Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

The Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that will impress at any gathering. These soft and chewy bars combine the rich flavor of pistachio pudding with the ease of a sugar cookie mix, making them perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a sweet snack at home. The vibrant green color and nutty taste set these bars apart, ensuring they’re not just delicious but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious bars ready in no time.
• Unique Flavor: The pistachio pudding mix adds a distinct flavor that elevates standard cookie bars into something special.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as an everyday dessert, these bars fit any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Using a pre-packaged cookie mix simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With 24 servings per batch, there’s plenty to share—or to keep all to yourself!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• 10×15 inch baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to cream the butter and eggs until smooth without much effort.
• Baking sheet: A larger surface area allows for even baking and ensures the bars cook uniformly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Bars

Soft, chewy and delicious cookie bars using pistachio instant pudding mix and Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 3.4 ounces pistachio instant pudding mix
• 17.5 ounces Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookie bars will bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Cream the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. 1/2 cup butter
2. 2 large eggs
3. 3.4 ounces pistachio instant pudding mix

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine with Cookie Mix

Add in:
– 17.5 ounces Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

Blend until a sticky dough forms.

Step 4: Spread the Dough

Spread the dough evenly in a greased 10×15 inch baking sheet. Use a spatula for smooth spreading to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until edges are brown and top starts browning. Allow cooling before cutting into squares for serving.

Enjoy your homemade Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars!

How to Serve Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

These delightful bars can be served in various ways to enhance their flavors and presentation. Consider these serving suggestions for an unforgettable experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and Fluffy: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness and texture.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Decadent Touch: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with pistachio.

Garnished with Chopped Nuts

• Crunchy Contrast: Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

Served with Ice Cream

• Creamy Delight: Pair these cookie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and taste.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Fresh Flavor Burst: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to bring a tart balance to the sweet cookie bars.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Variety is Key: Include these cookie bars on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or fruit tarts for a colorful display.

How to Perfect Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

To ensure your Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the bars soft and chewy rather than tough.
• Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Keep an eye on your bars; they should be lightly browned but not overbaked.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Letting them cool will help them set properly, making cutting easier and cleaner.
• Store in an Airtight Container: This keeps your cookie bars fresh for longer, maintaining their delicious texture.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for unique flavors in each batch.

Best Side Dishes for Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

These cookie bars pair well with various side dishes that can complement their sweet flavor. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookie bars.

2. Chocolate Mousse
   Rich and creamy chocolate mousse contrasts nicely with the texture of the cookie bars.

3. Vanilla Yogurt
   The tanginess of yogurt provides a nice counterpoint to the sweet dessert, enhancing its flavors.

4. Almond Biscotti
   Crunchy biscotti offers another layer of texture while adding nutty flavors that complement pistachios.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can provide savory notes that balance the sweetness of the dessert bars.

6. Chai Tea
   The spiced flavors of chai tea make for a cozy drink pairing, elevating the experience of enjoying these cookie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars can be simple, but a few mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Softening Step: Make sure your butter is softened. Cold butter won’t mix well and will lead to uneven dough. Take it out of the fridge ahead of time.

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can make your bars tough. Blend until just combined for soft, chewy cookie bars.

• Not Greasing the Baking Sheet: Failing to grease your baking sheet can cause the bars to stick. Use cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.

• Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking will dry out your cookie bars; they should be lightly browned at the edges.

• Cutting Too Soon: Let your bars cool before cutting. Cutting them while hot can result in messy pieces that fall apart.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Warm bars for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors of pudding mix for these cookie bars?

Yes! You can experiment with different pudding flavors like vanilla or chocolate for unique variations.

How do I make my Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars more festive?

Consider adding sprinkles or chopped nuts on top before baking. This adds color and texture!

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of pre-made mix?

Absolutely! Just ensure your homemade dough is similar in consistency and sweetness to sugar cookie mix for best results.

What can I serve with my Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars?

These bars pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Final Thoughts

Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Feel free to customize your bars with toppings or add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!