Description

Soft, buttery, and bursting with a subtle nutty sweetness, these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert idea. Perfect as a quick snack, crowd-pleasing treat, or colorful addition to spring and holiday dessert tables, this recipe blends pantry simplicity with irresistible flavor. The instant pistachio pudding mix not only gives the bars their signature pastel green hue but also ensures they’re exceptionally moist and tender. Ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or weeknight cravings, these cookie bars are everything you love about sugar cookies—only easier and with a delicious pistachio twist.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (3.4 oz) box instant pistachio pudding mix
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Optional: Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Mix in the pistachio pudding mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
Cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares and serve. Optional: Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.