Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

Here’s a delightful recipe for Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars—a festive and colorful treat that’s perfect for celebrating Easter. These sugar cookie bars are soft, buttery, and topped with pastel Easter eggs, making them both tasty and fun to serve at holiday gatherings.

Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients:

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/4 cup milk

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• A pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional, for pastel colors)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup mini Easter egg candies (such as chocolate eggs, pastel M&Ms, or jelly beans)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Sugar Cookie Bars:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
   • Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
   • Spread the dough evenly in the prepared baking pan and press it down gently to fill the pan.

3. Bake the Bars:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the sugar cookie bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

4. Make the Frosting:

   • While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
   • Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth but thick enough to spread easily.
   • If you’d like to add color, divide the frosting into separate bowls and use food coloring to create pastel colors for decorating.

5. Frost the Bars:

   • Once the cookie bars have completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top of the bars.

6. Add the Toppings:

   • Gently press mini Easter egg candies into the frosting, arranging them in a fun pattern or however you like.

7. Serve:

   • Cut the bars into squares and serve. These bars are perfect for Easter gatherings or as a colorful springtime treat!

Serving Suggestions:

• These bars are great for potlucks, Easter brunches, or as a fun dessert for kids and adults alike.
• You can even personalize them by using different types of Easter candies or pastel sprinkles to decorate.

These Easter Egg Sugar Cookie Bars are soft, sweet, and visually stunning, with a festive vibe that’s perfect for the holiday! Enjoy!