Cookie Bars Recipe

Easter Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe: A Sweet, Simple Delight

ByJulia Child

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dessert for Easter? These Easter Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for any gathering. With a soft, chewy texture and vibrant pastel colors, these bars combine the sweetness of cookies with the joy of springtime. Let’s dive into this fun, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

  • 1 box of sugar cookie mix
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup mini pastel M&Ms (or your favorite Easter candy)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

How to Make Easter Cookie Bars

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
  2. Mix the Dough
    In a large bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and flour, and mix until smooth. The dough should be slightly thick but easy to spread in your pan.
  3. Add the Fun Ingredients
    Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and mini pastel M&Ms. You can also add a little extra candy if you prefer a more colorful, festive look.
  4. Spread in the Pan
    Evenly spread the dough into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out to the edges for even baking.
  5. Bake and Cool
    Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: For the best texture, ensure your butter is softened, not melted. This will help the dough maintain its structure.
  • Customize with Your Favorite Candies: While pastel M&Ms are perfect for Easter, feel free to switch them out for chocolate chips, sprinkles, or other seasonal candies.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking will lead to dry cookie bars. You want them soft and chewy!

Kitchen Tools Needed:

For the Easter Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe, here’s a list of essential kitchen tools that will make the process easier and more efficient:

  1. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a few bowls for mixing the dough and the frosting.
  2. Electric Mixer – A hand or stand mixer is helpful for creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a smooth dough.
  3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to getting the perfect cookie bars, so make sure you have a good set.
  4. 9×13 Inch Baking Pan – This is the perfect size for baking the cookie bars.
  5. Spatula – A silicone or rubber spatula is great for spreading the cookie dough evenly and frosting the bars.
  6. Cooling Rack – To allow your cookie bars to cool evenly without getting soggy.
  7. Parchment Paper – Lining your baking pan with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  8. Decorating Tools – For frosting and decorating the bars, you can use piping bags, piping tips, or even simple plastic bags with the tip cut off for a DIY approach.

These tools will ensure that your Easter Sugar Cookie Bars come out just right!

How to Serve Easter Cookie Bars

Serve these cookie bars on a decorative platter for Easter brunch, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also make great gifts when wrapped up in festive cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon.

Time and Serving

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12-16 bars, depending on the size you cut them.

Recipe Notes

  • Storage: Store these Easter Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: You can substitute the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free variety if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 190
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sugar: 15g

FAQs About Easter Cookie Bars

Yes! While mini pastel M&Ms are perfect for Easter, you can use any candy you like, such as chocolate chips, Skittles, or even sprinkles. It’s all about personal preference!

When the edges of the bars turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cookie bars are ready.

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.

Yes! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw slightly and then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts:

These Easter Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for the holiday! Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just to enjoy with loved ones, they bring a colorful and delicious touch to your celebrations. The soft, chewy texture of the sugar cookie base combined with the creamy frosting is sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. Plus, with the ability to decorate them in festive colors, you can really get creative and make them your own.

The best part is that they’re easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and just a little bit of time. The result? A batch of irresistible cookie bars that are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. These bars also store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Whether you’re preparing for Easter or just want a fun baking project, these sugar cookie bars will be a hit every time. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweetness of the season!

Similar Posts