Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

If you’ve never made sugar cookie bars, you are really missing out. You get all the flavor of a sugar cookie in about half the time! No dragging out cookie cutters and a rolling pin. No flouring the counter. Just bake all the dough in one pan, frost, and cut into squares. So easy!

Pistachio pudding mix gives these bars an unbeatable flavor, and makes them extra soft. And of course the pistachios add a yummy crunch.

I love baking with pudding mixes, they make everything so yummy! I have a recipe for Pistachio Cupcakes that has been a favorite since I was a little girl. These Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are similar. Both start with pistachio pudding mix, and both are topped with cream cheese frosting. Both are absolutely scrumptious!

I just recently discovered the joy of sugar cookie bars. All of the flavor of sugar cookies, but so much easier to make! Just press into the pan, bake, frost, and cut. So simple, but oh so delicious.

How to you make pistachio sugar cookie bars?
Start by creaming the butter, dry pudding mix, and sugar. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract. Then just stir in the dry ingredients.

Press the dough into a greased 9×13″ pan and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or till golden brown around the edges.

These bars are extra soft and flavorful thanks to the pistachio pudding mix. The almond extract really boosts the flavor, so I highly recommend it. They aren’t overly sweet, so the cream cheese frosting on top is the perfect compliment. And of course the chopped pistachios on top add a yummy crunch. They are absolutely delicious, and I hope you’ll give them a try!

Ingredients
Pistachio Bars:

• 2 c. flour
• 2 - 3.4 oz. boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c. butter melted
• 1/4 c. vegetable oil
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 c. chopped pistachios

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz. cream cheese softened
• 3 tbsp. butter softened
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 3 c. powdered sugar

Instructions
For bars:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, pudding mix, sugar, and baking powder.
2. In another bowl, combine egg, melted butter, oil, milk, and vanilla.
3. Mix the egg mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until just blended.
4. Mix in pistachios.
5. Press the dough into a lightly greased 9x13-inch pan.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

For frosting:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Spread over the cooled bars, and cut into squares.
4. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios, if desired. EAT!!

Share this post