Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for St. Patrick’s Day because it’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare. The sugar cookie bars themselves are soft, chewy, and lightly golden, while the frosting is creamy and vibrant, giving them that festive green touch. They’re perfect for serving a large group or for enjoying at home. The recipe is quick to make, and the cookies can be prepped ahead of time, which makes them ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 5 cups flour
For the Frosting:
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract
- 6 tbsp milk
- Green food coloring
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet (12×17 inches).
- Cream together butter and sugar on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each to incorporate before adding the next. Add vanilla and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, baking soda, and flour. Slowly add this mixture to the butter and sugar mixture until combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a small amount of food coloring. Mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one-half cup at a time, until fully combined. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk and adjust the color with more food coloring if needed.
- Frost the cooled sugar cookie bars and immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles. Cut into about 36-40 bars and store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 36-40 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a richer taste, you can add chocolate chips to the dough before baking.
- Different Colors: While these are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day with green frosting, you can switch up the colors for any holiday or celebration.
- Flavored Frosting: Add peppermint or vanilla extract to the frosting for a different twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store the sugar cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you want them to last a bit longer. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These sugar cookie bars can be made the day before and stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the sugar cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and then thaw it overnight when you’re ready to bake.
Can I use a different frosting flavor?
Yes, you can use any frosting flavor you prefer. Cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting would both be great options!
How long do these sugar cookie bars last?
These bars last for about 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for regular flour. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
Can I freeze the baked bars?
Yes, after frosting the bars, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure they are in an airtight container.
What type of food coloring should I use?
Gel food coloring is best as it won’t water down the frosting.
How thick should the dough be pressed into the pan?
Make sure to press the dough evenly into the pan for an even bake. The dough should be spread out until it covers the whole pan.
Can I add more sugar to the frosting?
If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add a little more powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles are fun for this recipe, but any colorful sprinkles can be used for different occasions.
Conclusion
These St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy and delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday. With their soft texture and vibrant frosting, they’re sure to be a hit at your gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with a crowd or keeping them all to yourself, they’re a sweet way to spread a little joy.
Print
Green Sugar Cookie Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36-40 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Green Cookie Bars are a fun and festive dessert, perfect for celebrating the holiday. Soft, chewy sugar cookie bars topped with creamy, vibrant green frosting and colorful sprinkles, making them a hit at any party or gathering. Quick and easy to make, they can be prepped ahead of time, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract
- 6 tbsp milk
- Green food coloring
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet (12×17 inches).
- Cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, allowing each to incorporate before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one-half cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk and adjust the color with more food coloring as needed.
- Frost the cooled sugar cookie bars and immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles. Cut into about 36-40 bars and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Add Chocolate Chips: For extra flavor, fold in chocolate chips before baking.
- Flavored Frosting: For a unique twist, you can use peppermint or vanilla extract instead of almond in the frosting.
- Color Options: While these bars are perfect for St. Patrick’s Day with green frosting, you can customize the frosting color for any occasion or holiday.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, St. Patrick's Day Treat
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
