Name: Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio pudding mix (instant); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; Pinch of salt; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting); 1-2 tbsp milk (for frosting)

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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.