Description
These Green Sugar Cookie Bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Soft, sweet, and generously frosted with a vibrant green buttercream and decorated with themed sprinkles, these bars combine the classic flavors of sugar cookies with fun holiday flair. Easy to bake in a single sheet pan and cut into multiple servings, they make a perfect party dessert or an everyday sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ – ½ tsp almond extract
- 6 tbsp milk (divided: 4 tbsp then 2 tbsp)
- Green food coloring (a few drops, adjust as needed)
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard rimmed cookie sheet (12×17 inches) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until fully combined into a firm dough.
- Shape and Bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cookie sheet, smoothing the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Mix well to combine the flavors and achieve an initial green hue.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency. Adjust the green food coloring if necessary to get a vibrant color.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the green frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles for a festive look. Cut into approximately 36-40 bars and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough and frosting.
- Do not overbake the cookie bars to keep them soft and tender.
- Adjust green food coloring according to your desired intensity for the frosting.
- Store frosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- The almond extract in the frosting adds a subtle, complementary flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
