Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars

The Story Behind the Recipe 🥄

Desserts often carry stories, and Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars bring back memories of holiday baking with my family. Growing up, my grandma always had a big tub of pistachio pudding mix in the pantry. We loved the pale green color and that sweet, nutty flavor. One winter, I thought — why not combine it with a soft sugar cookie bar?

The first batch was magical — the cookie bars were tender, slightly chewy, and infused with the subtle pistachio flavor, topped with a light glaze that melted in your mouth. Every bite had that comforting homemade feel, with a touch of festive charm.

These bars quickly became a family favorite — perfect for Christmas cookie trays, potlucks, or just a little indulgent treat for yourself. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and always disappear fast.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

• 💚 Subtle Pistachio Flavor: Adds a nutty sweetness without being overpowering.
• 🍪 Soft & Chewy Texture: The sugar cookie base is tender and perfect for bars.
• 🥣 Easy & Fun: Quick to mix, bake, and serve — no complicated steps.
• 🌿 Customizable: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a light frosting.
• 🎉 Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings: Colorful and festive with minimal effort.

It’s a dessert that feels like love in every bite — comforting, sweet, and fun.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🥄 For the Bars:

• 1 box sugar cookie mix (or homemade sugar cookie dough)
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pistachios for texture

🍥 For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few drops green food coloring (optional)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Base

In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix and pistachio pudding mix. Stir in the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in chopped pistachios if using.

Step 3: Spread in Pan

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges and set in the middle. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before adding any glaze or frosting.

Step 6: Make the Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring for festive color. Drizzle over the cooled bars.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares or rectangles. Store in an airtight container, and enjoy the soft, nutty, buttery goodness in every bite!

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

• ☕ Coffee or Tea: Perfect with a warm cup of your favorite drink.
• 🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: Turn it into a decadent dessert treat.
• 🥛 Cold Milk: Classic pairing for sugar cookies.
• 🎉 Holiday Trays: Add to cookie platters for Christmas, Easter, or birthdays.
• 🍫 Chocolate Dip: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for extra indulgence.

These bars are versatile, cheerful, and perfect for any occasion.

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Customization & Variations

• 🍫 Chocolate Chips: Add white chocolate or milk chocolate chips to the batter.
• 🌰 Nutty Upgrade: Fold in more chopped pistachios or almonds.
• 🍥 Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting instead of glaze.
• 🍭 Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the top for celebrations.
• 🥝 Fruit Twist: Top with crushed freeze-dried raspberries or cherries for tartness.
• 🥣 Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and egg replacer.

The bars are highly adaptable — fun for kids, adults, and festive occasions alike.

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Storing & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week — especially if glazed or frosted.
• Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

(Pro Tip: Add the glaze just before serving if storing bars for longer periods.)

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg

Soft, sweet, and lightly nutty — a dessert you can feel happy about sharing with family and friends.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I make these bars from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe and add instant pistachio pudding mix.

2. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix or substitute with almond flour and adjust baking time.

3. Can I add more pistachios?
Yes! Fold in up to 1 cup for extra crunch and flavor.

4. How do I keep the bars soft?
Don’t overbake — remove when lightly golden and set.

5. Can I use other pudding flavors?
Yes! Vanilla, white chocolate, or even almond pudding mix works well.

6. Can I frost them instead of glazing?
Yes — cream cheese frosting or buttercream pairs beautifully.

7. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely — soft, chewy, and fun to decorate with sprinkles.

8. Can I make them ahead for a party?
Yes! Bake, cool, store, and glaze just before serving.

9. Can I freeze the bars?
Yes — freeze unglazed for up to 2 months and glaze after thawing.

10. Can I add chocolate drizzle?
Yes — a drizzle of melted white or milk chocolate makes them extra indulgent.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

These Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are chewy, buttery, nutty, and slightly sweet — the perfect combination for a festive dessert or a cozy family treat.

Every bite delivers soft cookie texture, subtle pistachio flavor, and a touch of sweetness from the glaze. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and endlessly adaptable — a dessert that feels homemade and special.

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a midweek treat, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast — and leave everyone asking for more! 💚

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

Did you make my Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars?

📸 Share your creations on Pinterest and tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen! Whether you added chocolate, sprinkles, or extra pistachios, I’d love to see your version.

Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow for more cozy, comforting desserts that bring joy and sweetness to every occasion. 🍪💚