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.
