Description
Delight in festive Green Sugar Cookie Bars perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These buttery, soft cookie bars are topped with a creamy almond-infused green frosting and decorated with cheerful sprinkles. They offer a fun twist on classic sugar cookies, baked in a sheet pan for easy slicing and sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Green food coloring, a few drops
- 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 ensure the cookie bars do not stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract to fully combine for a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until the dough is fully combined and smooth.
- Shape and Bake: Press the prepared dough evenly into the greased cookie sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add 4 tablespoons of milk, almond extract, and a few drops of green food coloring, mixing until well combined and vibrant in color.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk, adjusting the consistency as needed. Add more green food coloring if desired for a richer color.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread the green frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Immediately sprinkle with St. Patrick’s Day-themed sprinkles while the frosting is still fresh. Cut into approximately 36-40 bars and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking and thickness of bars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade.
- Store bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk.
