Imagine biting into a bar that’s buttery, nutty, and dotted with creamy white chocolate—these Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are pure dessert bliss! Combining the magic of instant pistachio pudding with crunchy pistachios and a soft, chewy cookie base, this treat is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or looking to brighten up a weekday, these bars deliver a dreamy pop of color and flavor in every bite.

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of special touches, you’ll have everything you need for showstopping Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars. Each ingredient plays a role in the signature texture, flavor, or vibrant color of these irresistible bars.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a rich, tender base and lets the pistachio flavor shine.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Gives sweetness and helps the bars bake up with a soft, chewy crumb.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a touch of caramel flavor and extra moisture for that dreamy texture.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the dough together and provide structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the flavor, making every bite more aromatic.
All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The backbone of the cookie bars, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just right for a soft, thick center.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness.
Instant pistachio pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): The secret ingredient for that green hue and extra pistachio punch!
White chocolate chips (1 cup): Creamy pops of sweetness that pair perfectly with pistachios.
Chopped shelled pistachios (¾ cup, plus extra for topping): The star of the show—crunchy, buttery, and vibrant.

How to Make Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step makes it a breeze to lift out your Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars after baking and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates that classic cookie base and sets the stage for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the vanilla rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the entire box of instant pistachio pudding mix. The pudding mix is what gives these Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars their signature color and a delicate pistachio flavor that’s impossible to resist!

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you don’t see streaks of flour—so your bars stay soft and tender.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Pistachios

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios. You’ll see flecks of green and white throughout the dough, promising a treat in every bite!

Step 7: Press and Top

Evenly press the dough into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios over the top for a gorgeous finish and even more crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. For an extra gooey center, err on the shorter side of the baking time and let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars to cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment, then slice into squares. The hardest part is waiting to dig in!

How to Serve Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

Garnishes

For a touch of elegance, drizzle your cooled bars with melted white chocolate or sprinkle extra chopped pistachios on top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a cup of rich coffee or tea. Their nutty sweetness plays so nicely with creamy or slightly bitter drinks and desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the bars on a tiered dessert tray for parties, wrap them individually in parchment for lunchbox treats, or serve them alongside fresh berries for a pop of color. Their fun green hue makes them perfect for spring celebrations, holiday cookie platters, or gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and flavorful, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy weeks or special occasions.

Freezing

Want to enjoy these dreamy bars even longer? Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Reheating

If you love a warm, gooey cookie bar, pop a square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The white chocolate will get melty and irresistible, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If using salted butter, you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to keep the flavors balanced.

Do I need to use instant pudding mix, or can I use cook-and-serve?

Stick with instant pistachio pudding mix for the best results. It blends right into the dough, giving the bars their signature flavor and color without needing to be cooked first.

Are there any nut-free alternatives?

If you need a nut-free version, you can swap the pistachios for sunflower seeds or simply leave them out. The bars will still be delicious, though they won’t have that classic pistachio crunch.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan, and keep an eye on the baking time since it may need a few extra minutes.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

For neat, bakery-style squares, let the Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. You can even chill them briefly before slicing for extra sharp edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with pistachios all over again, these Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars are your ticket to sweet, nutty delight. Bake a batch for your loved ones or treat yourself—you deserve it! I can’t wait for you to taste just how dreamy they are.

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars combine the nutty flavor of pistachios with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate and instant pistachio pudding mix to create a soft, chewy dessert perfect for any occasion. These easy-to-make bars are baked in a single dish and cut into squares, offering a delightful treat with a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 box (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix

Add-ins

1 cup white chocolate chips
¾ cup chopped shelled pistachios (plus extra for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will ensure a tender texture in the bars.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate each before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and instant pistachio pudding mix to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flavoring.
Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bars tough.
Add White Chocolate and Pistachios: Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pistachios gently to spread them evenly throughout the dough.
Form and Top Dough: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle a few extra chopped pistachios on top for added texture and visual appeal.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares to ensure clean cuts and the perfect chewy texture.

Notes

For a softer, chewier center, slightly underbake the bars and let them cool fully before cutting.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra sweet touch.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American