Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

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Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

Introduction

Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious treats! These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars combine the soft, buttery goodness of sugar cookies with the ease of a bar recipe. Instead of rolling and cutting individual cookies, you bake the dough in one pan, frost it with a creamy layer, and top it with festive candy eggs for a colorful and fun holiday dessert.

Perfect for Easter brunch, spring parties, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your loved ones, these bars are a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies. Plus, they’re easy to make in large batches, making them perfect for sharing!

History of Sugar Cookie Bars

Sugar cookies have been around for centuries, with origins tracing back to medieval Europe. By the 1700s, German and Dutch settlers brought their cookie-making traditions to America, where the sugar cookie as we know it was born. The classic sugar cookie is known for its buttery, crisp-yet-soft texture and its ability to hold its shape when cut into fun designs.

Sugar cookie bars are a modern take on this classic treat, simplifying the process while maintaining all the beloved flavors. They became popular because they eliminate the need for rolling and cutting dough, making them a quick and easy alternative to traditional sugar cookies. The addition of frosting and festive decorations makes them perfect for holidays like Easter!

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor!)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Food coloring (pastel colors like pink, blue, or yellow for Easter)

For the Toppings:

  • Mini candy-coated chocolate eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&M’s Easter Eggs)
  • Sprinkles in pastel colors
  • Shredded coconut (optional, for a “nest” effect)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. The dough will be thick but spreadable.

Step 2: Bake the Cookie Bars

  1. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula (or your hands) to press it into the corners.
  2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy.
  4. Add food coloring if desired and mix until combined.

Step 4: Decorate the Bars

  1. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cookie bars.
  2. Sprinkle mini candy eggs, sprinkles, and shredded coconut (if using) over the frosting.
  3. Let the frosting set for about 15 minutes, then slice into squares or rectangles.

Formation and Presentation

  • Cut the bars into equal-sized squares or rectangles for a neat, bakery-style look.
  • Serve on a pastel-colored platter for a festive Easter touch.
  • If you want an elegant display, arrange the bars in a circular pattern on a cake stand.

Why People Love These Bars

  • Easy to Make – No rolling or cutting dough, just bake and frost!
  • Soft and Chewy – A perfect sugar cookie texture in every bite.
  • Customizable – Change the frosting color and toppings for any holiday.
  • Great for Sharing – Makes a large batch perfect for Easter gatherings.

Conclusion

These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun, festive, and easy-to-make dessert that captures the spirit of spring. Whether you’re serving them at an Easter party or just making a batch for your family, they’re sure to be a hit. The buttery sugar cookie base, rich and creamy frosting, and colorful toppings create a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Bake a batch, share the love, and enjoy these delightful bars with your friends and family this Easter!

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