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Thick sugar cookie bars with bright green frosting and shamrock sprinkles on a white platter

Best St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Cookie Bars

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 24 servings
Calories 280 kcal

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.