If you’re craving something that combines the sweetness of sugar cookies with the subtle, nutty flavor of pistachio pudding, then these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are exactly what you need. These bars have a soft, chewy cookie base that’s enriched with the earthy flavors of pistachio, all topped off with a creamy, decadent frosting. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

What I love most about these bars is how easy they are to make. The dough comes together in no time, and there’s no rolling or shaping involved—just spread it into a pan and bake. The pistachio pudding mix gives the bars that distinctive flavor, and the creamy frosting on top adds a luscious finish that takes them over the top.

Let’s get started with the first few steps of this simple, yet incredibly delicious treat!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Before you dive into the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your bars bake evenly, with soft centers and lightly golden edges.

While the oven is heating up, grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Lining the dish will help you easily lift the bars out once they’re baked, making slicing and serving much simpler.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, begin by creaming together ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the butter, which helps create the soft, tender texture of the cookie bars.

It should take about 2-3 minutes of beating to achieve the right consistency. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Now, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. The egg will help bind everything together, while the vanilla extract will add a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 4: Mix in the Pistachio Pudding Mix, Dry Ingredients, and Form the Dough

Next, stir in the key ingredient—1 (3.4 oz) box of pistachio pudding mix. This instant pudding mix gives the bars their signature pistachio flavor, and it also contributes to the soft texture of the cookies.

Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt

Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. The dough will be thick and a little sticky, but it should hold its shape when you spread it out in the pan.

Step 5: Spread the Dough into the Baking Dish

Once your dough is mixed, spread it evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing it out gently to cover the bottom. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.

Be sure to spread the dough all the way to the edges so you have an even layer of cookie base. Once the dough is evenly spread, it’s time to pop it in the oven!

Baking, Frosting, and Assembling Your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars:

Now that your dough is spread out and ready to go, it’s time to bake these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars to perfection. After baking, we’ll top them off with a smooth, creamy frosting that elevates these bars into the ultimate sweet treat. Let’s continue with the next steps!

Step 6: Bake the Cookie Base

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The center should be set but still soft—this will ensure the bars are chewy, not too firm.

Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. Once they’re done, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. Letting them cool at room temperature will help them firm up a bit, making them easier to cut into neat squares.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

While the cookie base is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the following ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

Beat these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The cream cheese and butter provide a rich, tangy base for the frosting that complements the sweetness of the cookie bars.

Step 8: Add the Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, and Milk

Next, add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese and butter mixture, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is fully combined and smooth.

If the frosting seems too thick, gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency. The frosting should be creamy but spreadable, perfect for smoothing over the cooled cookie bars.

Step 9: Frost the Bars

Once the bars have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them. Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cookie base, using a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the soft cookie layer underneath. The creamy frosting adds a luxurious finish to these already delicious bars.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

After frosting the bars, let them set for a few minutes to allow the frosting to firm up just slightly. Then, cut the bars into squares using a sharp knife. The bars should be soft and chewy, with the creamy frosting providing a nice contrast to the cookie base.

Serve the bars immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer freshness, though they are best enjoyed at room temperature for the ideal texture.

FAQ + Final Thoughts on Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars:

Now that your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are ready, frosted, and sliced into perfect squares, it’s time to wrap things up with some frequently asked questions and final thoughts. These bars are a delightful treat for any occasion, and I’m sure you’ll want to make them again and again. But before you dive into that second (or third) square, let’s take a closer look at some common questions that can help you customize or perfect your bars.

1. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes! While this recipe calls for pistachio pudding mix, you can easily swap it out for other flavors of instant pudding, such as vanilla, chocolate, or even butterscotch. Just keep in mind that changing the flavor of the pudding will alter the overall taste of the bars, but it’s a fun way to experiment and customize the recipe to your liking.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You may need to adjust the consistency of the dough slightly, but the rest of the recipe remains the same.

3. How can I make these bars a bit more decadent?
If you want to add an extra touch of decadence to these bars, consider adding chopped pistachios or chocolate chips into the dough before baking. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top of the frosting for an extra layer of flavor and a pretty visual effect.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time! If you want to save time, you can store the prepared dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to allow the dough to come to room temperature before spreading it in the baking dish.

5. How do I store leftover bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them to last a bit longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Before serving, allow the bars to come to room temperature for the best texture.

6. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Once they’re completely cooled and frosted, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

Final Thoughts on Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars:

These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the sweetness of a classic sugar cookie. The soft, chewy texture of the bars paired with the creamy frosting makes them irresistible, and the pistachio flavor adds a unique twist that sets them apart from other cookie bars.

What makes these bars truly special is their versatility. You can easily adjust the flavor, make them gluten-free, or add extra mix-ins to make them your own. Whether you’re serving them at a party, holiday gathering, or just as a sweet snack for yourself, these bars are sure to impress.

Tried the recipe? Let me know how they turned out! Did you add any fun variations or customize the flavors? I’d love to hear how you made these bars your own.

Enjoy these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars, and happy baking!

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