Description

Soft, chewy, and packed with nutty goodness, Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect combination of buttery sugar cookie and creamy pistachio pudding. This easy dessert recipe is great for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The rich flavors of pistachio, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon make these bars an irresistible delight. With a crunchy pistachio topping and a smooth pudding layer, every bite is a delicious contrast of textures. If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert, this is it!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pistachio Pudding Layer:

1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix

2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

For Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pistachios

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

2. Make the Pistachio Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk the instant pistachio pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. In another bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.

3. Assemble the Bars

Spread the pistachio pudding mixture evenly over the cooled cookie base, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and dust lightly with cinnamon if desired.

4. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the pudding layer to set. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!