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Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars deliver that nostalgic bakery softness with just the right level of sweet crunch. These bars are ridiculously easy and make a festive treat for any occasion. Each square is chewy and buttery with a subtle nutty flavor that always has friends reaching for seconds.
My whole family fell in love with these after I brought them to our yearly picnic. They completely disappeared within ten minutes and now they are a regular request for game nights.
Ingredients
- Butter softened: Brings richness and creates that melt in your mouth chew Ensure the butter is at true room temperature for the smoothest dough
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and helps the bars rise Choose fresh eggs for best texture
- Pistachio instant pudding mix: Gives the bars their signature pale green color and gentle pistachio flavor Look for the classic 3.4 ounce size box
- Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix: The shortcut base for this recipe makes it foolproof Opt for the 17.5 ounce bag for just the right ratio
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Set out a ten by fifteen inch baking sheet and grease it thoroughly This ensures even baking and prevents sticking
- Cream the Butter Eggs and Pudding:
- In a large bowl beat together softened butter eggs and the pistachio pudding mix using an electric mixer Continue for at least two minutes until the mixture is perfectly creamy and light green This step ensures every bite has consistent sweetness and a silky crumb
- Combine with the Cookie Mix:
- Add the entire package of sugar cookie mix to your wet base Use the mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend Everything should be well combined and form a sticky thick dough This is the point where the color will really come together
- Spread Dough in the Pan:
- Drop the dough by spoonfuls into your greased baking sheet Use clean hands or an offset spatula to press and smooth the dough into an even layer right to the corners
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the pan onto the center rack Bake for ten to twelve minutes You are looking for the edges to turn golden brown and the top to show just a hint of color Let the pan cool completely before slicing into bars If you cut while warm the bars may crumble
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My favorite thing about this recipe is how the pistachio pudding transforms a simple cookie bar into something special Without it the bars would be tasty but with the pudding they become truly crave worthy My youngest always tries to sneak an extra piece before dinner if I do not keep an eye out
Storage Tips
After cooling layer bars between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container They keep well for up to four days at room temperature and stay fresh even longer in the fridge For freezing wrap tightly in foil or plastic and they will taste just baked for up to two months
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find pistachio pudding vanilla pudding works with a mild nutty essence from a handful of chopped pistachios added in For the cookie mix you can use any standard sugar cookie mix of similar weight just watch your dough texture
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a gorgeous addition to dessert buffets For an extra flourish drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or scatter crushed pistachios over the top Serve with tea coffee or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent night in
Cultural Context
Pistachios have long been treasured in Middle Eastern desserts and that mild nutty flavor always feels festive to me The idea of pudding in cookie bars strikes me as the ultimate American shortcut blending soft nostalgic textures with bold color and playful flavors
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Enjoy these cheerful bars for your next special occasion or casual gathering They are sure to disappear quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives these bars their green hue?
The pistachio instant pudding mix infuses both color and nutty undertones, creating a pale green bar.
- → Can I substitute homemade cookie dough?
Yes, but premade sugar cookie mix ensures a uniform texture and quick preparation.
- → How do I know when the bars are done?
Watch for browning at the edges and on top. The bars should be set but still soft in the center.
- → Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for several days to maintain freshness.
- → Can nuts be added to the dough?
Chopped pistachios or other nuts can be included for extra crunch and flavor variety.