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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
