Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – No rolling or cutting required, just press the dough into a pan and bake.
Soft and chewy texture – These cookie bars have the perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender center.
Customizable – Use different sprinkles, food coloring, or frosting designs to match your St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Great for sharing – A big batch makes it easy to serve at parties or gift to friends.
Festive and fun – A simple way to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a sweet treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
Almond extract (optional)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Green food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (for decoration)

Frosting:

Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk
Green food coloring
Sprinkles for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the dough – In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix until combined.
Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
Add color – If using food coloring, mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.
Bake – Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the frosting – Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla extract, milk, and food coloring until smooth.
Frost and decorate – Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars. Add sprinkles on top.
Slice and serve – Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate Chip Version – Mix mini chocolate chips into the dough for extra sweetness.
Rainbow Theme – Use a variety of colored sprinkles for a rainbow effect.
Mint Flavor – Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist.
Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Leprechaun Gold – Sprinkle edible gold glitter on top for a fun and festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Let come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the bars (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the bars extra soft?

Make sure not to overbake them. Removing them from the oven when the edges are just turning golden will keep the centers soft.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made frosting and just add food coloring and sprinkles.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat, even squares.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the bars a day in advance and frost them when ready to serve.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No, it’s optional. You can stick to just vanilla extract or substitute it with another flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans for a bigger batch.

How do I make them more festive?

Use themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or even gold leaf to make them extra special.

What type of food coloring works best?

Gel food coloring is ideal because it gives vibrant color without adding extra liquid.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I make these without food coloring?

Yes, they’ll still taste great without it! You can use natural alternatives like spinach powder for a hint of green.

Conclusion

These St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are an easy and fun way to celebrate the holiday. With a soft, chewy texture, creamy frosting, and festive decorations, they make the perfect treat for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a sweet way to enjoy the holiday, these bars are sure to be a hit. Try them out and share the luck with family and friends!