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Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars: Irresistibly Soft and Chewy

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, chewy dessert bars made with pistachio pudding mix for a unique flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Bars
  • ¾ cup butter softened
  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • ½ cup sugar or coconut sugar
  • 2 pieces eggs
  • tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp almond extract omit if allergic
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp baking powder optional
  • 1 dash salt
For the Frosting
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup soft butter
  • cups powdered sugar or sugar substitute
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ¼ tsp almond extract optional
  • ¼ cup chopped pistachios optional topping

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9x13 inch Pan
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup softened butter, 2 boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix, and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in 2 eggs, 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract until well combined and smooth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, and a dash of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a greased 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, then press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
  4. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, about 30-40 minutes.
  5. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting by beating together 4 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until smooth, then add in powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of almond extract.
  6. Once the bars are cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Optionally, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pistachios on top.
  7. Cut the cooled and frosted bars into squares, and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for best texture. Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain softness. Watch baking time to prevent drying out. Cool completely before frosting for best results.

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