Description
These soft, chewy cookie bars are packed with pistachio flavor and topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for parties or any time you need a sweet treat with a nutty twist!
Ingredients
For the dough:
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¾ cup butter, softened to room temperature
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2 (3.4 oz) boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix (dry)
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½ cup sugar
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2 eggs
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon almond extract
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2 cups flour
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¼ teaspoon baking powder
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Dash of salt
For the frosting:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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¼ cup soft butter
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2½ cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon almond extract
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Dash of salt
For garnish (optional):
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¼ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
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Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. -
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, pistachio pudding mix, and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, mixing until the dough comes together. -
Bake the bars:
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bars are set and lightly golden around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. -
Make the frosting:
While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a dash of salt. Beat until creamy and smooth. -
Frost the bars:
Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. -
Garnish and serve:
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for extra crunch and flavor. Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
If you prefer a more intense pistachio flavor, you can add a few drops of pistachio extract to the dough or frosting.
These bars are best stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days..
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pistachio cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, pistachio dessert, cookie bars with frosting