Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

This pistachio pudding sugar cookie bar recipe transforms basic ingredients into a delightful treat that looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant green color makes these bars perfect for spring gatherings, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, or anytime you want to bring something unique to the dessert table.

I first made these on a whim when I needed a quick dessert for unexpected guests. The gorgeous green color and unique flavor had everyone asking for the recipe, and now it's my go-to when I need something impressive with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender texture. Make sure it's properly softened for the best incorporation
• Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture that help create that perfect chewy consistency
• Pistachio instant pudding mix: Gives these bars their signature flavor and beautiful green color without any artificial dyes
• Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix: Serves as the perfect base providing sweetness and the classic cookie texture we all love

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F. This temperature creates the perfect environment for developing golden edges while maintaining a soft center. Use the center rack for most even baking.

Create The Base Mixture:

Place your softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix in a large mixing bowl. The butter must be properly softened, not melted, to create the right texture. Mix with an electric mixer until completely smooth and no lumps remain, about 2-3 minutes.

Add Cookie Mix:

Pour in the entire package of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix. Continue mixing with your electric mixer until a sticky dough forms. The dough will be thicker than cake batter but not as firm as traditional cookie dough.

Spread The Dough:

Transfer the sticky dough onto a greased 10 x 15 inch baking sheet. Using clean hands or a spatula slightly dampened with water, press the dough evenly across the entire pan. Take your time here to ensure uniform thickness for even baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Place in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a top that is just beginning to show hints of browning. The center may appear slightly underdone which is perfect for chewy bars.

Cool Before Cutting:

Allow the entire pan to cool completely before cutting into squares. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut and improving their texture.

The pistachio pudding mix is truly the star ingredient here. I love how it transforms an ordinary sugar cookie into something special with minimal effort. My nephew once called these "Hulk cookies" and now that's what my entire family calls them whenever I bring them to gatherings.

Storage Solutions

These pistachio bars maintain their soft, chewy texture beautifully when stored properly. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra moist, add a slice of bread to the container, which will give up its moisture to the cookies instead of letting them dry out. For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.

Easy Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily swap the pistachio pudding for any flavor that appeals to you. Chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch pudding mixes all work wonderfully using the exact same measurements. For added texture, try folding in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios after mixing your dough. During holidays, customize with seasonal sprinkles pressed gently onto the top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfectly delicious on their own, but can be elevated for special occasions. Try adding a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk drizzled over the top once cooled. For an indulgent dessert, warm a square slightly and top with quality vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. These also pair beautifully with afternoon tea or coffee, especially with a hot beverage that contrasts with their sweet flavor.

The Science Behind The Softness

The incredible texture of these bars comes from the unique combination of pudding mix and cookie mix. The pudding mix contains modified food starch which helps retain moisture, resulting in that signature soft chew that lasts for days. Underbaking slightly also contributes to their perfect texture. The proteins in the eggs coagulate during baking to provide structure, while the fat from the butter prevents those proteins from binding too tightly, ensuring tenderness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cookie mix?

Yes, but Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix gives the best soft texture for this recipe.

→ Do I need to chill the dough?

No, this recipe does not require chilling. Just mix and bake.

→ Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Pistachio is key here, but you can experiment with other flavors for variety.

→ How do I store the cookie bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze these cookie bars?

Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.