Description
Soft, chewy, and bursting with nutty flavor, these Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy dessert with a rich, creamy twist. Made with cake mix and pudding for extra softness, and topped with a sweet almond glaze, they’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need a unique and crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
For the Bars
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or use homemade sugar cookie dough)
1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped pistachios for crunch)
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream)
½ teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
Green food coloring (optional)
Crushed pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the lining.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until a soft, even dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for added texture.
3️⃣ Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, cookie-like texture.
4️⃣ While the bars cool, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, almond extract, and a drop of green food coloring (if using) until smooth. Adjust with more milk or sugar to reach your desired consistency.
5️⃣ Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Immediately sprinkle with crushed pistachios for extra crunch and visual appeal.
6️⃣ Let the glaze set for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into squares or bars.
Notes
These bars are a sweet and nutty treat that keep well at room temperature for several days in an airtight container. For a festive twist, try tinting the glaze a deeper green or sprinkling with colored sugar. If using pistachios in the dough, toast them lightly beforehand to deepen their flavor. Perfect for dessert tables or gifting, they offer an irresistible mix of creamy, crunchy, and chewy in every bite.