Description
Delight in these Pistachio Cookie Bars featuring a moist and flavorful pistachio pudding base topped with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese frosting. Perfectly baked to a golden edge and finished with optional chopped pistachios or sprinkles for an added crunch, these bars make a vibrant and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- about 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
- Chopped pistachios or sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, instant pistachio pudding mix, and white sugar until well combined. Then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, continuing to beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and light.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Beat the batter just until everything is incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn a golden brown color. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar. Once the ingredients are combined, whip the frosting with a mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add about one tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Frost and Finish: Spread the fluffy cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pistachio bars. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pistachios or colorful sprinkles on top for added texture and visual appeal. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the bars tender.
- You can substitute almond extract with additional vanilla extract if preferred.
- Chilling the bars after frosting can help the frosting set better for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh;
- These bars can also be made a day ahead, enhancing the pistachio flavor once rested.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
