary, so check your bars a minute or two early to avoid overbaking. You want those edges to be just golden, and the center should look set but still soft. Finally, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting; this will give you clean, perfect squares! Trust me, these little details make a world of difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars! For a delightful twist, try adding some chopped white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to the batter—chocolate and pistachio are a match made in heaven! You could also swap in different nuts; almonds or walnuts work beautifully, adding their own unique texture and flavor.
Feeling fruity? Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the nutty sweetness. And if you’re keen on experimenting with flavors, a splash of almond extract alongside the vanilla can really enhance that pistachio taste. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins and flavors. Each variation will bring something special to the table, making these bars your own! Enjoy the experimentation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars is super simple! Just keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking—that way, they stay nice and soft. If you want to keep them fresh for even longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose a bit of that lovely chewy texture.
If you’ve got some leftovers and want to enjoy them later, these bars can also be frozen! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—just enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime!
Nutritional Information
These scrumptious pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also pack a decent nutritional profile! Each bar is approximately 200 calories, with 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 26g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 12g of sugar and 150mg of sodium in each serving. While they’re definitely a sweet indulgence, they can still fit into a balanced diet. Enjoy them as a delightful dessert or a satisfying snack!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix? Absolutely! While pistachio is my favorite, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or even butterscotch pudding mix for a fun twist. Each will bring its unique flavor to the bars!
How do I know when the bars are done baking? The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set but still soft. If you gently shake the pan, it shouldn’t jiggle excessively. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free!
What can I add for extra flavor? If you want to amp up the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of almond extract or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. It enhances the pistachio taste beautifully!
How do I cut these bars neatly? For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to prevent sticking. Letting the bars cool completely in the pan helps them hold their shape, too!
Call to Action
I can’t wait to hear what you think of these pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars! If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own creations—I love seeing your delicious twists!
Print
Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars: 7 Irresistible Reasons
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars are soft, chewy, and packed with pistachio flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 package (3.4 oz) pistachio pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add the pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios.
- Spread the dough evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of almond extract.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars
