Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars layered with sweet, nutty pistachio flavor, a buttery cookie base, and just enough crunch to keep every bite interesting. These bars are rich, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth good—like a dreamy cross between a sugar cookie and a pistachio pudding dessert. I love making them for spring gatherings, holidays, or whenever I want something unique and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and delivers big flavor with very little effort. The boxed pudding mix gives the bars their signature green hue and creamy pistachio taste, while the cookie crust adds structure and sweetness. They look fancy, but I can throw them together in one bowl and have them ready to bake in minutes. Plus, they taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Pistachio instant pudding mix
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pistachios (optional, for crunch)
- White chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a bowl, I whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, I cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- I beat in the eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- I fold in chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips if using, then press the dough evenly into the baking dish.
- I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- I let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 24 bars. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 20–25 minutes to bake, and about 30 minutes to cool completely before slicing.
Variations
- I swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate or leave them out for a more classic bar.
- A light glaze made with powdered sugar and milk drizzled on top adds a pretty finish.
- I’ve used almond extract in place of vanilla for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Toasting the pistachios before mixing them in gives an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I let them thaw at room temp before serving. No reheating needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different pudding flavor?
I’ve tried it with vanilla and white chocolate pudding, but pistachio gives the best flavor and color for this specific recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I usually make them a day in advance. They hold up well and even taste better once the flavors settle.
Do I need to use the instant pudding mix dry?
Yes—don’t prepare the pudding. I just mix the dry powder straight into the batter as part of the dry ingredients.
Can I add frosting or a glaze?
Definitely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or even cream cheese frosting takes them to the next level if I’m feeling extra.
How do I keep the bars from getting dry?
I make sure not to overbake—pulling them out when the center is just set keeps them soft and chewy.
Conclusion
Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are a soft, flavorful, and totally satisfying treat that’s perfect for when I want something a little different. The creamy pistachio flavor, chewy texture, and subtle crunch make these bars stand out. Whether I’m baking for a party or just for fun, they always bring a little sweetness and a lot of joy.
Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These pistachio dream cookie bars are soft, chewy dessert bars made with pistachio instant pudding mix, giving them a beautiful green color and rich, nutty flavor. With a buttery cookie base, optional white chocolate chips, and chopped pistachios, they’re an easy, one-bowl treat perfect for holidays, spring gatherings, or anytime you're craving something uniquely sweet.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (3.4 oz) box pistachio instant pudding mix (dry)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for variation)
- ½ cup chopped pistachios (optional)
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in pistachios and white chocolate chips, if using.
- Press dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and the center is just set.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Do not prepare the pudding—use it dry as a mix-in.
- Swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate, or omit for a more classic flavor.
- Drizzle a glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the top for extra sweetness and presentation.
- Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.
