St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

These St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, buttery, and topped with a festive green frosting! They have all the delicious flavor of classic sugar cookies but without the hassle of rolling and cutting. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day parties, bake sales, or a fun treat for the family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft & Buttery – A rich sugar cookie base that’s thick and chewy.
• No Rolling or Cutting – Just press the dough into a pan and bake!
• Festive & Fun – Topped with green frosting and sprinkles for a St. Patrick’s Day vibe.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Perfect for Sharing – Great for parties, bake sales, or gifting.

Ingredients

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

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Green Frosting:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk or heavy cream
• Green food coloring
• St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles (for decoration)

Optional Add-Ins:

• White chocolate chips for extra sweetness
• A splash of Irish cream in the frosting for a boozy twist

Directions

Make the Sugar Cookie Bars:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg & Extracts – Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Press Into Pan – Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool Completely – Let the bars cool in the pan before frosting.

Make the Green Frosting:

9. Beat Butter – Whip butter until creamy and smooth.
10. Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
11. Mix in Flavor & Color – Add vanilla extract, milk, and green food coloring. Beat until fully combined.

Assemble & Decorate:

12. Frost the Bars – Spread the green frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie base.
13. Add Sprinkles – Top with St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles for a festive touch.
14. Slice & Serve – Cut into squares or bars and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cooling & Frosting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Lemon-Lime Cookie Bars – Add lemon or lime zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars – Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Boozy Version – Add 1 tbsp of Irish cream or whiskey to the frosting.
• Extra Crunch – Mix in crushed Oreos or Lucky Charms marshmallows.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Serving Tip: Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes! But homemade frosting gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I make the bars extra soft?

Do not overbake—remove them when the edges are just golden brown.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! White or dark chocolate chips make a great addition.

How do I cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth slices.

Can I use almond extract in the frosting?

Yes! A little almond extract adds a delicious flavor boost.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cookie base a day in advance and frost before serving.

Can I use a smaller pan for thicker bars?

Yes! Use an 8×8-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly.

Can I make these into cookies instead of bars?

Yes! Scoop dough into balls and bake for 10-12 minutes as regular cookies.

What pairs well with these bars?

Serve with milk, coffee, or a Shamrock Shake for extra fun!

How do I keep the frosting from melting?

Make sure the bars are completely cooled before frosting, and store in a cool place.

Conclusion

These St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect easy and festive treat for celebrating! With their soft sugar cookie base, creamy green frosting, and fun sprinkles, they’re sure to be a hit at any party. Try them today for a magically delicious dessert!

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