Green Sugar Cookie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious, look no further than these Green Sugar Cookie Bars. Soft, buttery, and topped with a generous swirl of vibrant green frosting and crunchy sprinkles, these bars are irresistibly festive for holidays or any time you want a little bit of cheer in your dessert platter. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a fast favorite with kids and adults alike. If you’re new to making cookie bars, you’ll find this recipe delightfully straightforward, with simple steps and familiar ingredients coming together for dazzling results!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple but each ingredient is chosen to create the best texture, flavor, and unmistakable color in your Green Sugar Cookie Bars. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need and why it matters.

• Unsalted butter (softened): The base of both the bars and frosting, adding creamy richness and a light, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps them bake up perfectly soft and moist.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and extra moisture, making the bars soft and chewy rather than dry.
• Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth both to the bars and frosting; homemade or pure vanilla works best.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the bars body and structure without making them dense.
• Baking powder: Helps lift the dough, so your cookie bars are fluffy instead of flat.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Green gel food coloring: Just a few drops deliver a bold, playful color—go as bright or subtle as you like.
• Powdered sugar: Creates a luscious, pillowy frosting that spreads easily over the cooled bars.
• Milk: Thins the frosting just enough for a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Green sprinkles: The finishing touch that adds crunch, sparkle, and a pop of extra color—kids especially love this.

How to Make Green Sugar Cookie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This step makes cleanup a total breeze and ensures your Green Sugar Cookie Bars come out perfectly intact for slicing.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This not only incorporates air for a softer bar but also makes the base perfectly sweet and tender.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Each egg should be fully incorporated before adding the next—this little bit of patience helps your bars bake up with that irresistible chewy texture.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Don’t over-mix; stir just until the last streaks of flour disappear for a tender bar.

Step 5: Tint with Green Food Coloring

It’s time for the magic! Add a few drops of green gel food coloring and mix until you reach your desired shade. The color will pop even after baking, so don’t be shy if you’re going for bright and bold Green Sugar Cookie Bars.

Step 6: Press and Bake

Press the green dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula or your hands. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Don’t overbake—you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool fully in the pan on a wire rack. This makes frosting and slicing much easier, and ensures the bars hold their shape beautifully.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While the bars cool, whip up the frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then alternate adding powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. A splash of vanilla extract ties everything together.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bars, using a spatula to create lovely swirls. Finish with a generous showering of green sprinkles for color and crunch.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once frosted, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 24 squares—or bigger pieces if you like! Serve and enjoy every sweet, green bite.

How to Serve Green Sugar Cookie Bars

Garnishes

The classic topping is a scattering of green sprinkles, but you can also get creative with gold stars, festive nonpareils, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for contrast. For holidays, try themed sprinkles or edible glitter for that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

Since Green Sugar Cookie Bars are indulgently sweet and rich, they pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or a refreshing cup of tea. For gatherings, serve them on a dessert tray alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries or fruit kabobs for a colorful, well-balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into fun shapes with cookie cutters for parties or holidays, or wrap individual squares in cellophane and tie with ribbon for adorable edible gifts. For even more flair, layer pieces in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a green-themed dessert parfait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place Green Sugar Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen runs warm, storing them in the refrigerator helps preserve both the softness of the bars and the freshness of the frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted bars for up to two months. For best results, slice and separate layers with parchment paper before sealing tightly. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before bringing to room temperature.

Reheating

While these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can soften them by letting chilled bars sit out for 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving frosted bars, as the frosting may melt and lose its texture—simply bring to room temp and indulge.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring works best for Green Sugar Cookie Bars because it delivers a vivid color without adding excess liquid, but a few extra drops of liquid coloring will work in a pinch—just watch your dough’s consistency.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend; just be sure to mix gently and check the bars a few minutes before the timer ends, as textures can vary.

Can I double this recipe?

For a large crowd, double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans or a rimmed sheet pan. Watch baking time closely, as doubling may require a few extra minutes.

How do I keep my bars extra soft?

Avoid overbaking—remove the bars when the center is just set, and store leftovers tightly covered to maintain softness. Adding a half teaspoon of almond extract is another secret for extra moisture and flavor!

Can I change the color for different occasions?

Definitely! Swap out the green for red at Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or school colors for game day. This Green Sugar Cookie Bars recipe is endlessly adaptable to any celebration.

Final Thoughts

These Green Sugar Cookie Bars are pure joy, both to make and to eat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday party, or just because, their soft crumb and vibrant frosting make every occasion feel extra special. Give them a try and let this cheerful recipe become a staple in your dessert collection—it’s destined to win hearts at every gathering!

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