St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious dessert that combines soft, buttery sugar cookie dough with a smooth, creamy frosting. Topped with colorful sprinkles, these bars are perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or any special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting required, just press the dough into the pan and bake.
• Soft and Chewy – These cookie bars have a rich, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
• Festive and Fun – Topped with green frosting and sprinkles, they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Great for a Crowd – This recipe makes a large batch, ideal for parties or bake sales.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cookie Bars

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• Green food coloring (optional for a festive touch)

Frosting

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar – In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Extracts – Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Combine and Add Color – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. If using food coloring, mix it in until evenly distributed.
6. Bake – Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely before frosting.
7. Make Frosting – Beat butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until fluffy. Tint with green food coloring.
8. Frost and Decorate – Spread frosting over cooled bars and top with sprinkles. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the frosted bars.
• Extra Flavors – Add lemon or peppermint extract for a fun twist.
• Funfetti Style – Mix sprinkles into the cookie dough for added color.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Thicker Frosting – Add an extra cup of powdered sugar for a sturdier frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to a week for longer freshness.
• Freezing – Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing.
• Reheating – Not necessary, but let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes! Store-bought vanilla or cream cheese frosting works well in a pinch.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them before serving.

How do I get perfectly even bars?

Use a ruler and a sharp knife to slice evenly, wiping the knife between cuts.

Can I use buttercream frosting instead?

Absolutely! A classic buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with these bars.

Can I add mix-ins to the dough?

Yes! Try white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.

How do I make them extra soft?

Don’t overbake! Remove from the oven when the edges are just golden.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, but adjust the baking time accordingly. A smaller pan will yield thicker bars.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk for a vegan-friendly version.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking pan and increase the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy and festive dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet green frosting, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and bring a little luck to your dessert table!

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