Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio with a soft, buttery cookie base. These bars are incredibly easy to make and are sure to be a hit at parties, potlucks, or as a simple snack for yourself. The pistachio instant pudding mix gives the bars a smooth texture and enhances their flavor, making them irresistibly chewy and delicious. Whether you’re a pistachio lover or just looking for a new cookie bar recipe, these are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix
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1 package sugar cookie mix
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the sugar cookie mix, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
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Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet and press the dough evenly into the pan, spreading it all the way to the edges.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Allow the pan to cool completely before slicing the dough into bars.
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Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 16-20 bars
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 18-22 minutes
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Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Extra Crunch: Add chopped pistachios or other nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
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Chocolate Twist: Mix in some chocolate chips for a fun, chocolaty contrast to the pistachio flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix for a gluten-free version of these bars.
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Sweet Toppings: Top with cream cheese frosting or a glaze to make the bars even sweeter and more indulgent.
Storage/Reheating
Store Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer to enjoy them warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Yes! You can substitute pistachio pudding with other flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even banana pudding for a different twist.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but using butter will give these bars a richer, more flavorful taste.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges of the cookie bars should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
How can I make these bars more festive?
Add sprinkles or colored frosting on top for a fun, festive touch, especially for holidays or special occasions!
Conclusion
Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are an easy and irresistible dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the soft, chewy texture of sugar cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are simple to make and customizable with your favorite mix-ins. Whether you enjoy them plain or topped with a sweet glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite treat in your dessert repertoire!
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Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars
These Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat, made with a rich pistachio pudding mix and a buttery, chewy cookie base. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple snack, these easy-to-make bars are irresistible with their nutty pistachio flavor. With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion!
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 bars
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix
1 package sugar cookie mix
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix until smooth and creamy.
Add the Sugar Cookie Mix:
Gradually add the sugar cookie mix, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet and evenly press the dough into the pan, spreading it to the edges.
Bake the Bars:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
Serve:
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Extra Crunch: Add chopped pistachios or other nuts to the dough for a delicious crunch.
Fun Twist: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make these bars gluten-free.
Topping: Top with cream cheese frosting or a glaze for added sweetness and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baked
- Cuisine: American
