Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars
	
		Soft, chewy Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars bursting with nutty flavor, combining classic sugar cookie dough and pistachio pudding mix for a moist, flavorful, and visually appealing dessert perfect for any occasion.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
 
							- Yield: 16 bars 1x
 
							- Category: Dessert
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour blend)
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 
- 1 package (3.4 oz) green pistachio pudding mix
 
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
 
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
 
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
 
- 2 large eggs
 
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
 
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a soft texture in the bars.
 
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, enriching flavor and maintaining moisture in the dough.
 
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pistachio pudding mix, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking.
 
- Fold in Pistachios: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for added crunch and flavor.
 
- Bake the Bars: Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are set and the center springs back lightly when touched.
 
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares for clean cuts and optimal chewy texture.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth blending and even texture.
 
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough bars.
 
- Measure flour properly by spooning into the cup and leveling off to avoid dense bars.
 
- Customize nut size by using whole, chopped, or slivered pistachios for texture variation.
 
- Monitor baking time closely; overbaking may dry out the bars.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 bar
 
							- Calories: 200
 
							- Sugar: 15g
 
							- Sodium: 120mg
 
							- Fat: 12g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 7g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 22g
 
							- Fiber: 1g
 
							- Protein: 3g
 
							- Cholesterol: 40mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: Pistachio pudding sugar cookie bars, chewy cookie bars, pistachio dessert bars, festive cookie bars, nutty cookie bars