St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

These St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookie bars are a festive and delicious treat perfect for celebrating the holiday. With a soft, buttery sugar cookie base and a creamy green frosting topped with festive sprinkles, these bars are both easy to make and fun to share. Whether for a party, a classroom treat, or a simple homemade dessert, these cookie bars are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Chewy Texture – A perfectly thick and tender sugar cookie base.
• Festive & Fun – Green frosting and sprinkles make these bars ideal for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting required, just bake and frost.
• Great for Sharing – A big batch recipe perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Customizable – Easily swap colors, add different sprinkles, or use flavored frosting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Frosting:

• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Green and white sprinkles

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookie Base

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Dough

   • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
   • Gradually mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough forms.

3. Bake the Cookie Bars

   • Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
   • Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
   • Let the bars cool completely before frosting.

4. Prepare the Frosting

   • In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
   • Gradually mix in powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
   • Add green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is reached.

5. Assemble & Decorate

   • Spread the green frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
   • Sprinkle with green and white sprinkles for a festive touch.

6. Slice & Serve

   • Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–16 bars
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Lemon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting for a citrusy kick.
• Extra Sweetness: Drizzle with white chocolate or add crushed mint candies on top.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and almond milk for a dairy-free version.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting and serving.

FAQs

Can I make these cookie bars ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the bars a day in advance, then frost and decorate before serving.

How do I get the perfect soft texture?

Do not overbake—remove the bars when they are lightly golden for a chewy texture.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade frosting gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I cut clean squares?

Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between each cut for neat edges.

Can I use a different color frosting?

Absolutely! Change the color for different holidays or celebrations.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

What other toppings can I use?

Try crushed Oreos, chocolate drizzle, or edible gold dust for a fancy touch.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger baking pan or bake in two batches.

How do I make these bars even more festive?

Add gold sprinkles or shamrock-shaped sugar decorations for extra St. Patrick’s Day flair.

Can I make this recipe into cookies instead?

Yes! Scoop dough into balls and bake for 10–12 minutes for soft sugar cookies.

Conclusion

These St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookie bars are the perfect festive treat to celebrate the holiday. With their soft, buttery base, creamy green frosting, and fun sprinkles, they’re as delicious as they are eye-catching. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family treat, or simply to enjoy at home, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try them today and bring a little luck to your dessert table!