If you’re looking for a festive and irresistible treat to brighten up your celebrations, the Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines the classic buttery softness of sugar cookie bars with a fun burst of green frosting and charming St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for a party or just craving a sweet indulgence, these bars will delight your taste buds and add a cheerful touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: the butter and sugar create a tender and rich base, the eggs and vanilla boost flavor and texture, and the green food coloring brings festive visual appeal. The St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles lend a final burst of joyful color and crunch.
- 1 cup butter, softened: The foundation for a rich and tender cookie base.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly and helps create that delightful chewy texture.
- 4 eggs: Adds moisture and structure to the bars.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Provides a slight lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the dough substance and chewiness.
- 5 cups powdered sugar: The base for the creamy, sweet frosting that crowns the bars.
- 1 cup butter, softened (for frosting): Ensures a smooth and rich frosting.
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract: Adds a subtle nutty undertone to the frosting.
- 6 tbsp milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
- Green food coloring: Makes the frosting absolutely festive and fun.
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles: Adds color and a playful crunch to finish the bars off.
How to Make Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grease a rimmed cookie sheet—ideally 12 by 17 inches—so the cookie bars don’t stick and bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates the perfect texture base. Then, add your eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting aroma.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed for consistent rise throughout the cookie bars.
Step 4: Combine Dough and Bake
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just blended into a smooth dough. Press this dough evenly into your prepared cookie sheet—taking care to smooth out the surface for an even bake. Pop it into your preheated oven for around 15 minutes, or until the edges start turning a lovely golden color. Let it cool completely before moving on.
Step 5: Whip Up the Green Frosting
For the frosting, beat softened butter until silky smooth. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring, mixing to get a vivid, festive shade. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired thickness. Add the remaining milk tablespoons as needed to adjust the texture and brighten the color with extra food coloring if you want that perfect shamrock green.
Step 6: Frost and Add Sprinkles
Spread the vibrant green frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars, then immediately scatter St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles all over the top. This quick step ensures the sprinkles stick beautifully and add that cheerful crunch.
Step 7: Cut and Store
Slice your masterpiece into 36 to 40 bars—perfect for sharing or nibbling throughout the holiday season. Store these bars in an airtight container to keep their freshness intact.
How to Serve Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, consider garnishing your bars with edible gold leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of green and contrast both in flavor and appearance, creating a welcome breath of freshness against the sweet cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea or a rich green matcha latte. For party settings, cream-based drinks like Irish cream coffee or a simple cold glass of milk balance the sweetness marvelously.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board decorated with shamrocks and gold coins for that authentic St. Patrick’s Day feel. If you’re gifting them, pack the bars in clear cellophane bags tied with green ribbons, or arrange them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe bars keep beautifully at room temperature inside an airtight container for up to five days. This ensures they stay soft and scrumptious without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Frost the bars only after thawing completely at room temperature, then add your sprinkles for a fresh finish.
Reheating
While these cookie bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer a warm treat, pop a bar into the microwave for about 10 seconds to melt the frosting slightly and soften the cookie underneath—deliciously comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a different food coloring besides green for the frosting?
Absolutely! While green perfectly suits the St. Patrick’s Day theme, you can switch it to any color you prefer to match other occasions or personal tastes. Just remember the color will impact the final visual impact of your bars.
Is almond extract necessary for the frosting?
Almond extract adds a subtle, nutty depth to the frosting that enhances the sweetness, but it’s optional. You can substitute it with more vanilla extract or omit it altogether if you have allergies or prefer a pure vanilla flavor.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour, but some textural differences may occur. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the bars chewy and intact.
How thick should I press the dough into the pan?
Press the dough evenly to about ½ inch thickness for even baking and the perfect chewy interior texture. Too thick, and the bars may not bake through; too thin, and they might dry out.
Can I store these bars in the refrigerator?
While refrigeration can prolong freshness, it may cause the frosting to harden. If you prefer chilled bars, allow them to return to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe is a joyful and rewarding experience that brings a burst of color and flavor to any occasion. From the buttery cookie base to the vibrant green frosting topped with festive sprinkles, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. I encourage you to bake a batch soon and share the delicious cheer with your loved ones—it’s truly a treat that brightens any celebration!
Print
Green Sugar Cookie Bars with St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36-40 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these festive Green Sugar Cookie Bars that combine a buttery, soft sugar cookie base with a luscious, green almond-flavored frosting. Perfectly baked to a light golden finish and topped with themed sprinkles, these bars make a delightful treat for parties or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the 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 (divided: 4 tbsp then 2 tbsp)
- Green food coloring, as needed
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet (12×17 inches) to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients and mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Spread dough and bake: Evenly press the dough into the prepared cookie sheet, smoothing the top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the bars are lightly golden on the edges. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting base: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well until evenly colored.
- Add powdered sugar and adjust consistency: Gradually add powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the frosting color with more food coloring if needed to achieve vibrant green.
- Frost and decorate: Spread the green almond-flavored frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Slice and store: Cut into approximately 36 to 40 bars. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the cookie bars are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Adjust the green food coloring amount to achieve your desired shade of green.
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla if almond flavor is not preferred.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For easier slicing, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
