Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pistachios or sweet, buttery treats, these Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a must-try! The pistachio pudding mix brings an irresistible nutty flavor to the soft, chewy texture of the cookie bars. With minimal ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to whip up these indulgent bars in no time. The combination of the buttery base and the smooth pistachio flavor makes them perfect for any dessert lover, whether you prefer a rich treat or something lighter.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 3.4 oz pistachio instant pudding mix

• 1 package sugar cookie mix

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, eggs, and pistachio pudding mix until smooth and creamy.

3. Gradually add the sugar cookie mix, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

4. Grease a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet and press the dough evenly into the pan, spreading it to the edges.

5. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden.

6. Allow the pan to cool completely before slicing the dough into bars.

7. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy these deliciously soft and nutty cookie bars!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 16-20 cookie bars, depending on how large you slice them.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Baking Time: 18-22 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pistachios or other nuts like almonds or walnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch.

• Chocolate Chips: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a fun twist on the traditional pistachio flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• Frosting: Top the cookie bars with a cream cheese frosting or a glaze for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week to prolong freshness.

• Freezing: These bars freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: If you prefer your cookie bars warm, simply microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different pudding flavors, such as vanilla or chocolate, to create your own variations.

2. How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?

The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

3. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute to make the bars vegan-friendly.

4. What can I use instead of a sugar cookie mix?

You can make your own sugar cookie dough from scratch, using butter, sugar, flour, and baking soda.

5. How thick should the cookie dough be spread in the pan?

The dough should be spread evenly across the pan, filling it completely. It will rise slightly during baking, but you want the dough to cover the entire surface of the pan for even results.

6. How should I cut these cookie bars?

After they’ve cooled completely, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

7. Can I add extra pistachios to the dough?

Yes, you can fold in extra chopped pistachios for an additional burst of nutty flavor.

8. Are these cookie bars soft or crispy?

These cookie bars are soft and chewy, with a slight crispness on the edges.

9. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake them in a larger pan to serve more people.

10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Conclusion

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a delightful treat that offers the perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. With minimal ingredients and an easy preparation process, these bars are ideal for anyone looking to make a quick, yet impressive dessert. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve them at your next gathering, these cookie bars will surely be a hit.

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