Description

Deliciously chewy pistachio bars made from a pistachio pudding-infused sugar cookie base, topped generously with a smooth and creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. These bars are studded with chopped pistachios both in the batter and on top, offering a perfect balance of nutty crunch and sweet, velvety frosting ideal for dessert or special occasions.

Ingredients

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For the Pistachio Bars

2 cups all purpose flour
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pistachios

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup chopped pistachios (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, granulated sugar, and baking powder until well blended.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Form Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pistachios to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the batter.
Bake the Bars: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare Frosting: While the bars cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup chopped pistachios evenly over the frosted bars for added texture and flavor.
Chill and Serve: For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing into 24 bars and serving.

Notes

Chewy pistachio sugar cookie bars, topped with a homemade cream cheese frosting!
Make sure bars are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
For a more intense pistachio flavor, consider adding a few drops of pistachio extract to the batter or frosting.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
These bars can be frozen uncut for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 2x2 inch piece)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg