Are you ready for a treat that combines the comforting flavors of pistachio and sugar cookie dough, topped with a decadent glaze? Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are the dessert everyone will be talking about. These chewy, flavorful bars bring together the irresistible taste of pistachio and the sweetness of sugar cookies, all in one bite. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for a party or a sweet treat to enjoy with your family, this recipe is the perfect answer.
If you love vibrant, festive desserts that are easy to make yet packed with flavor, these bars will quickly become a favorite. With a soft and chewy base made from yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding, paired with a creamy glaze and a crunchy pistachio garnish, each bite is a little piece of heaven. Not to mention, they come together in less than 30 minutes!
Ready to make these irresistible Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars? Let’s jump into the details and discover just how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleasing dessert.
Why You’ll Love Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
Pistachios are one of those ingredients that elevate any dish with their rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. And when combined with the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of a sugar cookie bar, you get a dessert that’s truly special. Here are a few reasons why these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are going to become your new favorite treat:
- Easy to Make: Using a yellow cake mix as the base keeps the preparation quick and easy. No need for complicated steps or ingredients!
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The pistachio pudding mix infuses a unique, creamy pistachio flavor that’s neither too overpowering nor too subtle.
- Chewy & Soft: These bars have a delightful soft and chewy texture that’s incredibly satisfying to bite into.
- Topped with a Sweet Glaze: The powdered sugar glaze adds a sweet finish, while the crushed pistachios on top provide a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily swap the white chocolate chips for chopped pistachios if you want an even nuttier texture or to make them a bit crunchier.
Ingredients for Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You likely have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars:
For the Bars:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix: The cake mix provides the perfect base for these bars, creating a soft and chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the pistachio flavor. If you prefer homemade dough, you can substitute it with your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix: This key ingredient infuses the bars with that signature pistachio flavor. Instant pudding mix helps achieve a moist and flavorful cookie dough base.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: This adds moisture and gives the bars a soft, tender crumb. Vegetable oil also ensures that the bars don’t dry out during baking.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and bind all the ingredients together, giving the bars that perfect chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is essential for balancing the flavors and adding a subtle, aromatic note to the dough.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped pistachios for crunch): White chocolate chips add sweetness and creaminess, while chopped pistachios bring an extra layer of nutty crunch. Choose based on your preference!
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The powdered sugar forms the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, sweet finish.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream): Milk or cream helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze. Use more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker finish.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla): Almond extract complements the pistachio flavor beautifully. However, you can also use vanilla extract if you prefer a milder taste.
- Green food coloring (optional): A drop or two of green food coloring adds a vibrant pop that makes these bars even more festive.
- Crushed pistachios (for garnish): The final touch, crushed pistachios provide a crunchy texture and enhance the nutty flavor, creating a delicious contrast to the smooth glaze.
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the baking process! These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars come together in just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is the right temperature when it’s time to bake the bars. While the oven is heating up, prepare your 9×13-inch baking dish. You can grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pistachio pudding mix. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients together until the dough is fully combined and smooth. You should see the pistachio pudding mix evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving it a beautiful greenish tint.
Next, fold in the white chocolate chips (or chopped pistachios if you’re going for a crunchier texture). This step ensures the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding both sweetness and texture to each bite of the bars.
Step 3: Spread the Dough into the Baking Dish
Once your dough is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring that the dough is level. This will help the bars bake evenly and give them a clean, polished look.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can make the bars dry. The bars should be soft and chewy when you take them out of the oven.
Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling process is crucial because it allows the bars to set and become firm enough to cut into squares.
Step 5: Prepare the Glaze
While the bars are cooling, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract (or vanilla). Mix until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If you want a more vibrant, festive appearance, add a few drops of green food coloring and stir to combine.
Step 6: Glaze the Bars
Once the bars have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. You can spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon if you prefer a thicker layer of glaze. The glaze should coat the bars generously, adding a sweet, glossy finish that complements the pistachio flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For the final touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the glaze. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the pistachio flavor while making the bars look even more delicious and festive. Now your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are ready to be served!
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Using a sharp knife, slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Serve these sweet treats at your next party, or family gathering, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The pistachio flavor, soft texture, and creamy glaze will leave everyone craving more!
Tips for Making Perfect Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
While this recipe is simple, here are a few tips to ensure your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars come out perfect every time:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the dough, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Customize the Toppings: While the crushed pistachios make a great garnish, feel free to get creative with toppings. Consider adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty twist.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: Depending on how thick or thin you want the glaze, you can adjust the amount of milk. For a thicker glaze, use less milk, and for a thinner glaze, add a little more.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it in the pan.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (approximately 12 servings):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
These bars are delicious, but they’re a treat to enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Dessert Recipe
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic richness of sugar cookies with the unique and flavorful twist of pistachio pudding. The soft, chewy texture of the bars paired with the smooth and sweet glaze creates the perfect balance of flavors that will surely become a go-to in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a family gathering, or simply indulging in something sweet for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Not only do these bars taste amazing, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy whipping up a batch. The pistachio flavor offers something different from traditional desserts, making these bars a refreshing addition to your baking rotation.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! Whether you’re sharing a photo of your perfectly glazed bars or showing off your impressive baking skills, we’d love to see how they turned out. The joy of baking is even sweeter when it’s shared with others!
For more mouthwatering and easy-to-make dessert ideas, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes that you’re sure to love:
- Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie Bars – A decadent combination of chocolate and marshmallow, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
- Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Bars – Indulge in these creamy, cinnamon-spiced bars for a dessert that will melt in your mouth.
- Brownie Refrigerator Cake – A no-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! You’re one step closer to becoming a dessert-making pro!
Print
How to Make the Best Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat, offering a perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and the unique flavor of pistachio pudding. Topped with a sweet almond glaze and garnished with crushed pistachios, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped pistachios for crunch)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
- Green food coloring (optional, for extra vibrancy)
- Crushed pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Fold in the white chocolate chips (or chopped pistachios for added texture).
- Spread the Dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bars are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and almond extract (or vanilla) together in a small bowl. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for a vibrant pop.
- Glaze the Bars: Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Spread evenly with a spatula if necessary.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the glaze for extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars as a delightful snack or dessert!
Notes
- You can substitute the white chocolate chips with chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.
- For an extra festive touch, feel free to add green food coloring to the glaze for a vibrant color.
- Make sure the bars are completely cooled before glazing to avoid melting the icing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars, easy pistachio dessert, pistachio bars recipe, chewy sugar cookie bars, homemade pistachio bars, pistachio cookie dessert, sweet cookie bars, pistachio pudding recipe, dessert bars, holiday cookie bars