Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a colorful and flavorful twist on the classic sugar cookie bar. Infused with pistachio pudding and a hint of almond and vanilla, these soft, chewy bars offer a subtly nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Topped with a simple pistachio glaze and chopped pistachios, they’re a beautiful and unique addition to any dessert table—perfect for spring celebrations, potlucks, or festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookie bars are effortlessly elegant and irresistibly soft, thanks to the instant pudding mix that enriches the dough. They require no chilling, are easy to slice, and stay moist for days. The pastel green hue makes them ideal for seasonal occasions like Easter or St. Patrick’s Day, while the flavor appeals to pistachio lovers all year round. With their delicate crumb and rich, buttery taste, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract
Pistachio instant pudding mix (3.4 oz box)
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Green food coloring (optional)
Chopped pistachios (for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Mix in the pistachio pudding mix and add green food coloring if desired for a more vibrant color.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, slice into bars and garnish with chopped pistachios. Optional: add a thin glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or cream for extra sweetness and shine.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Estimated Calories: 280 kcal per bar

Variations

Frosted version: Add a layer of pistachio or vanilla buttercream frosting instead of glaze.
White chocolate chips: Fold in a handful of white chocolate chips before baking for added richness.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Holiday twist: Decorate with colored sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for seasonal flair.
Citrus zest: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh contrast to the pistachio flavor.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These bars do not require reheating and are best enjoyed as-is.

FAQs

What does pistachio pudding do in the recipe?

The pudding mix adds moisture, flavor, and softness to the cookie bars, resulting in a tender, cake-like texture.

Can I use homemade pistachio pudding?

This recipe is developed for instant pudding mix. Homemade versions may alter the texture and moisture level.

Is food coloring necessary?

No, the pudding mix adds a light green tint, but food coloring enhances the visual appeal if a brighter color is desired.

What type of pistachios should I use?

Use roasted and lightly salted pistachios for the best contrast and crunch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger pan (like a half-sheet pan) and adjust baking time as needed.

Do these bars need frosting?

They’re flavorful without it, but a glaze or frosting adds a lovely finish and extra sweetness.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

They are moderately sweet, balanced by the nuttiness of pistachio and the subtle almond extract.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two in advance.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit it or replace it with extra vanilla extract, though almond enhances the pistachio flavor.

Can I serve these warm?

They are best served at room temperature or chilled, as warmth may soften them too much for clean slicing.

Conclusion

Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful departure from the ordinary—soft, nutty, and delicately sweet with just the right touch of color. Easy to make and elegant to serve, they’re a lovely choice for both casual and celebratory occasions. Whether enjoyed on their own or dressed up with frosting and toppings, these bars are sure to become a favorite treat for pistachio fans and cookie lovers alike.