Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? These vibrant green treats are the perfect luck-of-the-Irish surprise for your family. You will love how the soft, buttery base melts in your mouth.
There is nothing better than a festive dessert that is actually easy to make. These sugar cookie bars deliver big flavor with very little effort. Your kitchen will smell like warm vanilla and sweet almond in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner because it feeds a whole crowd easily. You do not have to spend an hour scooping individual cookies. Just press the dough into one pan and bake it all at once.
The addition of sour cream makes these bars incredibly tender and moist. They stay soft for days, making them a great make-ahead option. These are perfect for busy spring weeknights or school parties.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these bars is much faster than traditional cookies. You will create a simple dough that feels like soft clouds. There is no chilling required for this recipe, which saves you so much time.
Even if you are a beginner baker, you can master this. The frosting is thick, creamy, and very easy to spread. You will feel like a pro when you add those festive green sprinkles at the end.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry. Using fresh room-temperature eggs helps the dough mix perfectly.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Green gel food coloring
- St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1.5 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, sour cream, 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 0.5 teaspoon almond extract until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 pan using a spatula or floured hands.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden and the center is set. Do not overbake to ensure softness.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the remaining 0.5 cup butter in a clean bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating on high until light and airy.
- Mix in green gel food coloring one drop at a time until the desired festive green color is achieved.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and top immediately with St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles.
- Slice into 24 even bars and serve.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Place these sugar cookie bars on a bright white platter to make the green pop. They look beautiful next to a glass of cold milk. You can serve them at a festive family brunch or a casual potluck.
For a special touch, use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter instead of slicing squares. Your kids will love helping with the sprinkles. Set the table with green napkins and enjoy the holiday spirit together.
Storage & Reheating
Store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to three days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can keep them in the fridge.
You can also freeze these bars for up to two months. Simply thaw them on the counter for an hour before serving. This is a great make-ahead tip for busy holiday hosting.
Tips for Best Results
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant green color.
- Do not skip the almond extract as it adds a bakery-style flavor.
- Make sure the bars are completely cool before you start frosting.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the texture soft and tender.
- Use parchment paper with an overhang for easy removal from the pan.
- Press the dough with floured hands if it feels a bit sticky.
- Add the sprinkles immediately while the frosting is still fresh.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the vanilla frosting for a cool mint buttercream.
- Use dairy-free butter and sour cream for a vegan-friendly version.
- Change the food coloring to pink for a Spring garden party.
- Stir chocolate chips into the dough for extra indulgence.
Common Questions
Can I make these a day early?
Yes, these bars actually taste better the next day. The flavors meld together and the texture stays perfectly soft. Just keep them covered so they don’t dry out.
Why is my frosting too runny?
If your frosting is thin, add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time. Make sure your butter was softened but not melted. This ensures a fluffy and stable buttercream.
I hope these festive bars bring a little extra magic to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. They are so simple to make and always bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!
— Lidia
Best St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs , room temperature
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- 3.5 cups all -purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sal t
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Green gel food coloring
- St . Patrick's Day sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease with non-stick spray.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 1.5 cups of sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, sour cream, 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 0.5 teaspoon almond extract until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9x13 pan using a spatula or floured hands.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are barely golden and the center is set. Do not overbake to ensure softness.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the remaining 0.5 cup butter in a clean bowl until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating on high until light and airy.
- Mix in green gel food coloring one drop at a time until the desired festive green color is achieved.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars and top immediately with St. Patrick's Day sprinkles.
- Slice into 24 even bars and serve.
