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If you’re a fan of soft, chewy sugar cookies and the delicate nutty flavor of pistachios, these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are your dream dessert. Combining the tender texture of cookie bars with the rich, creamy taste of pistachio pudding, these bars are as delightful to eat as they are easy to make. The dough is infused with instant pistachio pudding mix, giving it a unique flavor and irresistible softness. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, every bite is rich, sweet, and perfectly balanced.

These bars bring something special to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, birthday, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re a crowd-pleaser. The almond extract in both the dough and frosting adds a subtle aromatic depth that enhances the pistachio flavor without overpowering it. And best of all, since they’re made in a pan and cut into squares, there’s no need to fuss with rolling out dough or shaping cookies—just mix, bake, frost, and enjoy. Once you try these soft and creamy bars, you might never go back to regular sugar cookies again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Soft Texture: Thanks to the pudding mix, these bars stay moist and tender for days.
Quick and Easy: No rolling or chilling required—just press into a pan and bake.
Unique Flavor: Pistachio and almond extracts give these bars a distinct and delightful taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, parties, or casual baking.
Customizable Topping: Add chopped pistachios, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate.

Ingredients

Dough

Butter (softened)
Instant pistachio pudding mix (dry mix)
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt

Frosting

Cream cheese (softened)
Butter (soft)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Salt
Chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Omit the almond extract and pistachio garnish. Use vanilla pudding mix instead.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Color Boost: Add a few drops of green food coloring to enhance the pistachio color.
Citrus Twist: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, fresh note.
Festive Flair: Use colored sprinkles or white chocolate shavings on top for seasonal celebrations.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, pistachio pudding mix, and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Let cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Add powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and a dash of salt. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios if using.
Chill slightly before cutting into squares for cleaner edges.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
Don’t overbake—remove the bars when they’re just set to maintain a soft texture.
For clean cuts, chill the bars before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Add the frosting only once the bars are fully cooled to prevent melting.
Store in the fridge for firmer frosting texture, or at room temperature for a softer bite.

How to Serve

Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They make a great addition to dessert platters, cookie exchanges, or afternoon tea spreads. For a party presentation, cut them into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw and frost before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best served cold or at room temperature and don’t require reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?

No, this recipe requires instant pudding mix. Cook-and-serve won’t produce the same texture.

2. Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required. The dough can be pressed directly into the baking pan.

3. Can I make these into cookies instead of bars?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Scoop dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 9–11 minutes.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan or bake in two batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.

5. What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit it or substitute with more vanilla extract.

6. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

7. Are these bars overly sweet?

They are sweet but balanced by the tang of the cream cheese frosting and nutty pistachios.

8. How do I enhance the pistachio flavor?

Add a few drops of pistachio extract if you have it, or finely chop some pistachios into the dough.

9. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly for both the dough and the frosting.

10. Are the chopped pistachios on top necessary?

They’re optional but add great texture and visual appeal.

Conclusion

Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that blends soft, chewy texture with rich, nutty flavor and creamy frosting. Easy to make and universally loved, these bars are perfect for celebrations, sharing, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. With their vibrant flavor and tender crumb, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.