Description
These Pistachio Cookie Bars are chewy, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Featuring a unique nutty flavor from pistachio instant pudding mix, combined with a classic sugar cookie base, these bars offer a vibrant green hue and a perfect balance of sweet and nutty. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookie Base
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix
- 1 package sugar cookie mix (approx. 16–18 oz)
For Baking
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, eggs, and pistachio instant pudding mix until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, providing a consistent base for the dough.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the sugar cookie mix, combining gently until a sticky cookie dough forms without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Shape Dough: Press the sticky dough evenly and firmly into the greased baking sheet, ensuring uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating the bars are cooked through.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for about 10 minutes to set properly and make slicing easier.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the cookie dough into squares or bars of desired size and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with eggs and pudding mix.
- Do not overbake to keep the bars chewy rather than crunchy.
- Use a baking sheet with sides for easier handling and shaping of the dough.
- If you prefer a stronger pistachio flavor, consider garnishing the top with chopped pistachios before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
