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This buttery pistachio sugar cookie bar recipe transforms ordinary sugar cookies into something extraordinary with the addition of pistachio pudding mix. The result is a soft, chewy treat with a subtle nutty flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
I first made these pistachio bars for a St. Patrick's Day party, and they've become my signature dessert for potlucks ever since. The beautiful green hue always draws compliments before people even taste them.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature for that rich, buttery foundation
- Large eggs: to bind everything together and create the perfect texture
- Pistachio instant pudding mix: which gives these bars their distinctive flavor and lovely green color
- Sugar cookie mix: as the convenient base that saves you measuring multiple dry ingredients
How To Make Buttery Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
- Prepare the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the dough. This temperature creates the perfect environment for even baking with light golden edges.
- Create the Pistachio Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix. Take your time with this step, beating until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps of pudding powder remaining.
- Form the Cookie Dough:
- Gradually add the sugar cookie mix to your pistachio base, incorporating it slowly to prevent flour clouds and ensure even mixing. The resulting dough will be quite sticky, which is exactly what you want for moist, chewy bars.
- Press and Shape:
- Prepare your 10 x 15 inch baking sheet with a thorough coating of butter or cooking spray, reaching into the corners. Using slightly damp fingers, press the sticky dough evenly into the pan, creating a uniform layer that extends all the way to the edges.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place your pan in the center rack of your preheated oven and bake until the edges just begin to turn golden while the center remains soft, typically 15 to 18 minutes. The bars will continue to set as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake.
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The pistachio pudding mix is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. My grandmother first introduced me to baking with pudding mixes back in the 1980s, and I still remember how impressed I was by the color and flavor it imparted to ordinary cookie dough.
Storage Solutions
These pistachio bars stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the pistachio notes deepen and meld with the buttery cookie base. For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They will maintain their quality for up to three months frozen. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Easy Variations
While the basic recipe is delightful on its own, you can customize these bars in several ways. For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios or white chocolate chips to the dough before pressing it into the pan. During holiday seasons, I sometimes add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the nutty notes or sprinkle the top with colored sugar before baking for a festive touch.
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Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For casual snacking, cut them into larger squares. For an elegant dessert platter, slice them into small diamonds and dust with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, and for an indulgent dessert, serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. During the holidays, I often arrange them on a platter with fresh berries for a color contrast that looks as good as it tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but be mindful of the salt content in the cookie mix and reduce other added salt to avoid oversalting.
- → Can I substitute fresh pistachios for the pudding mix?
The pistachio pudding mix adds flavor and texture, but you could finely chop fresh pistachios for additional nuttiness.
- → What is the best way to store the cookie bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- → Can I use a different cookie mix base?
Yes, you can experiment with other cookie bases like shortbread mix, but textures and flavors will vary.
- → How do I ensure even baking?
Spread the dough evenly in the pan and preheat the oven properly to ensure uniform baking.