Description
Festive St. Patrick’s Day sugar cookie bars bring Irish charm to dessert tables with their emerald green frosting and playful sprinkle decorations. Sweet memories and celebration dance together in these delightful bars that invite guests to enjoy a slice of holiday magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Frosting Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream or milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- St. Patricks Day sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a rectangular baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring smooth edges for easy removal.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a pale, silky texture.
- Incorporate egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the butter mixture, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a smooth liquid base.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle stirring motions to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a uniform layer that reaches all corners of the baking dish.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Remove the cookie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents condensation and maintains the desired texture.
- For the frosting, whip butter in a clean bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy, creating a perfect base for the sweet topping.
- Gradually introduce powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream into the butter, beating continuously until the frosting achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
- Add green food coloring to the frosting, stirring until you achieve a vibrant shade that captures the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
- Once the cookie bars have cooled, spread the green frosting evenly across the surface, using a offset spatula to create a smooth, professional finish.
- Sprinkle festive St. Patrick’s Day-themed decorations over the frosted surface, adding a playful and colorful touch to the dessert.
- Slice the frosted bars into neat squares, creating uniform servings perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat.
Notes
- Customize the texture by slightly underbaking the bars for a gooier, softer center that melts in your mouth.
- Swap almond extract with additional vanilla if you prefer a more classic sugar cookie flavor profile.
- Control the green intensity by gradually adding food coloring, ensuring a natural, vibrant hue without overwhelming the frosting’s taste.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same tender cookie texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 273
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg