Rich, buttery, and infused with the subtle nuttiness of pistachio, these sugar cookie bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. With a chewy texture and a vibrant green hue from the pistachio pudding mix, they’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Why You Will Love Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
- Quick and Easy: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time make this a fuss-free recipe.
- Unique Flavor: The pistachio pudding mix adds a distinctive nutty sweetness.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, bake sales, or gifting.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personalized twist.
Ingredients Notes for Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
This recipe combines the ease of a sugar cookie mix with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachio pudding.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates the soft, rich texture of these bars.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
- 3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix: Adds flavor, sweetness, and a light green tint.
- 1 package sugar cookie mix: The foundation for these chewy, buttery bars.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- 10 x 15-inch baking sheet
- Spatula or spoon
- Non-stick spray or butter for greasing
How to Make Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine with the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the sugar cookie mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Press into the Pan
- Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet with non-stick spray or butter.
- Evenly press the dough into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
5. Bake and Cool
- Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden, about 12–15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Slice into squares or rectangles and serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months.
Variations and Substitutions
- Nutty Mix-Ins: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pistachios for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled bars for added decadence.
- Festive Flair: Sprinkle green and gold sanding sugar on top before baking for a holiday-ready treat.
Helpful Notes
- Even Baking: Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure uniform baking.
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden but not overly browned.
- Soft Butter: Use butter that’s softened but not melted to achieve the perfect texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Use the best-quality butter you can find for the richest flavor in simple recipes like this.”
- Martha Stewart: “For perfectly cut bars, chill them slightly after cooling before slicing with a sharp knife.”
- Claire Saffitz: “Adding a pinch of sea salt to the dough enhances the pistachio flavor.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes! If you prefer, substitute with your favorite homemade sugar cookie recipe.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
3. What if I can’t find pistachio pudding mix?
Vanilla pudding mix with a teaspoon of almond extract can mimic the flavor, though it won’t have the green color.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit any additional salt to avoid over-salting the recipe.
5. How do I make them more vibrant green?
Add a drop or two of green food coloring to enhance the pistachio hue.
Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are a sweet, nutty, and visually striking dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy them at your next gathering or keep them all to yourself—you won’t regret it!
