Growing up in Chicago, Easter was always a big deal in our family. My babcia would make the most incredible spread of Polish dishes, and my mom would add her American twist to the table. One of my fondest memories was the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through our home. But as much as I loved those traditional cookies, I wanted something a little different for my own family. That’s when I came up with these Easter Sugar Cookie Bars. They’re a delightful fusion of my childhood memories and my love for easy, comforting treats. Plus, they’re a hit with my kids, Ella and Peter, who love to help decorate them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easter Sugar Cookie Bars are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. They’re easy to make, which is perfect for busy families, and they come out fluffy and soft every time. The best part? You can customize the decorations to suit your Easter theme, making them as colorful and festive as you like. With a buttery base and a sweet, creamy frosting, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or candy decorations
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, mix the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Spread the frosting over the cooled cookie base and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
- Cut into bars and serve.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor and nutrition
- Perfect for any occasion
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Expert Tips for Success
For the best results, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smooth and creamy batter. When pressing the dough into the pan, use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to get an even surface. And don’t rush the cooling process; the bars need to be completely cool before you frost them to prevent the icing from melting.
COOKING TOOLS
When I make these Easter Sugar Cookie Bars, my go-to tool is the Silicone Utensils Set for mixing the batter smoothly. A MOSFiATA 8″ Professional Chef’s Knife comes in handy for cutting the bars neatly once they’re ready. These tools make the process seamless and enjoyable, especially when the kids join in to help decorate!
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these Easter Sugar Cookie Bars! You can substitute almond extract for vanilla for a nutty twist or add a hint of lemon zest to the frosting for a refreshing flavor. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also experiment with different food colorings to match your Easter theme or use natural dyes like beet juice or turmeric.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for an Easter brunch or as a sweet treat after dinner. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a comforting combination. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider serving them alongside other Easter favorites like deviled eggs or a fresh fruit salad.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie base a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Frost and decorate them the day of serving for the freshest taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Easter Sugar Cookie Bars as much as I do. They’re a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Remember, the best part of cooking is sharing it with loved ones, so don’t forget to involve your kids in the decorating process. It’s a fun and messy way to create lasting memories!
👉 I hope you loved making these Easter Sugar Cookie Bars—they’re a sweet, colorful addition to any Easter celebration. If you’re in the mood for more delightful treats, check out my recipes for Lemon Drizzle Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Vanilla Cupcakes. Join us on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group — and don’t forget to follow on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
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Easy Easter Sugar Cookie Bars: 9 Sweet Treats to Bake
Festive and easy-to-make Easter Sugar Cookie Bars that are perfect for family gatherings.
Keep the screen of your device on while you follow the steps.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press dough evenly into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for frosting. Add food coloring if desired.