If you’re looking to bring a festive pop of color and irresistible flavor to your celebration, this Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe is absolutely the way to go. These bars combine a soft, buttery sugar cookie base with a luscious green frosting that’s perfectly creamy, topped off with cheerful St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles. Whether you are baking for a crowd or simply want to brighten up your dessert table, this recipe promises a fun, festive treat that’s both show-stopping and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples, yet each plays an important role in making these cookie bars just right. From the richness of butter to the perfect touch of almond extract, every component contributes to the delicious taste, texture, and vibrant color that define this recipe.
- 1 cup butter (softened at room temperature): This ensures a rich, tender crumb and smooth frosting texture.
- 2 cups sugar: Adds the classic sweetness that balances the cookie’s flavor.
- 4 eggs: Provide structure and moisture, keeping the cookie bars soft but sturdy.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 1 tsp salt: Elevates all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the bars rise gently and maintain a soft texture.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that creates that classic sugar cookie bite.
- 5 cups powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, creamy frosting that’s not too grainy.
- 1 cup butter (softened at room temperature for frosting): Creates a luscious base for the frosting.
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty flavor to the frosting that’s uniquely delightful.
- 6 tbsp milk: Adjusts frosting consistency and helps to bind ingredients smoothly.
- Green food coloring: For that vibrant, eye-catching color that makes these bars festive.
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles: A playful and colorful finishing touch that’s perfect for the holiday.
How to Make Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet (about 12×17 inches) to ensure your cookie bars don’t stick and bake evenly. This step sets the foundation for perfectly baked bars with crisp edges and soft centers.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process introduces air into the dough, contributing to the cookie bars’ tender texture. Add eggs one at a time so they incorporate fully—this keeps the batter smooth and well mixed. Stir in the vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. This not only ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed but also prevents clumps of salt or soda from concentrating in one area, which could affect the texture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. The dough should be thick but easy to spread.
Step 4: Bake the Cookie Bars
Evenly press the dough into your prepared cookie sheet. Aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even baking. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is just beginning to turn golden. Removing the bars right when they’re slightly golden on the edges keeps them soft and chewy rather than crisp. Let the bars cool completely before moving on to frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Green Frosting
Beat the softened butter until smooth, then add 4 tablespoons of milk, the almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well to achieve an even shade. The almond extract is subtle but adds a beautiful dimension to the frosting’s flavor, making it more interesting than plain vanilla.
Step 6: Add Powdered Sugar and Adjust
Add powdered sugar incrementally—about a half cup at a time—to avoid a powdery cloud in your kitchen! Mix thoroughly after each addition until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk to loosen the frosting to a spreadable consistency. Adjust the green color if needed by adding a few more drops.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and immediately sprinkle generously with St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles. The sprinkles provide a festive crunch and a burst of color that makes these bars perfect for your holiday celebrations. Cut into about 36 to 40 bars, depending on your preferred size, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
While the St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles give these bars a festive flair, consider additional garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or small edible gold leaf accents to elevate the presentation for special occasions. A few fresh mint leaves on the side can add a refreshing note and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to assemble a dessert spread, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of rich Irish cream coffee. The creamy textures play beautifully against the soft cookie bars and complement their sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a St. Patrick’s Day party or a themed gathering, serve the bars on a festive platter lined with shamrock-shaped doilies or green parchment paper. You can also stack them in a tiered dessert display to create an eye-catching centerpiece. Wrapping individual bars in clear cellophane tied with green ribbon makes for cute party favors everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, perfect if you want to bake them in advance for a weekend event or share with friends during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cookie bars baked on the sheet pan wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature before frosting and adding sprinkles. If you want to freeze them after frosting, place the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap well and freeze to protect the frosting.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let them thaw if frozen. If you prefer a warm treat, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds; just be careful not to melt the frosting too much. Warm bars taste wonderfully soft and gooey!
FAQs
Can I make these sugar cookie bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and the bars should come out just as delicious.
What if I don’t have almond extract for the frosting?
If you’re out of almond extract, you can substitute with vanilla extract or even a hint of lemon extract for a citrus twist. The frosting will still be creamy and flavorful.
Can I use a different color of food coloring?
Absolutely! The green is festive for St. Patrick’s Day, but feel free to get creative. Use red for Valentine’s Day or blue for a winter theme—the frosting is a perfect canvas for any color.
How long will these cookie bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars remain fresh and soft for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it wrapped tightly. Bring it to room temperature before pressing into the baking sheet and continuing with the recipe. This can help save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful way to celebrate any occasion. From its soft, buttery base to the cheerful green frosting and sprinkles, it’s a recipe that’s bound to bring smiles and sweet moments at your table. Happy baking, and may your treats be as bright and wonderful as the holiday spirit!
Print
Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive Green Sugar Cookie Bars! Soft, buttery sugar cookie bars are baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy green almond frosting sprinkled with themed sprinkles. Perfectly simple to make and easy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 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
Frosting
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract
- 6 tbsp milk
- Green food coloring, as needed
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet measuring 12×17 inches to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer on medium speed, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 5 cups of all-purpose flour to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet butter and sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined to form the cookie dough.
- Press and Bake: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat 1 cup of softened butter until smooth. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring to tint the frosting. Mix well.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 5 cups of powdered sugar one-half cup at a time, beating to incorporate fully. Then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk and adjust the green color with more food coloring as desired.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the green almond frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the frosted bars into about 36-40 pieces. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Adjust green food coloring to reach your preferred shade.
- These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- For a stronger almond flavor, add extra almond extract gradually to taste.
- Use an electric mixer for best results when creaming butter and sugar as well as for the frosting.
