Green Sugar Cookie Bars are just the sort of treat that instantly brightens up any table—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, planning a party, or simply craving something sweet and colorful. These soft, buttery bars are tinted an inviting shade of green, frosted generously with creamy vanilla buttercream, and showered in glimmering sprinkles. The recipe comes together quickly, requires basic pantry staples, and the results are almost impossible to resist. If you’re after a dessert that packs both flavor and festive flair, Green Sugar Cookie Bars are bound to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for Green Sugar Cookie Bars are simple, familiar, and play a key role in creating the perfect flavor, texture, and cheerful color. Here’s what you’ll need, with a few tips to make every bite absolutely flawless.
- Unsalted Butter: Using softened, unsalted butter gives your bars their rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor—don’t rush the creaming step!
- Granulated Sugar: The classic sweetener that keeps the bars soft, chewy, and perfectly balanced.
- Egg: One large egg helps bind the dough together and adds a touch of richness.
- Vanilla Extract: Essential for that classic sugar cookie aroma and depth of flavor.
- Almond Extract (optional): A dash lifts the overall flavor and makes the bars taste a little extra special—swap for peppermint extract for a festive twist.
- Green Food Coloring: This is where the magic happens! Use as much or as little as you like for your dream shade of green.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bars; measure carefully for the perfect soft-on-the-inside, sturdy-on-the-outside texture.
- Baking Powder: A small amount makes the bars lightly puff up and feel just right when you bite in.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—a little salt heightens the flavors and keeps these bars from being overly sweet.
- Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Whether homemade or store-bought, a creamy, fluffy layer of frosting makes these cookie bars truly indulgent.
- Green Sprinkles or Sanding Sugar: For a fun, festive topping with crunch and sparkle—perfect for any celebration!
How to Make Green Sugar Cookie Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for perfectly cooked cookie bars. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily—or lightly grease it if parchment isn’t handy. This ensures zero sticking and picture-perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step is all about beating in air, ensuring that your bars will be melt-in-your-mouth tender. Take a good three to four minutes with this step—it’s worth it!
Step 3: Add Egg, Extracts, and Color
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a few drops of green food coloring. Keep mixing until it’s fully combined and you have an even, vibrant color. Want a bolder green? Add color little by little until the shade makes you smile.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps the baking powder distribute evenly and keeps your cookie bars nice and fluffy.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft yet thick dough forms. Don’t overmix—just combine until you no longer see streaks of flour for the most tender texture.
Step 6: Press and Bake
Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and press it evenly into the corners. A silicone spatula or clean hands make this step easy. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or just until the edges begin to look golden. Avoid overbaking—these bars should stay soft!
Step 7: Cool, Frost, and Decorate
Let the Green Sugar Cookie Bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, spread a thick, dreamy layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the top and shower with green sprinkles or sanding sugar. Slice into squares, admire, and serve!
How to Serve Green Sugar Cookie Bars
Garnishes
The real fun comes from decorating! Add a scattering of green sprinkles or sanding sugar for sparkle. Edible glitter, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of white chocolate can take these bars to new heights of celebration. Let your imagination (or your kids) run wild!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with some fresh berries on the side, or pair your Green Sugar Cookie Bars with a refreshing fruit salad. For a cozy gathering, serve alongside a mug of hot cocoa or cool glasses of milk—the classic combo never fails.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into shapes using cookie cutters or arrange them on a tiered cake stand. Stack squares on a platter with fresh mint leaves for a pop of green, or tuck them into treat bags as party favors for a delightful surprise. These bars shine on dessert tables for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or anytime you need a whimsical touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Green Sugar Cookie Bars stay fresh and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them extra-moist, slip a slice of bread into the container—the bars will absorb the moisture and stay soft longer.
Freezing
Need to make your bars ahead? Simply freeze unfrosted or frosted bars, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature, and add fresh sprinkles after defrosting for best results.
Reheating
If you enjoy your cookie bars a little warm, microwave an individual bar for 5–10 seconds. The frosting may soften but will taste absolutely delightful. Avoid reheating too long, as sugar cookies dry out quickly.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is more concentrated, so you’ll need less to achieve the same vibrant green. It’s also less likely to affect the dough’s consistency, making it a great option for Green Sugar Cookie Bars.
Can I make these without almond extract?
Yes, the almond extract is entirely optional. The bars are just as lovely with only vanilla—or try swapping in peppermint or lemon extract for a bright twist!
How do I know when the bars are baked just right?
Watch for the edges to turn slightly golden while the center remains pale and just set. Overbaking is the enemy of soft cookie bars, so start checking after 18 minutes and pull them as soon as the edges look perfect.
What kind of frosting works best?
A classic vanilla buttercream perfectly complements the tender cookie base, but you can use any frosting you love. Cream cheese, chocolate, or a coconut frosting are all delicious alternatives for your Green Sugar Cookie Bars.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two 9×13 pans, or use a half-sheet pan for a large batch. Watch the baking time—it might need a bit longer for bigger batches.
Final Thoughts
Ready to add some color and joy to your dessert lineup? Green Sugar Cookie Bars are fun, festive, and impossible to resist. Bake a batch soon and watch them disappear—there’s simply no better way to spread a little sweetness and cheer!
Print
Green Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Green Sugar Cookie Bars are a delightful treat perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. Soft and buttery, with a hint of almond and a vibrant green hue, these cookie bars are topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Green food coloring
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting
- Green sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and green food coloring. Mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring until dough forms.
- Bake: Press dough into pan and bake for 18–22 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- Frost and Decorate: Spread buttercream on cooled bars and top with green sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Notes
- You can adjust the intensity of the green color by varying the amount of food coloring.
- For a twist, try using peppermint extract instead of almond for a different flavor profile.
- These bars freeze well and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
