Easter Sugar Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft sugar cookie bars with creamy pastel frosting and sprinkles

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

→ Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2-3 tablespoons whole milk or cream
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Food coloring in pastel tones (pink, yellow, green, purple)

→ Decoration

14 - Festive Easter sprinkles

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
06 - Press dough evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula to create a smooth surface. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are barely golden and center is set. Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding additional milk if needed to achieve spreadable consistency. Optionally divide frosting and tint portions with pastel food coloring.
08 - Spread frosting evenly over the completely cooled cookie base. Immediately sprinkle with festive Easter sprinkles before frosting sets.
09 - Using parchment paper overhang, lift bars from the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for 1 week.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The soft, tender texture melts in your mouth unlike crisp cutout cookies that can feel dry
  • One pan feeds a crowd and the thick layer of frosting makes them feel extra special
  • You can involve kids in decorating without the mess of rolling and cutting dough
02 -
  • Let the bars cool completely before frosting or the colors will run and melt into a sad puddle
  • The dough might seem thick but trust that it will spread evenly with your spatula
  • Underbaking slightly keeps these bars soft and tender for days
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are absolutely essential for evenly textured bars
  • A touch of lemon zest in the frosting brightens everything and feels extra spring-like

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