These Easy Pistachio Bars are soft sugar-cookie-style bars made with instant pistachio pudding mix for flavor and color, finished with a tangy cream cheese frosting and chopped pistachios. They’re festive, chewy, and simple to prepare.
If You Love Pistachios, These Pistachio Bars Are For You!
Pistachios are a favorite for many because of their unique, slightly sweet, nutty flavor. These bars capture that taste without a lot of fuss by using instant pistachio pudding mix in the batter. The pudding mix gives both the color and the pistachio flavor, while a small amount of almond extract rounds out the profile and enhances the nutty notes.
Chewy Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars — Easy and Festive
The simplest way to build pistachio flavor into cookie bars is to stir dry instant pistachio pudding mix directly into the batter. You don’t prepare the pudding; you add the dry mix as you would any other dry ingredient. This gives the bars consistent color and flavor throughout. A touch of almond extract complements the pistachio and enhances the overall taste.
Ingredients
Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version.
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- instant pistachio pudding mix
- eggs
- almond extract
- vanilla extract
- cornstarch
- salt
- baking soda
- all-purpose flour
How to Use Instant Pudding in Cookies and Bars
When a recipe calls for instant pudding mix in baked goods, add the dry mix directly to the batter rather than making the pudding per package directions. The dry pudding mix acts like a flavoring and texture modifier, increasing chewiness while providing color and pistachio flavor.
How to Store
Because these bars are topped with cream cheese frosting, store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days when covered. If you prefer to store them at room temperature, swap the cream cheese frosting for a vanilla buttercream; bars with buttercream will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage: Wrapped airtight, these bars freeze well for up to 30 days. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.
Description
These sweet sugar cookie-style bars are both pretty and flavorful. The instant pistachio pudding gives a soft green hue and a distinct pistachio taste, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, smooth finish. They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want a nutty, colorful treat.
Ingredients
Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 (3.4-ounce) packages instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Bars: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and coat with nonstick spray.
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and creamy. Add the dry instant pistachio pudding mix, eggs, almond extract, vanilla, salt, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix for about 1 minute until combined, scraping the bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low and add the flour, mixing just until incorporated.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Frosting: In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. With the mixer on low, add almond extract and powdered sugar, mixing briefly to combine. Increase speed to medium and beat about 1 minute more until the frosting is smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Slice into bars when ready to serve.
Notes
Store the frosted bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For room-temperature storage, use a buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese. These bars freeze well for up to 30 days when wrapped airtight.
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